Requirements

This field of study is designed for the healthcare professional, those currently enrolled in a graduate health professions program, board-certified chaplains with at least three years in a health care setting, and those with a non-health care bachelor’s degree with life/work experience in health related areas.Such fields include nursing, social work, psychology, medicine, nutrition, pharmacy, chiropractic, naturopathy and licensed acupuncture. This program consists of four semesters structured to prepare a wide variety of students to be skilled and knowledgeable companions for individuals on their path to greater health and healing. Health Coaches can serve as knowledgeable agents of change within clinics and healthcare systems by being a voice between conventional and complementary practitioners, and by advocating (and practicing!) a more comprehensive vision of holism and integration. Additionally, individuals who complete this program will have a greater understanding of and commitment to their own personal growth and healing, and the role that plays in being an effective and empathic Health Coach.

Track Completion Requirements:

The track requires four to five semesters of class work (depending upon how the student prefers to schedule), which can be spread over a variable amount of time up to a maximum of four years. Certain courses must be taken sequentially, leading to skill sets and a knowledge base which grows and matures over time. A total of eighteen (18) semester credits will be required to complete this track within the certificate.

Required Courses:

CSpH 5101  Introduction to Complementary Healing Practices (3 credits) F, S, SUM
CSpH 5102  Art of Healing: Self as Healer (1 credit) F, S, SUM
CSpH 5701  Fundamentals of Health Coaching I, with Laboratory (4 credits) F
CSpH 5702  Fundamentals of Health Coaching II, with Laboratory (4 credits) S
CSpH 5703  Advanced Health Coaching Practicum (3 credits) F
CSpH 5704  Professional Internship in Health Coaching (2 credits) S
CSpH 5705  Business of Health Coaching (1 credit) F

Note:
F – typically offered in fall semester
S – typically offered in spring semester
V – variable
SUM—special intensive summer offerings in June are available

Due to the rigor and volume of material that is covered in the health coaching track, additional electives in the area of Complementary Therapies and Healing Practices, or in conventional healthcare are not required. However, given the sequential nature of the curriculum, if a student wishes to maintain full-time graduate status (i.e. 6 or more credits) throughout this course of study, it will be necessary for supplemental electives to be taken. Additionally, if a significant gap in knowledge has been identified by the Director of Graduate Studies upon admission; supplemental coursework may be judiciously suggested during the first year of study. This may include such additional coursework as anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, and basic pharmacology if gaps are identified in an entering student’s knowledge base, as determined by review of transcripts. In all cases, the student’s faculty advisor will work with the student in designing a program plan that accommodates the student’s unique learning objectives.

Required courses CSpH 5101 and 5102 may be taken at any time, but ideally are completed prior to beginning CSpH 5701 in the fall; therefore, summer intensives in June before beginning core health coaching content are often the best options.

Opportunities for individualized study in this track are only available through the professional internship and elective independent study. These courses take into account one’s academic training, life experience, and professional goals, and are designed and completed in partnership with one’s faculty advisor.

Students must complete a minimum of eighteen (18) credits, including the eight required courses with a minimum GPA of 2.8 to complete the certificate track. No 4000 level courses are permitted. Students may transfer in up to four credits after approved by both Program Director and Director of Graduate Studies. Twenty percent of total credits may be taken on an S/N grade basis. The student must complete the program in four years if enrolled for certificate only. There is no final examination for the certificate program. Registration is required every fall and spring semester.

Upon successful completion, the student will receive a Certificate in Complementary Therapies and Healing Practices: Health Coaching Track.