Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching Minor

Program Overview

Are you passionate about helping others live healthier, more balanced lives? The Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Minor at the University of Vermont (UVM) prepares you to become a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)—a credential that opens doors to meaningful, client-centered careers in healthcare and wellness.

Why Choose Health & Wellness Coaching?

• Nationally Recognized Certification
  UVM is an approved provider for the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
• Flexible Learning Options
  Choose from 8-credit fast track or 15-credit minor pathway, all delivered online with live, interactive classes.
• Real-World Experience
  Gain real life coaching practice and mentorship from certified professionals.
• Education that exceeds national standards
  The UVM program exceeds the teaching requirements established by the National Board.
• High Success Rate
  99% of UVM students pass the National Certification exam on the first attempt.

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What Is Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching?

Integrative Health & Wellness coaches help individuals to make and sustain healthy behavioral change. Making lifestyle changes is hard work! This emerging health profession focuses on health promotion through empowering people making and sustaining lifestyle changes. Rather than prescribing solutions, coaches act as accountability partners, guiding clients through:

• Finding intrinsic motivation
• Goal-setting
• Health related behavior change
• Sustaining behavior change

You’ll support clients in areas including:

• Nutrition & nourishment
• Physical activity
• Stress management
• Sleep & rest
• Work-life balance
• Mind-body connection
• Relationships & community
• Self-compassion

About the NBC-HWC Credential

What Makes UVM Unique?

• Mentorship & Community: One-on-one coaching support and lifelong alumni network.
• Integrative Health: Our program teaches you a whole person approach to care.
• Exam Prep: Dedicated support to help you pass the NBC-HWC exam.
• Specialization Options: Focus on autism, workplace wellness, integrative health, and more.

Curriculum

Core Courses (8 credits)

• Health & Wellness Coaching
• Advanced Health & Wellness Coaching 

Additional Required Courses for 15-Credit Minor

• Coaching Practicum
• Professional Prep for Health & Wellness Coaching

Electives (Choose 3 credits)

• Intro to Integrative Health
• Intro to Workplace Wellness
• Restore, Rejuvenate, Energize
• Science and Evidence of Integrative Health
• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Issues in Assessment and Intervention
• Independent Study, TA, or Research Assistantship

Required courses must be taken in sequence. Electives can be taken at any time. Please view the UVM Course Directory for full course descriptions and availability.

Note: UVM is a NBHWC Approved Education Provider. Every student who completes the UVM Certificate or meets the minimal eligibility requirements listed above will be eligible to sit the NBHWC National Certification Exam upon completion of 50 practice session (on your own). The NBHWC requires students have an bachelor’s degree or have completed at least 60 academic credits when applying for the exam. The NBHWC Exam is offered twice a year at testing centers across the U.S.

Video: Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching Info Session

Admissions

Getting Started

No admission requirements are needed to declare the minor. Simply log in to myUVM and declare the Integrative Health and Wellness minor—students from all majors and colleges are welcome!

NBHWC Certification Requirements

To be eligible for the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) certification exam, you must:

• Complete an NBHWC-approved training program (UVM’s program qualifies)
• Complete 50 coaching sessions
• Hold an associate degree or have 4,000 hours of work experience

The NBHWC exam is offered three times per year. UVM provides practicum support to help you complete your required coaching hours and prepare for certification.

Outcomes

Student Voices

“As I begin my nursing career, I’m committed to seeing my patients as whole people—not just focusing on their illnesses but understanding their stories and supporting their families. Healing is a collective journey, and I want to be part of that network of care. I’ve also learned how vital it is to care for myself. To be the best nurse I can be, I need to prioritize my own well-being—mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
— Braeden

“I use motivational interviewing skills daily—at work and in life.”
— Kerry

“I’ve learned how to trust myself and support others with compassion and confidence.”
— Keelan

“As I reflect on my journey through this program, I’m struck by how deeply transformational the experience has been—both professionally and personally.”
— Sierra

Career Outlook

Health coaching is a $7 billion industry with a 12% projected job growth for health educators and community health workers. Graduates work in:

• Wellness Centers
• Fitness Centers
• Primary care and rehabilitation clinics
• Student Health Centers
• Employee wellness programs
• Pain management and oncology
• Private practice and entrepreneurship

More

Advancing the Field Through Research

At the University of Vermont, integrative health isn’t just taught—it’s actively shaped by our award-winning educators and researchers. Faculty are leading efforts to expand the evidence base for health and wellness coaching (HWC), contributing to national conversations on holistic care and behavior change.

Recent research includes:

• "An Evidence-Based Rationale for Health and Wellness Coaching as a Complementary Certification in Undergraduate Health Education"
  This peer-reviewed article outlines the value of integrating HWC into undergraduate health education, highlighting its role in preparing students for diverse, patient-centered careers. Read the article
• Employee Wellness Coaching Research
  UVM has published multiple studies on the effectiveness of its employee wellness coaching program. These studies demonstrate measurable improvements in stress reduction, mental and physical health, and goal achievement among university and hospital staff.
• "A Win-Win Opportunity? A Model Health and Wellness Coaching Program to Support Employee Health and Student Experience"
  Westervelt, K.; Smith, A.; Sibold, J.; Falconer, S.; Huffert, K.; Mossburg, J.; Pelkey, A.; Whitman, A.; Woods, A.; Rose, G.
  Published in the American Journal of Health Promotion (2025; 0(0)). This article presents a dual-benefit model of HWC that enhances employee well-being while enriching student learning. [Impact factor: 2.5]
• "Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching: A Call to Action to Address a Research Gap for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities"
  Smith, A.; Adler, S.; Prelock, P.; Sibold, J.; Westervelt, K.; Wolever, R.
  Published in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine (November 6, 2024). This article advocates for expanded research into HWC for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• "Employee Group Coaching Program for University and Hospital Employees during COVID-19: A Feasibility Study"
  Westervelt, K.; Rose, G.; Avery, S.; Celley, A.; Cho, J.; Donoghue, R.; Goodrich, B.
  Published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine (October 18, 2023). This study evaluates the feasibility and impact of group coaching during the pandemic. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program hybrid?

Yes. The curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format. Students attend an on-campus retreat on a Saturdayat both the beginning and end of the program. The retreat can be attended remotely if needed but we encourage students to attend in person. In between, required courses combine online foundational content with weekly live labs conducted via video conference. Elective formats may vary.

Do I have to take the courses in order?

Yes.

• HLTH 3859 is taken in the first semester.
• HLTH 3860 follows in the second semester.

Can graduate students take Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching classes?

Absolutely. Graduate students are welcome and often find the coursework enhances their primary field of study.

What are the minor requirements?

The Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching minor requires 15 credits for completion.

Can I transfer courses in?

Yes, with approval from the program director. Up to 3 credits may be transferred if the course content is comparable.

Will this certificate qualify me for the NBHWC national certification exam?

Yes, with additional requirements. To be eligible for the NBHWC national certification exam, students must:

• Complete HLTH 3859 and HLTH 3860 (8 credits total)
• Have at least 60 university credits (equivalent to an associate’s degree or higher)
• Complete 50 practice coaching sessions in the community

Upon passing the exam, graduates may use the credential:
Jane Smith, NBC-HWC (National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach)