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

This field of study is designed for the health care professional, or those currently enrolled in a graduate health professions program.  Such fields include nursing, social work, psychology, medicine, nutrition, pharmacy, chiropractic, 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.  Coaches will also be able to serve as a vehicle for transformation within clinics and health care systems, by being a vehicle for communication between conventional and complementary practitioners, and the holder of a larger 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.

Track Completion Requirements:

The track requires four semesters of class work, which can be spread over a variable amount of time up to a maximum of four (4) 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

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

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 Seminar (2 credits) * F

CSpH 5704  Professional Internship in Health Coaching (2 credits) * V

CSpH 5705  Business of Health Coaching (1 credit)* F

CSpH 8191  Independent Study (1 credit) V

Note:

F – typically offered in fall semester

S – typically offered in spring semester

V - variable

*Pending approval by the Graduate School.

 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 health care are not required.  However, given the sequential nature of the curriculum, if a student wishes to maintain full-time graduate status 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 required 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. 

 Opportunities for individualized study in this track are only available through the professional internship and the 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 (8) 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 3 credits after approved by the both Program Director and Director of Graduate Studies.  20% 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.