Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate

The Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate program is offered to credit and non-credit seeking students who are interested in developing skills to foster health-related behavior change in partnership with patients, clients, or community members.

The program prepares individuals to work as a health coach or elevate the skills of health professionals who are interested in strengthening their ability to connect and facilitate health behavior change.

This program is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their ability to guide evidence-based behavior change, individuals considering a career shift into coaching or wellness, and those simply eager to refine their communication and support skills.

Prerequisites

Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

Completion of a Health-Related Undergraduate Degree

A completed bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, such as:

• Kinesiology or Exercise Science
• Health Sciences
• Nutrition or Dietetics
• Public Health
• Nursing
• Psychology (health-focused)
• Health Education
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Allied Health Sciences
• Other related health discipline

Enrollment in or Completion of a Health-Related Graduate Program

Currently enrolled in or graduated from a health-related graduate program, including:

• Medicine (MD, DO)
• Nursing (MSN, NP, DNP)
• Pharmacy (PharmD)
• Physical Therapy (MPT, DPT)
• Occupational Therapy (MOT, OTD)
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Public Health (MPH)
• Nutrition or Dietetics
• Social Work (health-focused)
• Other related health discipline

Alternative Admission Pathway

Applicants who do not hold a health-related degree may qualify for admission through the following pathway:

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline

OR

• An associate degree in any discipline plus a minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience in a non–health-related field

AND

• Completion of the following college-level prerequisite courses:
  • Exercise Physiology (e.g., KINES 3091)
  • Anatomy and Physiology (e.g., HEDU 4650)
  • Scientific Foundations of Human Nutrition and Health (e.g., NUTR 1020)

Applicants should prepare the following materials before beginning the online application:

Review the Prerequisite Pathways

Carefully review the available prerequisite pathways to determine which best aligns with your academic preparation and eligibility for the certificate program.

Evidence of Degree Completion

Documentation of your undergraduate or graduate degree (to be provided upon request). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted for initial review.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

A current CV or résumé outlining your educational background, professional experience, and relevant qualifications.

Personal Statement (300–500 words)

Submit a personal statement describing your interest in applying for the Integrated Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate Program. Please address the following prompts in your statement:

• What interests you most about the Integrated Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate program?
• How do you see your participation in this program contributing to your current or future professional and/or personal development?
• What does “health” mean to you?
• What is your brief philosophy on, or approach to, health behavior change?

Applicants are encouraged to integrate their academic background, professional experiences, and personal perspectives throughout their statement.

Submit Application

After you’ve prepared your materials, please apply here. Applications will be reviewed starting July 1 for each academic year. If additional seats remain, we will accept applications on a rolling basis through August 10.

Courses are offered in a traditional semester schedule with fixed start and end dates. Courses meet with for-credit graduate sections.

KINEC 671 Foundations in Health and Wellness Coaching

Prerequisite for KINEC 672 – only offered Fall semester

This course introduces foundational skills, philosophies, and concepts of health and wellness coaching across a 15-week hybrid course design, with 15 in-person sessions, and additional online materials provided.

KINEC 672 Advanced Health and Wellness Coaching

Only offered Spring semester

As a follow-up to the foundations course, this course provides students with advanced training in health and wellness coaching, with a focus on skill building and content knowledge across the eight domains of health. The course is offered as a 15-week hybrid course design, with 15 in-person sessions, and additional online materials provided.

Tuition

Tuition for each course is $2,100, for a total of $4,200 for the program. Payment is due at the beginning of the course. Textbooks are not included and must be acquired separately (see "Textbooks" below). Tuition listed above subject to change without advance notice.

• This course is NOT eligible for faculty/staff tuition reduction or emeritus benefits.
• Financial aid is not available for non-credit classes. Students are encouraged to inquire with their employers to determine if tuition assistance is available.
• GI Bill funds do not cover tuition for noncredit classes. Please contact the Veterans Support Center for questions about benefits advising.
• Students may drop and receive a refund for these classes up until the semester “Last Day to Drop”, which can be found on the Academic Calendar.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not included in the cost of enrollment and must be acquired by students individually. The Campus Bookstore has all required course materials as hard copies, but you may find a better price shopping for used texts online (Amazon, Ebay, Abebooks, etc.). Be sure to search for what texts/materials are required for your course and register early so that you have time to get them before classes start.

Why choose the University of Utah?

We understand that you have a choice when it comes to taking professional development courses and we work hard to earn your trust with each and every class. By selecting the University of Utah, you’ll enjoy the following benefits whether you’re coming to us as someone new to the job market, a career changer, a seasoned professional or a lifelong learner.

Resume Power - benefit from the University of Utah reputation for credibility and quality. Choosing the University of Utah for your certificate program makes a clear statement about your commitment to excellence.

Instructor Excellence - learn from the same high-quality faculty that teach in our degree programs.

The Power of the U Network – students have access to a valuable University of Utah peer and faculty network.

Programs that Fit Your Schedule – this program offers convenient online classes for a schedule that works around you. Go to class whenever and wherever you want.

Certificate Completion Requirements

• Students will be required to fulfill the same expectations and requirements as matriculated students including exams, projects and participation.
• Students will receive an “S-Satisfactory” or “U-Unsatisfactory” assessment for each class. “S-Satisfactory” will indicate that the student has met the standards for at least a B.
• Students must receive an “S-Satisfactory" grade for successful completion.

How is my accomplishment recognized?

For students earning an “S-Satisfactory" grade, the completed course(s) will appear on University of Utah official transcripts.

Students will also be awarded a University of Utah digital credential (badge) that can be shared on social media sites and used with other professional resources. Digital badges are embedded with metadata that validate the skills demonstrated and other requirements for earning the badge.

Digital Credential/Badge

Click on the badge to the left to find out what metadata is displayed. Find out more about Digital Badges at the University of Utah »

Do I need to be admitted to the university to take these classes?

No. Students do not need to be admitted to the University of Utah to complete the two-course certificate program.

Must I complete the same assignments, exercises and exams as the students who are taking the class for credit?

Yes, although you will not receive a letter grade, and instead will receive a satisfactory or unsatisfactory grade for the entire course. To earn a satisfactory grade, a B or higher must be achieved.

Are scholarships or financial assistance available?

At this time, we do not have any scholarships available for these courses.

How will I complete the practical evaluation requirements?

You will be provided with a client for each of your four practical skills assessments. The clients will either be individuals from our partner clinical and community sites or a standardized patient actor.

Will I be provided with clinical and community site placement to collect my required hours to sit for the NBHWC certification exam?

We do not guarantee practical hours experience as part of the certificate pathway. If you are interested in our support for this aspect of your preparation to sit for the NBC-HWC exam, please reach out to the certificate coordinator for more information.