What You’ll Learn to Do

The UH Integrative Health and Well-being Coaching (UH IHWC) Certificate Program is a professional training program for health and well-being coaches, designed to prepare knowledgeable, skilled, and ethical coaches. Grounded in established health coaching practices and aligned with the standards and competencies of the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), the program integrates evidence-informed health and well-being knowledge with practical coaching skills and professional development. Students learn to coach effectively and responsibly while recognizing the professional scope of practice, ethical responsibilities, and appropriate professional boundaries.

Program Outcomes – What You’ll Learn to Do.

Upon successful completion of the UH Integrative Health and Well-being Certificate Program, graduates will be prepared to:

• Build effective coaching relationships grounded in trust, empathy, respect, cultural humility, and a whole-person approach to health and well-being.
• Use evidence-based coaching skills to help clients explore their values, strengths, motivations, vision for well-being, and readiness for change.
• Partner with clients to create meaningful, achievable goals and action steps that support sustainable behavior change and greater self-efficacy.
• Conduct effective health and well-being coaching sessions, from establishing the coaching relationship through ongoing sessions, progress evaluation, and completion of the coaching process.
• Support clients within a range of diverse communities and life circumstances, recognizing the influence of relationships, culture, environment, access, community, and other factors on health and well-being.
• Apply foundational health and wellness knowledge within the professional scope of health and wellness coaching, including recognizing when a client's needs require referral to an appropriate health or other qualified professional.
• Demonstrate the practical coaching skills and professional competencies needed to pursue National Board Certification as a health and wellness coach.

Learning Outcomes - What You’ll Study

• Coaching Skills & Behavior Change — Motivational Interviewing, goal setting, self-efficacy, appreciative inquiry, communication, and evidence-based behavior-change approaches.
• Whole-Person Health & Well-being — Physical, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual, relational, and community dimensions of well-being.
• Health & Wellness Foundations — Health promotion, common chronic conditions, healthy lifestyles, mind-body connection, and factors that influence health.
• Professional Coaching Practice — Ethics, scope of practice, coaching agreements, professional boundaries, referrals, and preparation for professional practice.
• Applied Coaching & Mentoring — Practice coaching, feedback, skills assessment, community-based client coaching, and individualized faculty mentoring.

The UH Integrative Health and Well-being Coaching Certificate Program is a 40-week, fully online program delivered in two 20-week phases. Students progress together as a cohort through weekly interactive learning, coaching practice, applied client experience, and faculty mentoring.

Phase 1: Foundations & Coaching Skills Development

20 Weeks | Learn • Practice • Build Your Skills

Phase 1 builds the knowledge and practical skills needed to become an effective health and well-being coach. The experience begins with orientation and an engaging three-day online intensive, where students connect with faculty and fellow cohort members while establishing a strong foundation for the program.

Throughout Phase 1, students participate in weekly live online sessions, asynchronous learning activities, coaching demonstrations, and increasingly advanced coaching practice. Coursework explores health and well-being coaching fundamentals, behavior change, health promotion and whole-person well-being, professional ethics and scope of practice, and the core competencies needed to establish effective coaching relationships and support meaningful, sustainable change.

Students have frequent opportunities to practice coaching, receive feedback, reflect on their development, and build confidence as they progress toward working with clients.

Phase 1 culminates in the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA), where students demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply essential coaching skills and competencies. Successful completion of the PSA is required before progressing to Phase 2 client coaching.

Phase 1 at a Glance:

Weekly live online sessions • Asynchronous learning • Three-day intensive • Coaching demonstrations • Peer coaching practice • Faculty feedback • Practical Skills Assessment

Phase 2: Mentored Coaching Practice & Professional Development

20 Weeks | Apply • Coach • Grow

Phase 2 provides the opportunity to put coaching skills into practice through real-world client coaching in a structured and supported learning environment.

The phase begins with preparation for the applied coaching experience, including orientation, pre-planning, client recruitment, coaching-session processes, mentoring expectations, documentation, and reflective practice.

Students then begin working with volunteer clients and complete 50 health and well-being coaching sessions while continuing to participate in weekly online learning and professional development. Students maintain coaching logs, engage in self-reflection, and receive individualized one-on-one mentoring from UH IHWC faculty to support their continued development as coaches.

