Overview of Program
The Integrative Wellness Coaching (IWC) Certificate is oriented around the fundamental coaching competencies and skills recognized by professional credentialing organizations. The certificate program is best suited for individuals interested in obtaining skills and competencies in fundamental, intermediate, and advanced coaching methods that can be taken as a current degree student or non-degree student.
For those individuals currently enrolled in one of the CIMHS degree programs, the required three courses (9 credits) may be taken as part of their required curriculum. The Integrative Wellness Coaching Certificate program offers one enrollment period in the spring semester. By completing the required coursework and passing the practical examination, students will earn a Certificate in Integrative Wellness Coaching.
This certificate program is approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF) for 125 hours of coach training and also by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) as an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training and Education Program.
Note: As part of the certificate courses, students will complete a Practical Skills Evaluation (PSA), four additional skill evaluations, and a practical examination. Students are required to achieve an 82% or higher on the examination, the PSA, and the two evaluations in 5593 to receive the certification. It is possible to pass course requirements and not obtain the certificate.
Saybrook's IWC Certificate program is specifically geared toward individuals who do not currently hold an ICF or NBHWC credential. Licensure Disclosure: For information on where Saybrook University meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit: https://www.saybrook.edu/admissions/professional-licensure-and-certification-disclosures/
Program Learning Outcomes
- Explain the influence of biopsychosocial factors on general health and wellbeing and the implications for individuals, organizations, and/or communities.
- Describe and apply the foundational values, ethical principles, and best practices of the field to oneself and others.
- Apply cultural humility, diversity awareness, and inclusion to support health equity and social justice in healthcare systems.
- Articulate the application of self-reflection and self-care skills.
- Assess and synthesize evidence, theories, and established practices in integrative healthcare.
- Critically evaluate research methods and apply published research.
- Compose original, grammatically correct, coherent, concise, and well-articulated written work in APA style.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the certificate program may market themselves as having a certificate in Integrative Wellness Coaching and work in a variety of settings including private practice, health care, corporate wellness, and educational institutions. In addition, graduates are eligible to apply for additional credentialing through the ICF and NBHWC.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants for the non-degree Certificate in IWC must submit the following documents:
- An official transcript from an accredited university demonstrating successful completion of an undergraduate degree, with a 3.0 GPA or better;
- Professional resume or CV;
- Personal statement; and
- The Department chair may require a writing sample if applicants submit a personal statement that contains any grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, or poorly organized text.
Provisional Acceptance
Applicants who fail to meet the identified program standards for academic integrity, academic writing, GPA, and/or professional communications may be admitted provisionally for a specified period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits. Provisionally admitted applicants must meet the identified standards noted in their letter of acceptance by the deadline. Failure to achieve the identified standards/expectations [e.g., acceptable academic integrity, adequate academic writing, a minimum GPA of 3.0, pass all courses with a B or above, or appropriate professional communications] within the identified time period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits will result in dismissal. Students admitted provisionally cannot appeal dismissal from Saybrook University as a result of a failure to meet the conditions identified in their acceptance letter.
Residential / University / Virtual Learning Experience
Students enrolled in the IWC certificate program must attend any residential, university, or virtual learning experience as required for the courses in which they choose to enroll. Refer to the course descriptions for requirements.
Program Specific Requirements
All new students participate in Saybrook University’s “Getting Started” and the MBM Department’s virtual orientation sessions at the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. During the orientation, students are introduced to administrative staff, faculty, university-wide policies, technology, student services, library databases, best practices, advising, and more.
Credits/Hours
Students should expect to spend approximately 40 hours per every 1 credit hour, or 120 hours of schoolwork for each 3-credit course, engaged in schoolwork (e.g., reading, watching videos, completing assignments, and more). Therefore, students should anticipate spending approximately 8 hours per week on schoolwork for each 15-week course. The actual time needed will vary by course, by week, and by student.
Mode of Delivery
Most of the coursework is conducted online and at a distance, so students can live and work anywhere in the world as they engage with faculty and peers. The classes incorporate a variety of instructional and assessment methods including asynchronous discussion forums, live videoconferences, interactive web-based activities, and written assignments. In addition, the MBM department utilizes virtual and residential learning experiences for real-time training, to support online classes. These virtual and residential learning conferences are usually held at the start of the spring and fall semesters.
Fall and spring semesters are 15 weeks; summer courses are 8 or 12 weeks long.
Length of Program
The average time to complete the 9-credit IWC certificate requirements is three semesters or one year, starting in the spring (15 weeks), continuing in the summer 8 weeks), and ending in the fall semester (15 weeks).
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