Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate

Empower health and wellness in others

Get right to work guiding others toward well-being with your health and wellness coaching certificate.

What can you do with a Certificate in Health & Wellness Coaching?

The Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching prepares you to work as a health and wellness coach at health care organizations, insurance companies, corporate health and wellness vendors, large, established health coaching businesses and/or to be self-employed (entrepreneurial).

Many healthcare employers find job candidates who are cross-trained in health and wellness coaching to be highly desirable.

Take advantage of our 'ladder' approach where you can apply all your Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate credits toward an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Health and Wellness Promotion degree.

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NBHWC-Approved

The Health and Wellness Coaching certificate program is approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). If you meet other basic requirements, you can sit for the national board certification examination and earn status as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBCHWC). This board-level credential is offered through a partnership between the NBHWC and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,630
  
  Median
  
  $47,732
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $66,473
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.60
  
  Median
  
  $22.94
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $31.96
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  7.49%
  
  Some college
  
  2.63%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  22.71%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  51.88%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  15.3%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15,883
  
  Median
  
  $33,302
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $91,328
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $7.63
  
  Median
  
  $16.00
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $43.90
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  3.85%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.85%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  42.31%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  50%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,649
  
  Median
  
  $61,351
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $128,601
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.02
  
  Median
  
  $29.49
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.83
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  2.6%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  62.17%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  30.93%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  3.44%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.86%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,070
  
  Median
  
  $65,798
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $83,627
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.66
  
  Median
  
  $31.63
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $40.20
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  14.81%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  85.18%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $75,588
  
  Median
  
  $112,688
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $219,194
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36.34
  
  Median
  
  $54.17
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $105.38
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  3.57%
  
  Certificate
  
  7.14%
  
  Some college
  
  3.57%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  10.71%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  46.43%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  25%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.57%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
HWP 240	HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues Class Description This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.	3
HWP 257	HWP 257 Health and Wellness Practicum I Class Description This course will introduce students to the process of structured field observation. Opportunities will focus on careers in health and wellness promotion. Regular contact time with an instructor will also be provided.	1
KIN 242	KIN 242 Philosophy of Coaching Class Description (Previously PED 242) This course is a study of the essential elements of coaching men and women and boys and girls. It emphasizes the development and analysis of various coaching styles and philosophies, development of individual and team objectives, methods of coaching organization, and various motivational techniques. As such, the course will serve to prepare the student for all aspects of coaching aside from the technical aspects of the particular sport.	3
HWP 290	HWP 290 Principles of Health and Wellness Coaching Class Description This course will explore the six dimensions of contemporary health as they specifically apply to the wellness coaching continuum. Theoretical coaching constructs will be introduced and practical application will be encouraged through a variety of class activities.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 240
Course Title	HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues Class Description This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 257
Course Title	HWP 257 Health and Wellness Practicum I Class Description This course will introduce students to the process of structured field observation. Opportunities will focus on careers in health and wellness promotion. Regular contact time with an instructor will also be provided.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	KIN 242
Course Title	KIN 242 Philosophy of Coaching Class Description (Previously PED 242) This course is a study of the essential elements of coaching men and women and boys and girls. It emphasizes the development and analysis of various coaching styles and philosophies, development of individual and team objectives, methods of coaching organization, and various motivational techniques. As such, the course will serve to prepare the student for all aspects of coaching aside from the technical aspects of the particular sport.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 290
Course Title	HWP 290 Principles of Health and Wellness Coaching Class Description This course will explore the six dimensions of contemporary health as they specifically apply to the wellness coaching continuum. Theoretical coaching constructs will be introduced and practical application will be encouraged through a variety of class activities.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
HWP 260	HWP 260 Sport and Exercise Nutrition Class Description This course will introduce students to the relationship between fundamental nutrition principles and sport and exercise science. The efficacy of performance-based dietary supplements and related ethical issues will also be explored.	3
KIN 243	KIN 243 Theory and Practice of Fitness Class Description (Previously PED 243) This course introduces students to basic scientific and applied concepts of fitness as well as provides regularly scheduled opportunities to develop their health and functional fitness capacities.	2
HWP 292	HWP 292 Group Facilitation for Health and Wellness Professionals Class Description This highly interactive course will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to facilitate health and wellness services for groups. Emphasis will be placed on the delivery of health and wellness coaching, health education, wellness program implementation, and fitness services. Attention will be given to synchronous in-person and remote delivery methods. General topics include health and wellness specific group dynamics, session structure, participant management, smart goal setting, and encouraging engagement.	1
HWP 295	HWP 295 Professional Essentials for Health and Wellness Practitioners Class Description The rapidly growing field of preventive health and wellness has resulted in the creation of numerous career and professional opportunities. These include health and wellness coaching, personal and group fitness training, community health education, and health promotion programming. This course goes beyond the required traditional knowledge and skills and focuses on industry-specific professional essentials including; business acumen, interpersonal communication, and ethics and legal considerations.	3
HWP 258	HWP 258 Health and Wellness Practicum II Class Description This course will introduce students to supervised competency- based practice in health and wellness. This on-the-job training in the greater Lake County area provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge and to continue to develop as a professional. Included will be group seminar sessions with other students and regular meetings with the CLC instructor/ supervisor.	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 260
Course Title	HWP 260 Sport and Exercise Nutrition Class Description This course will introduce students to the relationship between fundamental nutrition principles and sport and exercise science. The efficacy of performance-based dietary supplements and related ethical issues will also be explored.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	KIN 243
Course Title	KIN 243 Theory and Practice of Fitness Class Description (Previously PED 243) This course introduces students to basic scientific and applied concepts of fitness as well as provides regularly scheduled opportunities to develop their health and functional fitness capacities.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 292
Course Title	HWP 292 Group Facilitation for Health and Wellness Professionals Class Description This highly interactive course will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to facilitate health and wellness services for groups. Emphasis will be placed on the delivery of health and wellness coaching, health education, wellness program implementation, and fitness services. Attention will be given to synchronous in-person and remote delivery methods. General topics include health and wellness specific group dynamics, session structure, participant management, smart goal setting, and encouraging engagement.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 295
Course Title	HWP 295 Professional Essentials for Health and Wellness Practitioners Class Description The rapidly growing field of preventive health and wellness has resulted in the creation of numerous career and professional opportunities. These include health and wellness coaching, personal and group fitness training, community health education, and health promotion programming. This course goes beyond the required traditional knowledge and skills and focuses on industry-specific professional essentials including; business acumen, interpersonal communication, and ethics and legal considerations.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 258
Course Title	HWP 258 Health and Wellness Practicum II Class Description This course will introduce students to supervised competency- based practice in health and wellness. This on-the-job training in the greater Lake County area provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge and to continue to develop as a professional. Included will be group seminar sessions with other students and regular meetings with the CLC instructor/ supervisor.
Credits	1

