- Accredited Certificate
Graduate Certificate in Wellness Coaching
The 15-credit online Graduate Certificate in Wellness Coaching at ACHS offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive as wellness coaches in diverse professional settings. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications, this program emphasizes the development of effective communication strategies, stress management techniques, integrative health approaches, and entrepreneurial skills necessary to support clients in achieving holistic well-being and success. Graduates of this certificate program will emerge prepared to provide clients with coaching plans that empower healthier lifestyles and improve overall wellness.
Earning the NBC-HWC credential supports professional credibility and can help build trust with clients and employers to stand out in a growing field. It also reflects preparation in evidence-informed coaching, behavior change, ethics, scope of practice, and practical coaching skills.
Board certification may strengthen qualifications for professional pathways in:
- Hospitals and primary care clinics
- Corporate and employee wellness programs
- Insurance and population health organizations
- Digital health and wellness platforms
- Community and mental wellness programs
- Private coaching
Practical Coaching Skills
Build trust-based coaching techniques and behavior-change strategies for real client sessions.
Business-Ready Training
Learn the essentials of running a wellness coaching practice, from ethics to marketing.
Accredited Excellence
ACHS is an accredited institution with a nearly 50 year history of excellence.
Personalized Support
Expert faculty, peer support, and library access, available anywhere you are.
Built for Your Life
Weekly live lectures, facilitated discussion boards, and experiential learning on your schedule.
Professional Pathways & Credentialing
National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
Meets the educational and approved program requirements to become a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.
Free eBook: Top Tips for Funding Your Wellness Education
Going back to school is an important financial investment. We’re here to help you figure out how to fund your education, so you can make the most of that investment.
Required Courses
The courses in this 15-credit program provide the foundation and practical skills you need to Master Wellness Coaching:
Learning Outcomes
- Utilize coaching techniques to develop trust and confidence during client consultation sessions.
- Apply the science of behavior change to design effective personal wellness plans.
- Interpret current research, including theories, practices, and ethical and cultural considerations for effective wellness coaching.
- Articulate the body’s structure and function in health and disease to support coaching conversations and the development of wellness plans.
- Develop the components of a wellness business to effectively implement record keeping, required insurance, scope of practice, ethics, legal considerations, marketing, and networking.
Admission Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need to do to get started:
Step 1: Hold a Bachelor's Degree
Provide official transcripts for a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Learn more.
Don’t have a bachelor’s degree yet?
Start your journey with an ACHS bachelor’s program and build the foundation for graduate study.
Step 2: Apply Online
Complete and submit your application online to begin the admissions process. Learn more.
Step 3: Achieve Acceptance for Admission
Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee for an admission recommendation.
Step 4: Confirm Your Funding
Work with the ACHS team to finalize your funding, including payment plans, tuition assistance or military benefits, or financial aid for those who qualify. Learn more.
Step 5: Complete Your Enrollment
Review and sign your Academic Plan and Enrollment Agreement once accepted.
Step 6: Attend Orientation
Explore ACHS learning and student support resources through our online Orientation and Welcome Week activities
Apply Your Education in Real-World Settings
Learn to apply wellness coaching principles across a range of professional settings. Coursework in behavior change, stress management, and wellness business fundamentals builds practical skills that translate directly to client-facing and consultative roles. With a foundation in ethical, research-informed coaching practices, you’ll be prepared to support clients’ health and wellness goals across diverse care and business settings.
Professional Pathways for this certificate include:
Wellness Coach
Holistic Life Coach
Lifestyle Coach or Consultant
Health and Wellness Consultant, Educator**, or Speaker
Plan Your Path With an Advisor
Connect with an admissions advisor to talk through your goals, get personalized guidance, and explore your future education.
Tuition and Financial Aid
You can estimate your total tuition and fees by clicking on each required course below to view all associated costs. Tuition and fees are subject to change. Explore options to reduce costs through credit transfers, challenge exams, and eTextbooks here. Financial aid opportunities are also available. Here’s a look at the projected maximum cost for the Graduate Certificate in Integrative Health and Wellness.
$12,681
Estimated Total
$200
Registration Fee
$9,975
Tuition
$2,456
Books and Supplies
$50
Graduation Fee
This estimate includes all textbooks, materials, and the online ACHS eTextbook. It reflects the courses with the greatest out-of-pocket costs and is based on 2026-2027 tuition rates. Actual costs may be lower if you qualify for transfer credit, pass a challenge exam, or opt for eBook options.
The Value of Accreditation
ACHS is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
This status ensures that your education meets high academic and professional standards, giving you confidence in the quality and credibility of your training.
Program Disclosures
- Completing the ACHS certificate fulfills the NBHWC-approved training requirement, but does not automatically confer board certification. Applicants must also meet NBHWC’s current eligibility requirements. These include qualifying coaching sessions and education or work-experience requirements, and passing the certifying examination. Review the NBHWC certification requirements for full details.
- This program does not prepare students to sit for the NCHEC CHES exam or become a Certified Health Education Specialist. Learn more about CHES pathways here.
FAQs
What can I do with a Graduate Certificate in Wellness Coaching?
Graduates may pursue opportunities as health and wellness coaches, lifestyle and behavior-change coaches, corporate wellness coaches, or wellness program coordinators. Potential settings include hospitals and clinics, corporate wellness programs, insurance and population health organizations, digital health companies, community organizations, and private coaching practices. The NBC-HWC coaching credential is a widely recognized and sought after professional coaching credential. Career opportunities vary based on experience, certification, employer requirements, and applicable state laws.
Does this online wellness coaching certificate prepare me for NBHWC certification?
Yes. The ACHS Graduate Certificate in Wellness Coaching is an NBHWC-Approved Training Program. Graduates complete the approved education and training requirement needed to pursue the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential. Candidates must also meet all other current NBHWC eligibility requirements and pass the certifying examination. Completing the certificate does not automatically confer board certification.
Is this program fully online?
Yes. ACHS offers the Graduate Certificate in Wellness Coaching 100% online, making it accessible to students across the United States and internationally. Through interactive online courses, weekly live faculty lectures, and class discussions, students develop practical skills in wellness coaching, communication, behavior change, ethics, and professional practice.
Can I start a wellness coaching business after completing this certificate?
Yes, this certificate includes training in the core components of a wellness coaching business, including record keeping, insurance, scope of practice, ethics, legal considerations, marketing, and networking. Combined with your coaching skills, this prepares you to build and run your own wellness coaching practice.
Ready To Turn Your Passion Into a Profession?
Apply now, or speak to one of our expert advisors.