Health Coach Certificate
Issued by
Merrimack College
Earners of this badge have engaged in training and coursework to gain foundational health coaching skills. Earners have applied their skills in a practicum course by serving as a coach for clients both on and off Merrimack's campus. Each earner has completed at least 50 health coaching sessions during their practicum experience. Heath Coaches are prepared to work with a range of clients in developing and working toward a wellness vision and helping people achieve their health and wellness goals.
- Type Certification
- Level Foundational
- Time Months
Skills
Earning Criteria
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Participants complete the HSC2500 course focusing on health behavior theories and strategies to promote individuals’ healthy lifestyle. Participants explore and apply theoretically based principles and strategies to real-life cases. Emphasis is placed on understanding of health behaviors in the modern world and design of theory-based interventions to improve health behaviors at the individual, interpersonal and community level.
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Participants complete the HSC3353 course focusing on the development of health coaching skills that will advance their health promotion knowledge and skills. Participants advance their content knowledge and health coaching-related skills in the areas of goal setting, motivational interviewing, cultural competence, and effective communication. Participants are prepared to help clients maintain or enhance their health and well-being by supporting the client through behavior change.
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Participants complete the HSC4350 course focusing on practicing health coaching skills in the real world setting completing at least 50 health coaching sessions with clients. Participants receive support and feedback from their faculty instructor and their peers. Participants can Demonstrate competency in health coaching, monitor and evaluate their health coaching practice, and use their health coaching skills to support professional aspirations and goals.
Standards
Health and well-being coaches partner with clients who are seeking self-directed, lasting changes, aligned with their values, which promote health and wellness and, thereby, enhance well-being. In the course of their work, coaches display unconditional positive regard for their clients and a belief in their capacity for change. Health Coaches focu
This paper highlights the current state of health and wellness coaching globally and going forward, what needs to happen for Health and Wellness Coaches to better achieve their potential to meet societal demands globally,by empowering the public to take control in their own health and wellness.