Parish Nursing Colleges

Parish nurses, also known as faith community nurses, are registered nurses or nurse practitioners who provide care to members of faith-based organizations. The American Nurses association recognized parish nursing as a specialty in 2005. In addition to providing health education and guidance, parish nurses provide spiritual care to their clients and often work in churches or community faith centers.



Parish nursing programs are available at many colleges and universities, and students can earn master's and post-master's degrees, as well as continuing education or specialty certification beyond registered nurse training.
  1. Certificate Programs

    • University of Southern Indiana offers a six-week certificate program each year for registered nurses. Nurses earn 35 contact or continuing education hours upon completion.

      Indiana Wesleyan University offers a five-course certification program. This program for registered nurses is completely online and can be started any time.

      Bellarmine University offers a four-course certification program appropriate for parish nurses of all faiths. The program awards 34 continuing education hours upon completion.

    Master's Programs

    • Ecumenical Institute of Theology, part of St. Mary's University of Baltimore, offers both a basic, six-credit, graduate certificate and an advanced, 21-credit master's program in parish nursing.

      North Park University in Chicago offers a Faith and Healing master's program that it states "provides core concepts to support parish nurses." The certificate is offered as part of the Master of Arts program or can be completed as part of a post-master's program.

    Post-master's Programs

    • Azusa Pacific University in California offers a Post-Master's credential in parish nursing. The program is offered only on the university campus. Part-time and summer course options are available.

    Continuing Education

    • The International Parish Nurse Resource Center offers continuing education programs for parish nurses and nurse training throughout the year. The organization provides a list of colleges, churches and organizations offering relevant educational opportunities to parish nurses. Many opportunities are available online. Others offer weekend retreats, evening lectures or courses over several weeks at a particular location.

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