Program Overview

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National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach Training & Education

The National Board-Certified Health Coach Training & Education program at MUSC 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 a comprehensive academic health sciences system, this comprehensive program integrates evidence-based curriculum with hands-on training.

Program Overview

The program is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to empower clients in achieving their health and wellness goals. Participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become competent and compassionate health coaches.

Application Timeline

• Summer 2026: January 1 – June 30
• Winter cohort: July 1 – December 31

Program Details

• Length: 21 weeks
• Cost: $5,500
• Application Fee: $25

Learning Experience

The program offers a hybrid learning experience, combining expert training, hands-on experience, and mentorship. The program is designed to prepare participants for NBHWC certification.

Inside the Program

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

• Client-Centered Coaching: Building effective, empowering coaching relationships
• Behavior Change Theory: Facilitating behavior change through evidence-based strategies
• Ethics and Legal Considerations: Navigating the legal and ethical dimensions of health coaching
• Chronic Disease Management: Recognizing and managing chronic diseases through a holistic approach
• Nutrition Education: Building a solid foundation in nutritional principles and dietary guidelines
• Exercise Science: Understanding the critical role of physical activity in maintaining and improving health
• Health Coaching Landscape: Familiarizing oneself with the various professional settings where health coaches operate

Curriculum

The program features:

• Immersive Curriculum: Evidence-based curriculum guided by best practices and industry standards
• Expert Faculty: Seasoned instructors who are leaders in the field of health coaching
• Balanced Learning: Hybrid course format combining asynchronous modules and virtual interactive lectures
• Practical Training: Hands-on experience through interactive workshops, case studies, and coaching practical skills development
• Small Class Sizes: Personalized attention and a supportive learning environment

Requirements

• Participation: Active participation in case studies, role-plays, presentations, and other learning activities
• Attendance: Critical to meet the standards set by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
• Excused Absences: Limited to situations such as jury duty, medical emergencies, or the death of an immediate family member
• Hybrid Course Structure and Intensive Weekend: Mandatory intensive weekend session in Charleston, South Carolina
• Coaching Triad Groups: Weekly online meetings for practice and feedback
• Journal Entries: Weekly reflection journal to share important experiences and reflect on course content
• Practical Skills Assessments: Completion of three practical skills assessments to evaluate coaching skills
• Asynchronous Modules: Completion of weekly asynchronous modules, including learning objectives, tasks, resources, and assignments
• Weekly Quizzes: Completion of weekly quizzes covering required readings, live classes, and asynchronous modules

Certificate Eligibility

To earn the eligibility certificate, participants must:

• Pass each weekly quiz with at least 80%
• Pass the course with at least 70%
• Complete all three Practical Skills Assessments (PSAs)
• Pass the third PSA
• Attend live, synchronous classes (or make up to two classes)
• Attend the intensive weekend (attendance mandatory)

Eligibility Requirements

The program welcomes individuals from varied backgrounds, including healthcare professionals, wellness enthusiasts, and those aspiring to pursue a career in health coaching. Applicants must document completion of an associate's degree (or higher) or 4,000 hours of work experience.

Career Outlook

Health coaches are in demand across healthcare, corporate wellness, and community settings, helping individuals achieve lasting lifestyle changes and improve overall well-being.

Program Instructors

The 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. The faculty includes a distinguished group of instructors who are leaders in their respective fields, including lifestyle medicine physicians, registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, and clinical psychologists.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a bachelor's degree or healthcare experience to enroll?: No, applicants must document completion of an associate's degree (or higher) or 4,000 hours of work experience.
• How much time can I expect to spend on coursework?: The program consists of 80 hours of virtual and in-person learning.
• Is financial aid available?: While the program does not offer financial aid directly, participants can explore funding opportunities through their employer or other professional associations.
• Do you offer a payment plan?: Yes, tuition may be paid in two portions.
• Will there be an on-site weekend in Charleston?: Yes, the program includes an on-site weekend in Charleston, South Carolina.
• What is the attendance policy?: Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions, both virtual and in-person.
• What are the technology requirements for the program?: Participants will need access to a computer with internet and basic software applications.
• 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 participants stay current in the health coaching field.
• Will there be homework assignments?: Yes, homework assignments are an integral part of the learning process.
• Are there any textbooks or materials needed for the program?: Yes, a list of required textbooks and materials will be provided upon enrollment.
• What documentation can be expected upon course completion?: Participants will receive a certificate of completion from MUSC Health and the College of Health Professions.
• How do I sit for the NBHWC Board Exam after the program?: To be eligible for the NBHWC Board Exam, participants will need to complete 50 coaching sessions that meet the eligibility requirements listed on the NBHWC Coaching Log.

Accreditation & Recognition

The National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach Training & Education at the Medical University of South Carolina is an approved health and wellness coach training and 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 and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).