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MUSC National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach Training & Education Program

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Join the profession that's transforming lives through health and wellness.

Applications Open

Applications are now open for the January 2025 cohort!

The MUSC National Board-Certified Health Coach Training & Education Program is a pioneering collaboration between the MUSC Health and Wellness Institute and the College of Health Professions. As the only health coach training in South Carolina accredited by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and sponsored by an academic health system, this comprehensive program integrates evidence-based curriculum with hands-on training. Participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills to empower clients in achieving their health and wellness goals.

About the Course

Our accredited, 5-month comprehensive program is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to become competent and compassionate health coaches. Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to broaden your expertise or someone passionate about guiding others toward healthier lifestyles, this program offers an enriching pathway to becoming a certified health coach.

  • Length: 5 months (21 weeks)
  • Cost: $5,500
  • Next Start Date: January 2025
  • Registration Opens: October 1, 2024
  • Registration Deadline: December 2024

What You'll Master

Our program is meticulously designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel as a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach. By the end of this program, you will have mastered:

Client-Centered Coaching
Hone your ability to build effective, empowering coaching relationships. You'll practice deep listening, open inquiry and other communication techniques that foster client motivation, autonomy and lasting behavior change. Your approach will be enhanced by incorporating mindfulness practices and principles of positive psychology.

Behavior Change Theory
Develop a deep understanding of evidence-based strategies for facilitating behavior change. You'll learn how to set actionable goals, employ motivational interviewing and assess self-efficacy, while also recognizing and overcoming barriers to change across different stages of the client's journey.

Ethics and Legal Considerations
Gain critical knowledge in navigating the legal and ethical dimensions of health coaching. You'll learn to uphold client confidentiality, manage records in compliance with HIPAA and understand the nuances of legal practice, including making referrals when situations fall outside your scope of practice.

Chronic Disease Management
Equip yourself with the ability to recognize and manage chronic diseases through a holistic approach. You'll integrate evidence-based strategies that encompass nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep and social connections, ensuring comprehensive care for your clients.

Nutrition Education
Build a solid foundation in nutritional principles and dietary guidelines, learning to assess and improve clients' dietary habits. You'll be prepared to offer personalized nutrition advice that supports clients in achieving their health and wellness goals.

Exercise Science
Understand the critical role of physical activity in maintaining and improving health. You'll explore exercise prescription, the benefits of movement and how to integrate physical activity into clients' daily lives to prevent disease, manage weight and enhance overall wellbeing.

Health Coaching Landscape
Familiarize yourself with the various professional settings where health coaches operate and develop a clear understanding of the field's scope of practice. You'll also learn the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the appropriate circumstances for client referrals.

To pass this program, students must:

  • Pass each module assessment with at least 80%
  • Pass each weekly quiz with at least 80%
  • Pass the course with at least 70%
  • Complete all 3 Practical Skills Assessments (PSAs)
  • Pass the 3rd PSA
  • Attend live, synchronous classes with only a max of 10 hours missed

Accreditation

Medical University of South Carolina Health & Wellness Institute - MUSC Health and Wellness Coach Training and Education Program is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).