Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching

"It was beautiful to see how the coaching process unfolded and created positive change in a patient . . ." Amy Smith, FNP, Class of 2017

The Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching program is an innovative skills-based education with two certification pathways - Integrative Health Coach or Integrative Wellness Coach. Online curriculum, mentor-supervised practice (via video-call), and a number of faculty-led synchronous virtual training events via Zoom provide students with the mastery of a whole person coaching practice.

Looking to enhance your practice or start a new career? Want to help patients or clients make important changes to improve their health and wellbeing?

Apply Now

We are now accepting applications for the Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching certification program. Cohorts start online October 2021 (October is now on a waitlist status) and Spring 2022 (date TBD).

NEW Program Design
All distance learning - with increased synchronous training sessions via Zoom!

The AWCIM IHW Coaching program is approved by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching. Our graduates can sit for the national exam.

Pathways

One program, Two paths:

  • Integrative Health Coach
  • Integrative Wellness Coach

Which path is best for you?

Free Course

Get a sneak peek into an abbreviated version of the first course, Intro to Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching.

What is Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching

AWCIM defines Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching (IHWC) as a client-centered, relational approach to working with individuals collaboratively to address the health and wellbeing of the whole person. It acknowledges the interdependent roles of mind, body and spirit, and the innate healing capacity within each person, with an emphasis on self-care. An integrative health or wellness coach forms a partnership with individuals or groups to empower and support them in achieving their personal goals related to optimal health and wellness.

Pathways & Eligibility

Eligibility to apply for the Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching certification program is based on your chosen pathway.

Integrative Health Coach Pathway

For healthcare professionals ( see list of eligible professions/education levels ) with:

  • Integrative Health and Medicine education from AWCIM’s Integrative Health & Lifestyle program, IM Fellowship, or IM Residency training
  • OR equivalent program

 

Integrative Wellness Coach Pathway

For individuals with:

  • Bachelor's degree in any field OR
  • Associate's degree with a number of years of related health or wellness experience

And a

 

If you don't fit our current eligibility requirements, please consider sending us an exception request.

What You Will Learn

  • Learn to approach clients/patients as partners in health and wellness.
  • Become proficient in motivational interviewing and goal-setting/attainment skills to empower clients/patients to be more successful in achieving sustainable and transformational lifestyle changes.
  • Attain a level of knowledge and understanding of applied coaching theory requisite to work independently or in a team environment as a health coach.
  • Demonstrate the required level of coaching skill and proficiency both in a classroom environment as well as with actual clients/patients.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the integrative health and wellness knowledge when working with clients/patients in a health or wellness coaching capacity

How You Will Learn

University of Arizona's Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM) Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching certification program is a blend of online coursework, video-conference-based mentor-supervised group and individual practice, documented practice-client hours, face-to-face training sessions, and rigorous assessments to ensure both skill and knowledge attainment.

Please Contact Admissions Team with request for new/updated program schedule with dates/times for faculty-led synchronous live Zoom trainings. The PDF below will give you a clear picture of curriculum and training, but not the new design that replaces Tucson training events with synchronous zoom trainings scheduled throughout the six-month program.

A 6-month training program blending online learning, face-to-face workshops, and live video practicums dedicated to successful skill-attainment. Expect to devote 8-10 hours per week to complete the work.

  • Online curriculum
  • Faculty-led class training sessions live via video call technology
  • Experienced mentor supervisors who support your learning, provide valuable feedback and guidance.
    • Mentor-supervised small team practices
    • Mentor-supervised 1:1 coaching practical assessments v
  • Self-care activities

Completion Requirements & AWCIM Certification

The following are required for both Integrative Health Coach and Wellness Coach certification pathways:

  • Successfully complete all online curriculum and requirements
  • Participate in all mentor-supervised team practices and five 1:1 mentor-supervised practices (video-call)
  • Attendance of all required synchronous virtual live training sessions.

The following certification evaluation measures are required for certification:

  • Passing score on final supervised 1:1 coaching session (mentor-supervisor, followup session with existing practice client)
  • Passing score on coaching evaluation (non-team supervisor, AWCIM volunteer partner, initial coaching session)
  • Approved Graduation Portfolio
  • Proficiency score on MITI (What is MITI)
  • Passing score on online Final knowledge Exam
  • Documented* sessions: 70 coaching hours

*A minimum of 10 practice clients with agreement forms signed. Documented hours of practice may be done up to 6 months after completion of the online program.

In addition to your AWCIM Certification in either Integrative Health Coaching or Wellness Coaching, our graduates are eligible to sit for the National Exam for Health and Wellness Board Certification.

Development of this program is made possible, in part, thanks to generous contributions from the Blythe Brenden-Mann Foundation.

More About IH Coaching