Christian Science Nursing Activities

The qualities of a Christian Science nurse are something everyone can express in their day-to-day lives. If you are interested in pursuing Christian Science nursing as a profession, you will need to enroll in a training school and complete a full program, including all four levels of training.

Accredited training programs

Christian Science nurse training programs are accredited by The Commission for the Accreditation of Christian Science Nursing Organizations/Facilities, Inc.* The curriculum generally includes classroom study, practicums, and individualized side-by-side mentoring. Please contact The Mother Church’s Christian Science Nursing Activities department if you are planning to train with a program that is not listed on the Commission’s website, or if you are in a country without a facility or established training program. We are happy to provide guidance or discuss options with you. 

*The Mother Church provides this link to the Commission’s website for information purposes and does not endorse any particular training organization or program.

Aspects of Christian Science nursing generally included in training

Training at an accredited Christian Science nursing facility includes all aspects of Christian Science nursing including its spiritual foundation, ethics, and skills (e.g., personal care and bathing, mobility, cleansing and bandaging, nourishment). It prepares individuals to work in a variety of settings including Christian Science nursing facilities, homes, camps, and schools, and includes aspects of managing an individual practice, supervision and leadership, and instructing others. 

Training standards 

Training standards are set by The Commission for the Accreditation of Christian Science Nursing Organizations/Facilities, Inc. and follow program guidance from the Association of Organizations for Christian Science Nursing (AOCSN) Education Committee, which describes four distinct levels of training. Successful completion of these four levels is required for new applicants to be listed in the Christian Science Directory, provided by The Christian Science Journal. For more information, please contact an accredited Christian Science nurse training program. 

Timing to become fully trained

It generally takes at least 3-4 years to become fully trained as a Christian Science nurse (i.e.,  Levels 1-4), with levels 2 and 3 typically taking a minimum of a year each. The time spent in the classroom is usually fixed, but the time needed for the side-by-side mentoring portion of the program can vary depending on the individual. Only side-by-side mentoring counts towards the training requirements. Training in the field by mentoring alone will generally take a few years longer than completing a facility’s program. For more information, please contact an accredited Christian Science nurse training program. 

Training must be completed in person

Christian Science nursing needs to be learned in person. Online training is not an option. The nature of this work requires in-person class time and side-by-side mentoring. Please contact the training schools for more information.

Requirements for working in the field

Those who have not completed their training should only be working in the field with a Journal-listed Christian Science nurse by their side in the role of a mentor. Once they are fully able to represent themselves as Christian Science nurses with the agreement and support of the mentor or training program (typically towards the end of the Level IV mentoring period), they can start to work alone in the field.

Christian Science nurses can advertise their practice in the Christian Science Directory, provided by The Christian Science Journal. Once you meet the requirements, you’re welcome to start the application process.

Requirements:

• A demonstrated reliance on Christian Science in one's own life, based on regular study and application of the teachings in the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and other works by Mary Baker Eddy

• Membership in The Mother Church, including adherence to the annual per capita tax requirement

• Active membership in a local Christian Science branch church or society

• Primary class instruction with an authorized teacher of Christian Science and active participation in annual Association meetings

• Graduation from an accredited Christian Science nurses training program, having formally completed Levels 1-4.* (It is best practice to stay within the same training program for all four levels. If that has not been possible, there needs to be evidence of formal transfer between programs and evidence of completion of each level.)

• Affirmation that you will provide Christian Science nursing care in accordance with the Christian Science Nurse Scope of Services (available below) and will uphold the standards of ethics for Christian Science nurses.

• Evidence of practice in a wide range of Christian Science nursing skills and a high standard of ethics

• Confirmed readiness and availability to respond to calls for Christian Science nursing care, including:

  • An understanding of the prayerful, ethical, and practical considerations for accepting cases

  • Experience in making decisions and providing care in a home environment

  • Provision of a confidential means of communication by which a patient can request your assistance (to whom you will respond promptly)

  • Professional charges and billing system

Becoming a Journal-listed Christian Science nurse adds your name to the ranks of those whose devotion to God and commitment to healing overflows in inspired, practical acts of caring. Speaking to each one of us, Mary Baker Eddy writes: "I make strong demands on love, call for active witnesses to prove it, and noble sacrifices and grand achievements as its results. ... Love cannot be a mere abstraction, or goodness without activity and power." (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 250). 

The application process will include:

• Filling out the online application form

• Providing names of at least three references, experienced Christian Science nurses who are aware of your application and can attest to your Christian Science nursing ministry. These references should include:

  • The Director of Christian Science Nursing at the facility where you are working (if applicable)

  • The Director of the school from which you completed Level 4* of your training

  • Your primary mentor

  • Note: If you completed training more than five years ago, please contact us at csnursing@csps.com for help in determining the most appropriate references to support your application 

• A satisfactory interview

• Satisfactory completion of an initial criminal background check and every three years thereafter 

• Upon approval of listing: 

  • A commitment to meet the publishers’ annual continuing education requirement

  • Payment of the annual advertising fee

*References above to Levels 1-4 refer to training course levels described by the AOCSN Education Committee and referenced in the accreditation standards for training programs set by The Commission for the Accreditation of Christian Science Nursing Organizations/Facilities, Inc.

Apply to advertise

Below are links to download a PDF of the Christian Science Nurse Scope of Services. This Scope of Services is intended to clarify for patients and other interested persons what they may expect when engaging the services of a Christian Science nurse. It touches briefly on the main aspects of, and ethical considerations related to, those services. 

Christian Science nurses and organizations that provide and facilitate Christian Science nursing may include this document on their websites embedded as a pdf, or they may provide a link to this webpage. We ask that the document not be excerpted, nor cut and pasted, nor used except in its full original form (which includes the letterhead.) (Note: there are exceptions for use by Christian Science nursing facilities. Please contact us.)

For more information please contact the department of Christian Science Nursing Activities at csnursing@csps.com or +1-617-450-2685.