Throughout Phase 2, students strengthen their ability to establish and maintain coaching relationships, support client-directed goals and behavior change, practice within appropriate professional boundaries, and navigate the opportunities and challenges that arise in real coaching relationships.

Phase 2 culminates in the Final Coaching Assessment (FCA), providing students an opportunity to demonstrate their continued growth and integration of coaching competencies. The program concludes by recognizing students' accomplishments through an online graduation ceremony.

Phase 2 at a Glance:

Weekly live online sessions • Volunteer client coaching • 50 coaching sessions • Coaching logs and reflection • Individual faculty mentoring • Final Coaching Assessment • Online graduation

The UH Integrative Health and Well-being Coaching Certificate Program welcomes applicants from a variety of educational, professional, healthcare, and community backgrounds who want to develop the knowledge and skills to support others in achieving their health and well-being goals.

UH IHWC is a non-credit continuing education certificate program designed at the graduate level. Admission is by application, enrollment is limited, and there is no application fee.

Applicants may enter the program through Regular< Admission or, in certain circumstances, Special Admission

.

Regular Admission

Regular Admission is intended for applicants who meet the program's admission requirements and wish to complete the full UH IHWC Certificate Program, including Phase 1: Foundations & Coaching Skills Development and Phase 2: Mentored Coaching Practice & Professional Development.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Hold a bachelor's or associate degree in any field;
• Be a licensed healthcare professional, including professionals in complementary and integrative health fields;
• Have at least 4,000 hours of work experience in any field; or
• Be a University of Houston student in good standing in a bachelor's degree program.

Applying to UH IHWC

The application is completed online and includes a current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV), a brief Statement of Interest, and information about applicable education, professional licenses or credentials, and/or qualifying work experience.

Applications are reviewed by the UH IHWC Program, and applicants are notified of the admission decision using the email address provided on their application.

There is no application fee.

Apply Now

Applicants may also contact UHIHWC@central.uh.edu with questions about admission or the application process.

Acceptance & Deferment

Accepted applicants must complete the required acceptance process before officially enrolling in the program. An offer of admission may be deferred for up to 18 months, subject to program policies and availability.

Special Admission

Special Admission provides an opportunity for individuals with special circumstances who meet the Regular Admission requirements, but who seek to participate in Phase 1 only. This option is ideal for individuals who want to learn more about the field of health and well-being coaching, develop coaching and behavior-change skills, and apply coaching principles in their personal or professional lives, but who do not intend to practice professionally as health and well-being coaches or pursue national board certification.

Students admitted through Special Admission participate in Phase 1 coursework and training but do not progress directly to Phase 2 under their Special Admission status. Upon successful completion of Phase 1, Special Admission students receive a Verification of Attendance rather than the UH IHWC Certificate of Completion and are not eligible, based on Special Admission participation, to pursue national board certification through the program.

A Special Admission student who subsequently meets the requirements for Regular Admission may reapply through the Regular Admission process to continue to Phase 2 within one year of completing Phase 1.

Special Admission fees apply to Phase 1 only and may vary by program year. For information about eligibility, the Special Admission application process, and current fees, contact UHIHWC@central.uh.edu.

The University of Houston Population Health is committed to making the UH Integrative Health and Well-being Coaching (UH IHWC) Certificate Program more affordable and accessible through three key approaches. First, UHPH strives to keep program costs as low as possible while maintaining a high-quality educational experience, helping community-based participants gain the knowledge and skills to serve as health and well-being coaches in their communities. Second, the program offers an Early Registration Discount to reduce costs for early registrants. Third, scholarship support is available to further reduce financial barriers for eligible participants.

Early Registration Discount

The UH IHWC Program offers a 10% discount for those who meet the Early Application deadline and Early Registration deadline. For Cohort 4, for example, this amounts to a $400 discount for those who remit their fees in full* by the Early Registration Deadline.

*Early applicants will be notified of admission to the program and any scholarship awards offered, along with the balance due by the Early Registration Deadline.

Dr. and Mrs. Peter Shedden Annual Scholarship

The Dr. and Mrs. Peter Shedden Annual Scholarship enables UHPH to provide two types of scholarship awards: 1) UH IHWC Program Scholarship Award and 2) Credentialing Exam Scholarship Award.