Total Credit Hours

22

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Health and Wellness Promotion at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A wellness coaching certificate is just one possible way to study health and wellness promotion. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials, and extra options.

View the Health and Wellness Promotion program overview

Frequently asked questions

You qualify to take the National Board Certification for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBCHWC) exam after you complete the program.
During the program, you can earn your ASEP Coaching Principles credential that is embedded in KIN 242.
The skills you need to be successful for the health and wellness coaching certificate are:
- critical thinking
- problem solving
- active listening
- empathy
- resiliency
- Ability to encourage lifelong behavior change
The health and wellness coaching certificate teaches you how to:
- lead one-on-one and small-group coaching sessions
- set and achieve useful goals for client’s short- and long-term results
- help others make sustainable lifestyle changes
- evaluate an individual’s readiness to change
- understand basic health terminology, concepts and common disease states
- find evidence-based health and wellness information and resources
Our student profile is varied. Many already have other higher education degrees before pursuing the health and wellness coaching certificate.
When you graduate from one of our HWP programs and earn your industry credential (certificate or licensure), you can apply for a residency through our Center for Health and Wellness Promotion. If selected, you will have a full year with the college’s support to build your professional practice.
Yes! Every course in this program is offered in an online format.
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work as a health and wellness coach in the state of Illinois.

You may be able to work elsewhere with this certificate.

View professional licensure disclosures

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Empower health and wellness in others

What can you do with a Certificate in Health & Wellness Coaching?

NBHWC-Approved

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Community Health Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Health Education Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Healthcare Social Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical and Health Services Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 12 Credits

Semester 2 10 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Health and Wellness Promotion at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What exams will I qualify for after I complete the program?

What are some skills I need to be successful in this program?

What skills will I learn in this program?

Are there students like me in this program?

What is the Health and Wellness Residency program?

Can I take my classes online?

Where can I work as a health and wellness coach?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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