Online Certificate in Health Behavior (Coaching)

Program goal

The Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Health Behavior Coaching prepares professionals to serve a critical role on the interdisciplinary health care delivery team, particularly in the emerging preventive health care model in the U.S. This emerging model is prompted in large part by increased health promotion and chronic disease prevention/management efforts emphasizing improving access to preventive services, improving health outcomes, developing and training  preventive care health professionals, reducing health disparities, and helping to control health care spending.

Health behavior coaches support, motivate and empower clients/patients to adopt healthy lifestyles, lower health risks by changing negative behaviors, better self-manage their health, and prevent or control acute and chronic health conditions. In addition, health behavior coaches teach clients/patients how to navigate the complex health care system in order to meet their diverse health care needs. This program will prepare students for an innovative, cutting-edge, STEM-H profession that has emerged in response to the need for more time- and labor-intensive encounters to empower clients/patients to be active and responsible participants in their health outcomes.

The certificate program is designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds ranging from clinical professionals (e.g., physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, sports medicine practitioners, pharmacists, counselors, psychotherapists, etc.) to health promotion professionals (e.g., health educators, registered dieticians, personal trainers, fitness trainers, athletic trainers, diabetes educators, recreational therapists, etc.). The goal of the program is to develop and enhance professional competencies and skills that facilitate a client/patient-centered and a client/patient-driven approach whereby clients/patients determine their own personal health goals and action plans to achieve those goals versus the traditional practitioner/professional-centered approach. In addition, through the coach’s utilization of active learning and self-discovery strategies, client/patient accountability is fostered. The program trains professionals in evidence-based motivational techniques, behavior-change theory and processes, knowledge in healthy lifestyle practices, and communication strategies that assist clients/patients in developing inner resources and intrinsic motivation for adopting and sustaining lifestyle changes to improve health and overall well-being. Successful completion of the program requires a minimum of 21 graduate credit hours beyond the baccalaureate level. The course work consists of 17 core credit hours plus four credit hours in a selected focus area.

The program is committed to providing didactic and experiential learning opportunities that may prepare students for credentialing as a certified health education specialist, as administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact us today using the form below.

Student learning outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of health behavior coaches in the context of the U.S. health care delivery system.
2. Students will commit to practicing in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
3. Students will demonstrate skills and competencies in partnering with clients/patients to develop client-centered and client-driven health outcomes goals and a feasible plan to accomplish their goals.
4. Students will demonstrate skills and competencies in facilitating client/patient lifestyle changes and empowering them to sustain healthy behaviors to improve health status, health outcomes and overall well-being.
5. Students will demonstrate their commitment to engage in continuing education to become more proficient in their practice and to ensure that their practice-related knowledge and skills remain current.

The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.

Application deadline details

• Rolling admissions

Program Website Curriculum