UH IHWC Program Scholarship Award

The UH IHWC Program Scholarship awards help make the UH IHWC program more affordable. Awards are determined by demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. Award amounts are typically $500. Awards are applied directly to UH IHWC program fees and are not paid directly to students. Priority is given to Early Registration applicants. This award can be received in addition to the $400 Early Registration discount for those who meet the Early Registration deadline.

Students may request consideration for this scholarship as part of the Program Application process. Applicants must be admitted to the UH IHWC Certificate Program before a scholarship award is finalized. The scholarship award decision is separate from the program admissions decision and does not affect whether an applicant is accepted into the program. Scholarship funding is limited, and applying does not guarantee an award.

Credentialing Exam Scholarship Award

Students who successfully complete the UH IHWC Certificate Program and wish to take the National Board for Health and Well-being Coaching Exam for NBC-HWC national credentialing may be awarded an additional merit-based scholarship, subject to funding availability. The Credentialing Exam Scholarship helps offset NBHWC credentialing exam application fees. This scholarship typically amounts to about $250 and is applied directly to NBHWC exam fees. Students do not apply for the Exam Scholarship; the program faculty, in consultation with the Program Director, select recipients based on merit and funding availability.

The UH Integrative Health and Well-being Coaching Certificate Program is designed to provide a supportive, engaging, and professionally rigorous learning experience. The following policies help students understand program expectations and successfully plan for their participation from admission through completion.

Admission Requirements

The UH Integrative Health and Well-being Coaching (UH IHWC) Certificate Program is a non-credit continuing education program designed at the graduate level. We welcome applicants from a variety of educational, professional, healthcare, and community backgrounds.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Hold a bachelor's or associate degree in any field;
• Be a licensed healthcare professional, including professionals in complementary and integrative health fields;
• Have at least 4,000 hours of work experience in any field; or
• Be a University of Houston student in good standing in a bachelor's degree program.

Applicants who are interested in Phase 1 only may also wish to explore the program's Special Admission option.

Application, Acceptance & Deferment

Admission to UH IHWC is by application, and cohort enrollment is limited.There is no fee to apply.

Applicants complete an online application that includes a current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV), a brief Statement of Interest, and information about applicable education, professional licenses or credentials, and/or qualifying work experience.

Admission decisions are communicated by email. Accepted applicants must complete the acceptance process and meet the applicable registration and payment deadline to secure their place in the cohort.

We understand that plans can change. An offer of admission may be deferred for up to 18 months, subject to program policies, cohort availability, and applicable program fees.

Questions about admission may be directed to UHIHWC@central.uh.edu.

Program Fees & Payment

Following acceptance, students receive instructions for completing registration and paying their program fees.

Payment in full is required by the applicable registration deadline. Payments are made online by credit card; payments by check or credit card by telephone are not accepted.

Students who meet the Early Registration requirements and payment deadline are eligible for the applicable Early Registration Discount. Students receiving a UH IHWC Program Scholarship Award will be notified of their award and remaining program balance before the applicable payment deadline.

Because enrollment is limited, an offer of admission alone does not reserve a place in the cohort. A student's place is secured when the required program fees are received and registration is completed.

Cancellation & Refunds

We understand that circumstances may change after registration. Students who need to withdraw should submit a cancellation request as early as possible.

Cancellation requests received at least seven (7) days before the program start date are eligible for a refund of program fees paid, less an administrative fee equal to 10% of the full registration cost.

Cancellation requests received fewer than seven days before the program begins, as well as failure to attend or participate beginning on the scheduled start date, are not eligible for a refund. Program fees may not be transferred to another student.

Approved refunds may take a minimum of 15 business days to appear on the credit card account used for payment.

Cancellation Request:

Submit an email to UHIHWC@central.uh.edu dated no less than seven days prior to the starting date of the program.

Attendance & Participation

UH IHWC is an interactive online coach-training program designed to meet the training requirements of the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Because coaching competencies develop progressively through instruction, demonstration, practice, feedback, and application, consistent attendance and participation are essential to student success.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled weekly synchronous sessions and complete assigned learning activities by their deadlines. Program weeks generally run Monday through Sunday.

We recognize that unexpected circumstances sometimes occur. Under extenuating circumstances, a student may miss one synchronous session during Phase 1 and one synchronous session during Phase 2. The missed session must be made up by viewing the recording, completing the designated make-up activity, and completing any other missed requirements. Students must complete all required instructional and training components to receive the UH IHWC Certificate of Completion or, when applicable, a Verification of Attendance for Phase 1-only participation.

