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

woman behind desk smiling at another woman while writing notes MUSC health coach certification

Applications Open

Applications are now open for the January 2025 cohort!

MUSC Employees should apply using this form.

Non-MUSC applicants should apply using this form.

January 2025 Cohort

Cohort Dates: January 14 to June 6, 2025
Required in-person Charleston, SC weekend: January 24 to 26, 2025
Virtual synchronous weekly class time: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (EST)
Virtual asynchronous weekly assignments: Completed online according to your schedule
Virtual weekly meetings with coaching peer triad groups: Held online for practice and feedback, with each group self-scheduling sessions

Applications are now being accepted; once our January cohort fills, completed applications will be placed on a waitlist for the fall 2025 cohort beginning July 1.

Want to learn more?

Join us on November 19, at noon or 6 p.m. (ET) for a virtual information session with program director Kaitlin DaPore, NBC-HWC! She’ll discuss the program's curriculum, career opportunities available within the profession, and what makes MUSC’s program unique. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you might have. Select a date and time below to register.

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

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
Application Fee: $25
Next Start Date: January 2025
Registration Opens: October 1, 2024
Registration Deadline: December 2024
Payment Deadlines: An initial payment of $2,750 must be made by December 13 to confirm your participation in the course. The 2nd and final payment will be due on January 31. Payments will be accepted beginning the first week of December via a distributed link to the payment platform.

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.

Key Features

Immersive Curriculum:
Our curriculum, guided by best practices and industry standards, covers a broad spectrum of essential topics for health coaching success.

Expert Faculty:
Learn from seasoned instructors who are leaders in the field of health coaching, bringing a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom.

Balanced Learning:
Adapt your learning to your lifestyle with our hybrid course format. Asynchronous modules and assignments are supplemented with virtual interactive lectures, peer feedback groups, coaching mentor sessions and practical skills assessments. The program also includes a required intensive weekend in Charleston, SC, scheduled for the third weekend of the course.

Practical Training:
Gain hands-on experience through interactive workshops, case studies, coaching practical skills development and simulated client sessions, preparing you to coach individuals from diverse backgrounds effectively.

Small Class Sizes:
Our small class size ensures personalized attention, fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment that accommodates all learning styles.

National Board Certification:
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) certification exam, enhancing credibility and career opportunities.

Instructors

Kaitlin DaPore headshot Our program is led by Kaitlin F. DaPore, NBC-HWC, the MUSC Health and Wellness Coach Program Director with over a decade of health coaching experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Under her leadership, our faculty includes a distinguished group of instructors who are leaders in their respective fields. This diverse team comprises:

Lifestyle Medicine Physicians:
Experts in preventive healthcare, focusing on the use of lifestyle interventions to optimize health.

Registered Dietitians:
Specialists in nutrition who provide evidence-based dietary guidance tailored to individual needs.

Exercise Physiologists:
Professionals who design and implement exercise programs that enhance physical health and fitness.

Clinical Psychologists:
Experts in mental health who integrate psychological principles into health coaching to support behavior change and overall wellbeing.

The MUSC program is distinguished by its faculty of renowned instructors, who collectively bring decades of experience in optimizing health and wellbeing across a wide variety of populations and settings. This unparalleled expertise ensures that our students receive the highest quality education and practical training, preparing them to excel in the dynamic field of health and wellness coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the program cost?
The cost for the 5-month program is $5,500. Payment is due before the first day of instruction.

How long is the program?
The program is a 21-week intensive course completed over 5 months.

Who can apply for the program?
Our program welcomes individuals from varied backgrounds, including healthcare professionals, wellness enthusiasts and those aspiring to pursue a career in health coaching.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the program?
A bachelor’s degree in any field or a background in health care, wellness, or related fields. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply, including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists and registered dietitians.

How is the curriculum delivered, and how much time can I expect to spend on coursework?
The program consists of 80 hours of virtual and in-person learning. Sessions are designed to be both synchronous and asynchronous to accommodate diverse schedules.

Is financial aid available?
No, financial aid is not currently available for this program.

Will there be an onsite weekend in Charleston, SC?
Yes, the program includes an onsite weekend in Charleston, SC. This immersive experience provides an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, network with peers and deepen your understanding of health coaching in a vibrant setting.

What is the attendance policy?
Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions, both virtual and in-person. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and make-up sessions will be provided on a case-by-case basis to ensure that all trainees successfully complete the program.

What are the minimum technology requirements for the program?
Participants will need access to a computer with internet and basic software applications. Specific hardware and software requirements will be outlined in the program materials.

Is there a continuing education component to the program?
At this moment, the program does not offer continuing education opportunities but provides connections to resources to help you stay current in the health coaching field.

Will there be homework assignments?
Yes, homework assignments are an integral part of the learning process and help reinforce concepts covered in class. Expect to dedicate additional time outside of scheduled sessions to complete assignments and readings. Trainees should expect to spend approximately 4 hours weekly on assignments and triad work outside of synchronous course time.

Are there any textbooks or materials needed for the program?
Yes, a list of required textbooks and materials will be provided upon enrollment. These resources are essential for completing assignments and mastering course content.

What documentation can be expected upon completion of the course?
Participants will receive a certificate of completion from MUSC Health and the College of Health Professions, serving as recognition of your achievement and enhancing your credentials in health coaching.

Course Requirements

Participation

Actively participate in case studies, role-plays, presentations and other learning activities during in-person and online sessions.
Contribution quality and completion will be evaluated.

Attendance

Be prepared for each class; inform faculty of unavoidable absences.
Responsibility to watch missed class videos and make up work.
Absences must be made up; initiate a meeting with instructors for missed content.
A maximum of 10 hours of synchronous class time can be missed to pass the course.
Attend the mandatory intensive weekend session in Charleston, SC during the 3rd week

Coaching Triad Groups

Weekly meetings with coaching triad groups for practice and feedback.
Attend a minimum of three Mentored Triad Sessions throughout the program.
Mandatory attendance for all Mentored Triad Sessions; schedules will be posted after the course begins.

Journal Entries

Weekly reflection journal: share a bulleted list of 5 important experiences in a discussion post.
Reflect on course content and triad group experiences.
Journal entries are due on Sundays; grade based on completion.

Practical Skills Assessments

Complete 3 practical skills assessments, each coaching session must be at least 20 minutes.
Faculty will evaluate and grade using practical skills assessment rubrics.
The third assessment is pass/fail; passing all assessments is required to complete the course and be eligible for the national board exam.
Schedule a 20-30 minute feedback meeting with faculty after each assessment.

Asynchronous Modules

Complete weekly asynchronous modules, including learning objectives, tasks, resources and assignments.
Recommended completion by Friday to allow time for the quiz and journal entry by Sunday.

Weekly Quizzes

Complete weekly quizzes covering required readings, live classes and asynchronous modules.
Each quiz allows for 3 attempts, requiring an average score of 80% to pass.
Quizzes consist of 5-10 questions and take approximately 30 minutes.
Quizzes are due on Sundays to allow time for content absorption.

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).

Become a Health Coach