Are you interested in becoming a faith community nurse?

In its Scope and Standards of Practice document for faith community nurses, the American Nurses Association recommends, but does not require, a four-year nursing degree (ANA, 2005). An educational and/or practice background in community health nursing is also helpful. There is no specialty certification for becoming a faith community nurse licensure at this time. However, a preparation course is essential for any nurse wanting to pursue a faith community nurse role in a congregation.

Courses vary in length and cost and are offered by seminaries, nursing schools and health care institutions. Below are a few links for organizations that offer faith community nurse preparation courses (and please let us know if you know of additional programs):

Concordia College

International Parish Nurse Resource Center

Marquette University College of Nursing

United Theological Seminary

Augustan College Parish Nursing Center

Bethel University Graduate School

Marlene Skrivseth, Distance Learning program