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 have 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 business, healthcare, or government agencies.

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

Health care professions, 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. Also, entrepreneurs interested in health and wellness would benefit from the certificate.

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 non-degree student.

Do I have to take the courses in order?

Yes. HLTH 187, 188 and 189 are taken in the first semester. When these are completed, HLTH 287, 288 and 289 can be taken in the second semester.

What are the certificate requirements?

All 15 credits are required for completion of the UVM Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate.

Upon completion of the requirements below at UVM or another institution—will be eligible to sit for the NBHWC National Certification Exam.

To Qualify for the National Board Certification Exam you must:

The NBHWC Exam is offered three times per year at testing centers across the U.S.

How do I receive my Certificate of Completion?

Please submit this completion form after you have received your final grades for the program. Once your request has been reviewed and successful completion of program has been confirmed, a certificate of completion will be emailed to you.

Can I transfer courses in?

Dependent upon the Program Director’s approval, up to three credits may be transferred if the student completed a course similar in content.

What is the tuition for this course?

Tuition is charged per credit hour. Refer to the UVM Student Financial Services Professional and Continuing Education Tuition and Fees website for current rates.

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.

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, or in private practice.

Course Descriptions: 
HLTH 187. Health Coach Immersion Intro. 1 Credit.
Initial course in an Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching sequence. Introduces the practice of Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching with focus on experiential learning of integrative therapies for self-care as emerging healthcare providers and their future clients. Required for NBHWC Exam. Prerequisite: Minimum Sophomore standing or Instructor permission. Co-requisites: HLTH 188, HLTH 189.

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HLTH 188. Motivational Interview Intro. 1 Credits.
Teaches the theoretical framework, strategies and techniques of basic motivational interviewing. Examines evidence-based practice as it relates to the Stages of Behavioral Change and skillful conversation, including the use of open ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries. Required for NBHWC Exam. Prerequisites: Minimum Sophomore standing or Instructor permission. Co-requisites: HLTH 187, HLTH 189.

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HLTH 189. Health Coach Skills Lab Intro. 2 Credits.
Interactive course where students apply basic motivational interviewing skills and behavioral change theory to the practice of Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching. Covers the coaching structure, application of skills, and health promotion. Required for NBHWC National Certification exam. Prerequisite: Minimum Sophomore standing or Instructor permission. Co-requisites: HLTH 187, HLTH 188.

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HLTH 287. Health Coach Immersion Advance. 1 Credit.
Interactive comprehensive evaluation course for Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching for students to refine and demonstrate the Health and Wellness Coaching session. The class is interspersed with Integrative therapies that support healthy behavioral change and compassionate self-awareness. Required for NBHWC Certification Exam. Prerequisites: HLTH 187, HLTH 188, HLTH 189. Co-requisites: HLTH 288, HLTH 289.

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HLTH 288. Motivational Interview Advance. 1 Credit.
Students learn the theoretical framework, strategies and techniques of advanced motivational interviewing, positive psychology and behavioral change. This course examines evidence-based practice as it relates to skillful conversation, clinical interventions and strategies to actively engage complex clients in health-related behavior change. Required for NBHWC Exam. Prerequisites: HTLH 187, HLTH 188 , HLTH 189. Co-requisites: HLTH 287, HLTH 289.

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HLTH 289. Health Coach Skill Lab Advance. 2 Credits.
Interactive course where students learn to apply advanced motivational interviewing skills to the practice of Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching. Advanced coaching skills/structure with complex patients/situations and professional conduct will be covered. Required for NBHWC National Certification Exam. Prerequisites: HTLH 187, HLTH 188, HLTH 189. Co-requisites: HLTH 287, HLTH 288.

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HLTH 299. Building your Coaching Career. 1 Credit.
Advanced course for Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching students who are interested in taking the NBHWC exam and preparing for a career as a Health & Wellness Coach. Students will receive professional mentoring, resume building, professional communication, establishing community contacts and national exam preparation. Prerequisite: HLTH 287.

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HLTH 292 Health and Wellness Coaching Practicum 2 Credits