Certificate in Healing Environments for Body, Mind, and Spirit

This innovative certificate explores Optimal Healing Environments (OHEs), focusing on the social, psychological, physical, and spiritual elements that enhance healing. Learners will gain insight into the impact of evidence-based design, nature, technology, and sustainability on individual and community health, and learn methods to create healing environments.

6 Weeks / 16 Course Hrs

Starting May 14, 2025

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Louisiana State University - Shreveport

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Learning method

Self-Guided

$115

No instructor. Study on your own schedule

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Instructor-Moderated

$115

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Starting May 14 | June 11

Details + Objectives

Course code: 0ch

Optimal Healing Environments (OHEs) are those environments in which characteristics of the individuals and various elements of the organization are focused on social, psychological, physical, cultural, and spiritual components that support and enhance the inherent healing capacities of the individuals who live and work in the environment. Healing relationships, the powerful effect of evidence-based design and all its elements (color, sound, light, art), a focus on nature, the impact of technology on health, and the important environment aspects of health such as clean air and water are all explored in this innovative certificate program.

The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe the various elements of optimal healing environments and how they impact the health of individuals and communities on a physical, social, psychological, and spiritual level; and describe methods of enhancing personal and work environments so they support the health of individuals and surrounding communities in a sustainable, healing manner.

(16 contact hours)

Expiration Date (Next date of course revision): 09/01/2027

No one in a position to control content has conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare for this activity.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

Accreditation:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions’ ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (Provider Number 451562-11).

What you will learn

Describe the importance of healing relationships in creating healing environments
Explain the relationship between color and health
Discuss the role of clean water in healing environments
Explain the relationship between light, health, and healing
Discuss the role of nature in the healing process
Explain how technology affects health
Describe the impact of sound, music, and art on healing
State the role of air quality in health and well-being
Explain how the power of health care design elements can influence health and well-being

How you will benefit

Learn how evidence-based design can create environments that support healing
Explore the effect of color, light, sound, and art in supporting physical and emotional health
Examine how nature can be used in healthcare designs to create a sense of connection and healing
Discover how to ensure that clean air and water are part of your healing environments
Examine the health impacts of technology and learn ways to avoid "technostress"
Discover ways to improve your total health and well-being and positively impact your life and the life of your family
Create new career opportunities as you help others
Enhance your professional marketability with training specific to the topics covered
Build knowledge and competencies needed to advance your career and/or improve your personal health and well-being
Fulfill continuing education and/or national certification requirements

How the course is taught

Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
6 Weeks or 3 Months access
16 course hours

Outline

Today's healthcare leaders face myriad challenges in providing safe, effective, high-quality care for patients while creating a work environment that supports the health and well-being of staff. The design of their facilities plays a critical role in these two vital aspects of care.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe design elements that support healing environments, including evidence-based design (EBD), "green" practices, sustainability, physical security, cultural responsiveness, building design, furnishings, and wayfinding in healthcare facilities.

A healing relationship involves two major elements— a relationship with the self (intrapersonal relationship) and relationships with others (interpersonal relationships). Each is critical to creating a healing environment for an organization's staff and clients. Healing relationships support the social, spiritual, psychological, physical, and behavioral components of people and the organization. These relationships stimulate the healing abilities inherent in patients/clients, employees, and families. Optimal healing environments support and enhance the intentions, health behaviors, treatments, and buildings of all who share the space.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the elements of intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships that support healing, including the components of the C.A.R.I.N.G. model of self-care, the role of balance and thriving in healing relationships, the dimensions and characteristics of a healing presence, and the principles of relationship-centered care (RCC).

The use of color in healing has a long history. A fundamental aspect of environmental design, color has also been linked to physical, psychological, and social reactions in all of its uses. Color's characteristics can influence how it is used in healing and what effects it might produce.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the history and use of color and healing as well as the characteristics of color, types of color therapy, and guidelines for using color in healing environments.

Light has been a part of all life since the beginning of time. It plays a critical role in the health and well-being of every living thing on the planet. As humans have evolved, they have often moved away from the natural light of their ancestors and have increasingly been exposed to artificial forms of light. The effects on their health have been profound. As we increasingly focus on improving the design of healthcare environments, it is only natural to examine the role of light in those environments.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the characteristics of light, the types of light, the role of light in sight in our overall health, and how to incorporate light into healing environments.

Music and art have tremendous healing powers. Creative expression offers patients and staff the ability to heal on multiple levels. Understanding of the intricate relationship between stress and the health of our body, mind, and spirit continues to grow, and we have discovered that healing therapies which incorporate art and music can actually change a person's physiology. They connect individuals and communities as well.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss the role of art and music in health, including the effects of art and art therapy on health, and how music and art can be incorporated effectively into healing environments.

