College of Education, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion Graduate Certificate for Health and Wellness Coaching

The University of Kentucky offers a Graduate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching through its Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion in the College of Education. 

The certificate equips students with the skills to be effective health coaches, grounded in health education and health promotion principles. Through practical application of these skills, culminating in an internship experience, students gain real-world experience in the field of health coaching. Our program is unique in that it is approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) through the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). 

The curriculum can be completed as a complement to a graduate degree program or as a standalone course of study. Current University of Kentucky graduate students are encouraged to apply early in their studies, with applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Students may complete the certificate as a complement to a graduate disciplinary degree program or as a stand-alone curriculum. Students who are currently enrolled as a graduate student in a department at the University of Kentucky are encouraged to apply for the Graduate Certificate for Health and Wellness Coaching program early in their graduate studies.

Applications are accepted throughout the year and are considered on a rolling admission basis.

Required Courses (9 Hours):

• KHP 673: Health Promotion and Behavior Change
• KHP 609: Health and Wellness Coaching
• KHP 679: Health Promotion and Health and Wellness Coaching Internship

• Potential to complete in one year
• Hands-on experiential coaching embedded throughout
• Work with a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach 
• Gain the opportunity to be eligible for the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach credential (NBC-HWC)

1. Complete an NBHWC approved training program. (UK Graduate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching)
2. Complete 50 health and wellness coaching sessions. (These are completed within your UK Certificate through the internship course. Be sure to log dates and durations during this time.)
3. Complete a minimum of an associates degree or 4,000 hours of work experience. 
4. NBHWC Exams are offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
5. Exams are completed at a testing facility ($100 application fee and $400 exam fee.) Results are received within 8 weeks. 
6. Upon passing, there is an annual $75 fee and requirement of 36 CEUs every 3 years. 

• Students will:
  • Be able to identify and apply theories and models specific to health education, health promotion, and health behavior change.
  • Be able to apply health promotion philosophical principles to their health-coaching career.
  • Have the skills required to be an effective health coach with a basis in health education and health promotion behavior change.
  • Participate in practical application of skills, culminating with an internship experience in the field of health coaching.
  • Be eligible to sit for the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching Exam through the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Learn more about the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches online.

• Admission to the Health and Wellness Coaching Graduate Certificate curriculum requires the following:
  • an undergraduate degree
  • admission to the University of Kentucky Graduate School**
  • a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate work
  • minimum GPA of 3.0 in any graduate work
  • a personal statement (500 word maximum), explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue the Graduate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching
  • names and contact information for three references
  • official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work

Visit our Admissions page online.