Student Progress & Assessment

UH IHWC uses a combination of learning activities and assessments to help students build knowledge, strengthen coaching skills, and demonstrate competency throughout the program.

Student progress is evaluated through participation and engagement, written assignments, quizzes, coaching practice, self-reflection, and practical skills assessments. Students must complete all required coursework and earn at least 80% of the available points to successfully complete Phase 1.

Practical Skills Assessment (PSA)

Throughout Phase 1, students have multiple opportunities to practice their coaching skills, receive faculty feedback, and build confidence before completing the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA). The PSA provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply essential health and well-being coaching skills and competencies.

Students must earn a score of 80% or higher on the PSA before progressing to Phase 2 and beginning client coaching.

Students who do not achieve the required score on their first PSA receive individualized feedback and additional mentoring and are provided one additional opportunity to complete the assessment successfully.

If a student does not achieve the required score on the second attempt, the student must repeat Phase 1 before progressing to Phase 2. The cost to repeat Phase 1 is 60% of the full program fee in effect at the time of reenrollment.

Upon successfully completing the repeated Phase 1 requirements, including passing the PSA, the student may proceed directly to Phase 2 without repeating the regular program admission process.

Knowledge assessments are completed in written quiz format and through faculty feedback during mentoring; there is no separate oral examination. The PSA coaching demonstration is recorded and evaluated by UH IHWC program faculty at the end of Phase 1 (Practical Skills Assessment), and again at the end of Phase 2 (Final Coaching Assessment).

Program Evaluation

Student feedback is an important part of the UH IHWC commitment to continuous program improvement.

Students are asked to complete a program evaluation at the conclusion of Phase 1 and another at the conclusion of Phase 2. Completion of required program evaluations is part of the program completion process and is required before the Certificate of Completion is released.

Faculty Mentoring

A distinctive feature of Phase 2 is the opportunity to apply coaching skills with clients while receiving individualized support and mentoring from experienced UH IHWC faculty.

Each student is assigned a faculty mentor and participates in four one-on-one mentoring sessions during Phase 2. These sessions provide opportunities to reflect on coaching experiences, strengthen competencies, discuss coaching challenges, and receive individualized developmental feedback.

Because mentoring appointments reserve dedicated faculty time, students are expected to attend scheduled sessions and arrive on time. Students who are unable to attend should notify their mentor as soon as possible.

A missed appointment without at least 24 hours' notice must be rescheduled and is subject to a $75 missed-session fee. If a student arrives more than 10 minutes late, the mentor may need to reschedule the appointment; a $75 rescheduling fee may apply.

Additional Time to Complete Program Requirements

We recognize that circumstances may occasionally prevent a student from completing all Phase 2 requirements within the regular program period.

Students who need additional time may request a 30-day extension. Requests must be submitted no later than two weeks before the official program end date. If approved, a $150 extension fee applies.

Students may request a second 30-day extension for an additional $150 fee. Extensions are considered individually and are not guaranteed.

Students who have not completed all program requirements following the approved extension period(s) must repeat the applicable program requirements at the program fee in effect for that cohort to earn the Certificate of Completion.

Planning Ahead for Mentoring and the Final Coaching Assessment

Faculty mentoring and assessment are provided during the regular 20-week Phase 2 schedule. Therefore, students must complete all required faculty mentoring sessions and submit their final coaching recording for the Final Coaching Assessment (FCA) before the end of the regular program period.

Extension periods provide additional time to complete other outstanding eligible program requirements, but additional faculty mentoring and the FCA are not provided during an extension period.

Accessibility & Accommodations

UH IHWC is committed to providing an accessible learning experience. Individuals with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation or who have questions about accessibility or program-related technology are encouraged to contact UHIHWC@central.uh.edu before the program begins so that appropriate arrangements can be explored.

Program Completion

Successful completion of UH IHWC requires students to meet all applicable attendance, coursework, assessment, coaching practice, mentoring, evaluation, and other program requirements.

The UH IHWC Program reserves the right not to award a Certificate of Completion, Verification of Attendance, or applicable continuing education credit when required components of the program have not been successfully completed.