Walking barefoot on the grass, listening to the ocean or the rush of a river, hearing the sounds of baby birds chirping in the spring, smelling the desert after a summer thunderstorm, or watching the silence of a winter snowfall. These sensory experiences can help us feel peaceful, awestruck, humbled, exhilarated, and connected to the grander world beyond ourselves. The use of natural elements to heal or to support well-being is as old as human history, but it fell out of favor in the healthcare profession for many decades. Now, the realization of the power of nature to heal is undergoing a tremendous resurgence and is providing additional therapies and tools for healthcare providers to help support the well-being and healing among patients, clients, staff, and community members.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the effects of nature on health and well-being and how to use elements of nature to heal.

The quality of the air we breathe is essential to our overall well-being. Contaminants in our external air, as well as the air we breathe in our homes and workplaces, play an important role in many diseases. In high enough concentrations, these contaminants can be fatal. Creating optimal healing environments requires close attention to air quality, temperature, humidity, and odors.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe components of external and indoor air pollution, their effects on human health, and methods of reducing or eliminating external and indoor air pollution, especially in healthcare environments.

According to the World Health Organization, access to safe water is essential to health and a basic human right. Yet globally, unsafe water causes millions of deaths from diarrhea, malaria, malnutrition, and drowning. The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, but national statistics do not tell individuals about the quality and safety of the water coming out of their own taps. In addition, more and more reports are surfacing about contaminants in the U.S. water supply. Healthcare professionals play an important role in preventing waterborne illness and in educating the public about potential health risks related to exposure to microbial and chemical contaminants in drinking water.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the scope of the issue of water safety, types of contaminants found in public drinking water, water-related diseases, guidelines for water safety, and the information healthcare providers need to know to effectively educate the public about their water and their health.

Technology is an important and beneficial part of modern life. It can save us time, help us work more efficiently and effectively, and support personal and global changes. Yet many individuals never fully disconnect from their technological devices, and social, physical, emotional, and spiritual difficulties can occur as a result. Called "technostress," this condition is often related to multitasking and can lead to loneliness, frustration, anxiety, and depression. Yet there are many ways to manage technostress and learn to use technology wisely.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the use of technology in modern life and how it impacts health, and describe methods of managing technostress.

Instructors & Support

Cyndie Koopsen

Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC is a nurse who has cared for patients in acute care settings, community clinics, and the home. Her professional nursing career has involved nursing executive leadership and administration, accreditation consultation, staff development and education, community education and wellness, and holistic care. She has designed, developed, and presented numerous educational programs for audiences covering integrative health, promotion and wellness, and chronic disease management and prevention. She is the co-author (with Caroline Young) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Caroline Young

Caroline Young, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 8 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

FAQ

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each Exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or a cumulative final exam.

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor.

Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

You can complete each lesson at your own pace. There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within your course access period. You must complete the mandatory course evaluation within the duration of your course to access your certificate of completion.

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Yes. This course is acceptable for continuing education contact hours in all states. However, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

NURSING

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNAs) & CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIANS (CHTs)
The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

CERTIFIED MANAGED CARE NURSE (CMCN)
The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

DIABETES EDUCATORS

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors(NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

Instructor-Led: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Self-Paced: You can start this course at any time your schedule permits.

Instructor-Led: You will have access to all lessons at the start of your course, and an instructor available if you have any questions.

Self-Paced: You have three-month access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. An instructor is not available for assistance within this course.

Instructor-Led: An automatic 10-day extension is provided immediately after the session end date. No further extension can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Paced: No extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for CE contact hours in all states, however, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Reviews

I will be sharing this information with the medical staff I work with. We will look at our office environment to see where we could add more healing help.

I will pay much more attention to the careful planning and design of my future facility. This course will enable me to have a broader perspective when working with clients.

I will continue to push for the inclusion of more horticultural therapy and time for patients and staff to spend in the natural environment. I will also promote meditation as a form of stress relief.

I really enjoyed this course. It is so fascinating how all of our surroundings affect us.

I now have an arsenal of data to share with my family, neighbors and community as well as health care providers.

I will pay more attention to the space in which I see clients. The color of the walls, water features and the quality of air. Plan on spending more time without noise, white or other wise.

As a building designer, I will pay more attention and incorporate what I have learned into building designs for healthcare environments.

This was an eye opening course that made me more aware of the hospital, clinic and office environments.

I will be more attentive to all details of environmental design, as I now understand how these details have an impact on patient health and well-being.

I will try to incorporate things like color and music to help in the healing process.