FAQs, Center for Spirituality and Healing, Academic Health Center at the University of Minnesota

Q: How is health coaching different from other disciplines such as counseling and  psychotherapy?

 A: Health coaching focuses specifically on health and holism, not on disease.

Q: Why is it necessary to have an undergraduate degree in health science or a related area?

 A: Health coaches are trained to work in a multitude of practice settings.  Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology is essential for understanding a client’s  health and for communicating with other health professionals.

Q: What is the length of time necessary to complete the program?

 A: A minimum of 4 semesters (maximum 4 years).

Q: When does it begin?

A: Fall semester

Q: What courses are required?

A: Required Courses: 

CSpH 5101 Intro to Complementary Therapies and Healing Practices (3 credits)

CSpH 5102 Art of Healing: Self as Healer (1 credit)

CSpH 5701  Fundamentals of Health Coaching I, with Practicum (4 credits)

CSpH 5702  Fundamentals of Health Coaching II, with Practicum (4 credits)

CSpH 5703  Advanced Health Coaching Seminar (2 credits)

CSpH 5704  Professional Internship in Health Coaching (2 credits)

CSpH 5705  Business of Health Coaching (1 credit)

CSpH 8191  Independent Study (per advisor direction) (1 credit)

 Sample schedule: 

Semester I – Fall

CSpH 5102 Art of Healing: Self as Healer (1 credit)

CSpH 5701  Fundamentals of Health Coaching I, with Practicum (4 credits)

Semester 2 – Spring

CSpH 5101 Intro to Complementary Therapies and Healing Practices (3 credits)

CSpH 5702  Fundamentals of Health Coaching II, with Practicum (4 credits)

 Semester 3 – Fall

CSpH 5705  Business of Health Coaching (1 credit)

CSpH 5703 Advanced Health Coaching Seminar (2 credits)

 Semester 4 – Spring

CSpH 5704 Professional Internship in Health Coaching (2 credits)

CSpH 8191 Independent Study (per advisor direction) (1 credit)

Q: What times are the courses held?

 A: Courses are scheduled evenings (beginning at 4:40pm) and weekends.

Q: What is the cost? Is financial aid available?

 A: Cost is based on University of Minnesota graduate school tuition rates. You may be eligible for financial aid. Please refer to Onestop  http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/Tuition_Billing/Tuition_Rates.html , the University of Minnesota Registrar’s Office website for current tuition rates and fees.

Q: How do I apply?

 A: Apply online at the Grad School website  http://www.grad.umn.edu/prospective_students/apply_online.html

 Q: What employment opportunities are available for health coaches?

 A: This is a new field with a wide range of possibilities. Health coaches will need to be proactive in searching for employment, creating their own positions, and transforming current positions to incorporate this new knowledge.