Health & Wellness Coaches use evidence-based strategies and skills to empower clients to achieve their goals. They are experts in behavior change, help clients work through their barriers, find their motivations and provide accountability. Demand for these skills is higher than ever as more people are looking to make changes in their lives and their health. And an extra bonus, adding board-certified Health and Wellness coaching to your credentials gives you a competitive edge to your career.
NBHWC Approved Training Program
Glendale Community College - Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate of Completion (CCL) is an approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & 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 & Wellness Coach.
Why does NBHWC certification matter?
It’s the gold standard for the future of Health & Wellness Coaching. The National Board of Health and Wellness coaching is a governing body setting an international standard of quality and curriculum for the health coaching field. NBHWC has collaborated with the National Board of Medical Examiners since 2016 to provide a robust certification examination. The NBC-HWC credential represents training, education and assessment standards, allowing for the profession to advance in all aspects of healthcare and wellness.
This program gave me the confidence and preparation I needed to succeed.
Program Information
In this program, you’ll develop a strong foundation in evidence-based health and wellness coaching, including:
- Coaching presence, active listening, and effective communication
- Behavior change strategies, including motivational interviewing and habit formation
- Goal setting, accountability, and client-centered coaching techniques
- Health and wellness fundamentals, including nutrition, sleep, stress, and chronic conditions
- Ethical and professional coaching practices aligned with national standards
You won’t just learn concepts—you’ll practice coaching in real scenarios, receive feedback, and build confidence every step of the way.
A structured, supportive learning experience designed for real life.
This 30-week program is delivered in two phases:
Phase 1: Learn & Practice (Weeks 1–20)
Participate in live, online evening sessions with expert faculty while building your coaching skills through demonstrations, peer coaching, and guided practice. You’ll develop confidence and qualify to move into the internship.
Phase 2: Internship (Weeks 21–30)
Apply your skills by coaching real clients using a digital platform for scheduling and sessions. Gain hands-on experience, receive feedback, and build confidence through real-world coaching.
Put your skills into action with real clients.
During the internship, you will:
- Coach real clients from the community, campus, and partner organizations
- Complete a minimum of 25 coaching sessions, with the opportunity to complete all 50 sessions required for national board certification
- Use a digital coaching platform for scheduling, documentation, and secure video sessions
- Receive structured support from faculty and peer review sessions
- Build confidence through hands-on, real-world experience
For health coaching professionals, there may be opportunities to complete your internship within your current workplace with organizational support.
You’ll walk away with more than knowledge—you’ll have real coaching experience, practical skills, and a clear pathway to national board certification.
Target Audiences
Fitness & Wellness Professionals
Turn your expertise into lasting client results
Enhance your current practice by adding behavior change and coaching skills that go beyond workouts and plans. Learn how to improve client motivation, increase retention, and help clients achieve sustainable results.
You’ll gain:
- Proven coaching techniques to drive long-term behavior change
- Tools to deepen client relationships and accountability
- Opportunities to expand your services and income potential
Healthcare Professionals
Improve patient outcomes through behavior change
Complement your clinical expertise with skills that help patients take action between visits. Health coaching supports adherence, lifestyle change, and stronger patient engagement.
You’ll gain:
- Evidence-based communication and motivational interviewing skills
- Strategies to support chronic condition management
- Tools to enhance patient adherence and satisfaction
Career Changers
Start a meaningful, people-centered career
If you’re looking for a career that aligns with your passion for healthy lifestyle and helping others, health coaching offers a flexible and growing path with real impact.
You’ll gain:
- In-demand skills in behavior change and coaching
- Real-world experience working with clients
- A clear pathway toward national board certification and new career opportunities