FAQ

What are the career prospects for an Integrative Health Coach?

Health coaching has grown to a $6 billion market with 67% of American companies either having or planning to have, coaching or preventative programs to help boost worker health. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects high employment growth from 2014 to 2024 for top employer demand in occupations for integrative health coaches. Individuals with a Health Coaching certificate will have the flexibility to work in private businesses, health care organizations, or government agencies.

Are the virtual weekend immersions required?

Yes.  You must attend both weekend immersions, so plan to attend both virtual days, 10am – 5pm EST.

What types of careers benefit from an Integrative Health & Wellness Coach?

Health care professionals, such as nurses, medical doctors, social workers, physical therapists, dieticians, and occupational therapists are common career fields of our students. Current healthcare professionals enroll in health coaching programs to enhance their patient care skills or apply existing healthcare skills to a new career in health coaching.

Educators, academic advisors, athletic coaches, public health experts, and entrepreneurs also enjoy our program. Basically, anyone who works with people who needs help with healthy lifestyle change benefits from the program.

Where do Health & Wellness Coaches work?

Integrative health and wellness coaches work with individuals and groups to promote healthy lifestyle changes. Integrative health and wellness coaches work in a variety of settings, including healthcare clinics, fitness centers, employee wellness programs, community health teams, and private practice. They can focus on areas like youth and families, people recovering from addiction, veterans, and people with disabilities. Health coaches focus on promoting the health of individuals by engaging clients in positive behavior change.

What browser and computing device should I use for this course?

We recommend using a browser other than Internet Explorer with our Blackboard online learning system. Firefox, Google Chrome, and other browsers tend to work more effectively with Blackboard. It’s very important to note that Blackboard will only work with a desktop or laptop computer. It is not designed to be used with phones or tablets (e.g., iPads), so please make sure you have access to a desktop and/or laptop computer for the duration of the class.

What platforms and learning management systems are used for this course?

You can access Blackboard by going to Blackboard Learn (uvm.edu).  You will put in your login credentials that are emailed to you about one week prior to the start of your course.  Once in, you will find your course listed under Courses.

The live sessions will be held in Zoom.  You will find your Zoom links in Blackboard for the sessions.

Can I complete this program as an international student?

The University cannot issue immigration documents for entry to the US for purposes of enrolling as a noncredit student; however, the program is offered online and can be accessed via computer. Please note that all weekend retreats and live session times are offered in Eastern Time (ET).

What are the program requirements?

Students must successfully complete all content required of them within the certificate—and have 60 additional credits from UVM or another institution—to be able to sit for the National Exam NBHWC and receive the Certificate of Completion from UVM.

60 credits are the equivalent of an Associate degree.

What are the qualifications for taking the National Board Certification Exam?

Work Experience Option

I have neither an associate degree or higher, nor 60 college credits.
Please summarize your 4,000 hours of work experience to meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Examination.

Please provide the following information using this form:

  • A summary of your 4,000 hours of work experience
  • Names of your previous employers (towards the 4,000 hours)
  • Manager or Supervisor Contact Information
  • Job Title
  • Dates Employed
  • Average Monthly Hours
  • Total number of work experience hours
  • A notarized copy of the HWC Work Experience Form

Why would I take the Accelerated Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching Program as opposed to the Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate?

The Accelerated Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching Program offers a shorter timeline to completion of 6 months, compared to the Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate (2 semesters). At the end of the program, you will receive a Digital Badge and the option to print a certificate of completion.

Do you offer student learning accommodations?

If you are a non-credit student seeking accessibility support, please email access@uvm.edu and the UVM Student Accessibility Services team will be able to assist. In your email, please include that you do not have a 95 number/NetID. 

Is the “Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Exam Program (HWCCP)” an approved test under the GI Bill benefit?

The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching is pleased to announce that the NBHWC board certification exam, called “Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Exam Program (HWCCP)” is now an approved test under the GI Bill benefit. This means Active Duty, Selected Reserve and National Guard members and their families can now be reimbursed for the cost the HWCCP exam. The HWCCP exam is also known as the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Exam. Individuals who pass this exam earn the designation of National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). For more information on the HWCCP and the process of reimbursement, please here: GI Bill Exam Reimbursement brochure.

Payment Policy

Students may register by paying the full program fee online via credit card or by calling us at (802) 656-8407 to make a partial payment of $500. Should you make a partial payment, the remaining amount must be paid in full no later than two weeks prior to the start of this offering. If payment is not received by then, you will automatically be dropped from the course the following business day. Refunds will be issued minus a $25.00 cancellation fee.

Are payment plans available?

No, payment plans are not currently available for this program. Tuition must be paid in full two weeks prior to beginning the program.

Refund Policy

If you need to cancel your attendance, you must notify us via email at learn@uvm.edu or call us at (802) 656-2085 at least three business days prior to the start date of the course to receive a full refund, less a $25 cancellation fee. If a medical condition necessitates cancellation/withdrawal (documentation provided), this will be reviewed by our Studies Committee for any type of refund.