Health: Health & Well Coaching Advance

Students learn the theoretical framework, strategies and techniques of effective communication, advanced motivational interviewing, positive psychology and behavioral change and apply these to the practice of Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching. Advanced coaching skills/structure with complex patients/situations will be covered. Required for NBHWC Exam. Prerequisite: HLTH 3859.

IH and Wellness Coaching PACE students only; Prereq: HLTH 3859; Colocated with HLTH 3860 OL1; Degree students register for HLTH 3860 OL1; Total combined enrollment = 16; Course meets online Mondays 4:05-7:05 with one addtional class in person 11/15/25; Prereqs enforced by the system: HLTH 3859

In this course, the student will learn the theoretical framework, strategies and techniques of advanced motivational interviewing and positive psychology. This course will examine evidence-based practice as it relates to skillful conversation, clinical interventions and strategies to actively and safely engage clients in health behavior change, drawing on the principles and practices of behavioral medicine, positive psychology, appreciative inquiry, and SMART goal setting. The student will learn techniques such as active listening, reflections, focusing, visioning, perspective shifting, reframing, and cultivating optimism which can be used to empower and safely guide clients in health-related behavioral change. Students will also learn advanced Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching techniques, philosophies and practices. Students will advance their knowledge of the coaching structure and apply techniques for varied types of clients. Professional conduct and legal/ethical issues for health coaches will be explored. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to facilitate and empower clients in the process of creating healthy behavioral change with a more complex client. This course is part of the required curriculum to prepare students to be eligible to sit for the National Board of Health & Wellness Coaching Certification Exam. Note: the OL1 section (CRN 93533) is reserved for undergraduate students, the OLR section (CRN 93534) is for continuing education (PACE) students. This course meets weekly on Monday evenings over Zoom and also includes a full day on Saturday, November 15th from 8:30am-3:30pm in person (virtual attendance if needed)

Students will be actively coaching their classmates and other students outside of class, and will be bringing in recordings of these sessions as well as live practice sessions.

Students will be assessed by varied methods, including 2 visits in the Simulation Lab, written exam, weekly competencies, and peer assessments.