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About the Duke Health & Well-Being Coach Training

WHY CHOOSE DUKE?

Delivers a world-class program that is based in research and years of clinical experience.
Developed as one of the first Health and Well-Being Coach Training programs in the country in 2008, providing years of experience and expertise in teaching health coaching.
Positioned in the renowned Duke University and Duke University Health System with experts in their fields contributing to the course curriculum.
Provides extensive hands-on health coaching practice with expert feedback and mentorship to ensure excellence and comfort for graduates to take on the role of health and well-being coach upon completion.
Utilizes the Duke Health & Well-Being developed Wheel of Health model to give a comprehensive and whole person framework for coaches to provide thorough assessment and personal health planning for their clients.
Informed by the tenets of integrative health and incorporates teaching and understanding of mindful awareness.
Described frequently as a transformative experience, both personally and professionally, by program graduates.
Approved as one of the first Health and Well-Being Coach programs by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) that provides program graduates eligibility to sit for the National Board Certification Exam.
Graduates of the program consistently pass the NBWHC exam above the national average pass rate.
Offers continuing education credits for successful course completion.
Presents the ability to complete the entire course remotely, and soon, also offering the Blended in-person course as well.
Named as one of the most trusted Health Coach Programs and on several of the best Health Coach program lists.

During the Duke Health & Well-Being Coach Training

You will…
  • Gain an understanding of the science of behavior change, personal health planning, the Wheel of Health, and mindful awareness.
  • Learn the essential elements of Health & Well-Being Coaching and how to apply them with individuals and groups.
  • Acquire the coaching expertise needed to successfully motivate others to adopt positive behaviors for sustainable health and wellness.

The Duke Health & Well-Being Coach Training Curriculum includes:

Orientation

  • Introduction 
  • Transformation of healthcare and the role of health & well-being coaches 
  • Research on the efficacy of health & well-being coaching.

Essential Elements of Coaching

  • How to effectively utilize coaching skills such as other-focused listening, reflections, inquiry, and summary to assist clients in articulating their desired behavior changes, health vision and goals. 
  • Whole person care, the Wheel of Health (WOH), and Personalized Health Planning as they relate to health & well-being coaching. 
  • Mindful awareness and its role in enhancing the application of coaching skills, process, and partnership.
  • Roles of coach and client in the coaching relationship

Readiness to Change

  • How to effectively utilize the Health & Well-Being Coaching Process Model to assist clients in establishing their optimal health vision and values, exploring their readiness to make behavior changes, setting goals and action steps, and assessing progress over time. 

Supporting Behavior Change

  • Key fundamentals of successful goal setting and action steps 
  • The four strategies of preparation for action 
  • The change process including the review of key concepts of the neuroscience of behavior change and existing behavior change models and theories.

Coaching Series Structure

  • The global structure of a coaching series that occurs over time, as well as the structure and objectives of each session within a coaching series. 

Professional Practice

  • Introduction of yourself as a health coach 
  • Integration of the Process Model from Focus through Preparation for Action in a single session 
  • Advantages and challenges of group coaching and the integration of coaching elements with group facilitation skills.
  • Ethical considerations for the coaching profession. 

Assessment

  • To demonstrate knowledge of the core competencies, short quizzes are incorporated throughout, along with a written exam that is completed before moving into the second phase of training. 

Advanced Skills

An advanced application, self-directed phase focused on more in-depth practice, client recruitment, and work with experienced coach mentors.

  • Healthy Lifestyle E-learning Curriculum:  Designed to provide coaches with a well-rounded review of health including whole-person health, chronic diseases and conditions, health behaviors, and risk factors.  
  • Overcoming challenging situations E-Learning 
  • Mentor sessions for personalized feedback on coaching skills 
  • Self-directed peer practice groups 
  • Deeper Dive Sessions: A deeper understanding of specific coaching topics 
  • Written exams and oral exams. 

Choose Your Path

DHWCT is offered in two formats to accommodate your schedule and learning preferences.

Distance Learning

Duration: 9-10 months

Training Delivery: 17 live webinars (3 hours, once per week), followed by self-directed distance learning 

Phase 1 – Core Competencies: 

  • Weekly Live sessions: Live instructor-led training   coaching demonstrations and facilitated small group coaching practice 
  • Online Components: E-learning modules on coaching topics, coaching demonstration videos, short quizzes throughout, and Core Competencies Assessment. 

Phase 2 – Advanced Skills: 

  • Self-directed phase which includes individualized mentoring sessions to provide feedback on your client sessions
  • Expert led skills seminars 
  • E-learning modules include Health Lifestyle Curriculum, Overcoming Challenging Coaching Situations & Business of Coaching 
  • Concludes with demonstration of the application of coaching skills and process via a practice skills assessment 

  Note: Full Attendance to all live webinars is required. Once you select your section, it is not possible to move between sections. 

 

 

 

Register for a live webinar by selecting the date that works best for your schedule. Webinars are held from 12-1 pm EST.

 

January 23

February 27

apply or register now!

 

Blended In-Person and Distance Learning

Returning in March 2025!

Duration: 7-8 months 

Training Delivery: 8 days at Duke IM (2 four-day modules, 6-8 weeks apart), followed by self-directed distance learning 

Phase 1 – Core Competencies 

  • On-site Trainings: The two four-day modules include instructor-led training, small group coaching practice, coaching demonstrations, and experiential practice with mentored feedback. 
  • Online Components between modules: E-learning modules on coaching topics, coaching demonstration videos & short quizzes throughout. Students participate in four 90-minute skills practice sessions. 

Phase 2 – Advanced Skills 

  • Self-directed phase which includes individualized mentoring sessions to provide feedback on your coaching sessions
  • Expert led skills seminars 
  • E-learning modules include Health Lifestyle Curriculum, Overcoming Challenging Coaching Situations & Business of Coaching 
  • Concludes with demonstration of the application of coaching skills and process via a practical skills assessment.∗

Want to learn more?

Register for a live webinar by selecting the date that works best for your schedule. Webinars are held from 12-1 pm EST.

 

January 23

Apply or Register Now!

Program FAQ

What is a Health & Well-Being Coach?

A Health & Well-Being Coach: 

  • Partners with their clients who are looking to optimize their well-being to make lasting behavior changes that are aligned with their goals and values.  
  • Utilizes their skills in motivational approaches, knowledge of the science of behavior change and a client centered approach to support their client in creating and sustaining change in health and well-being.  
  • Displays positive regard for their clients and a belief that each client is an expert on their own life and working from a framework that is respectful and non-judgmental. 

What can you do as a Health & Well-Being Coach?

      • Healthcare teams 
  • Employee wellness programs 
  • Digital coaching platforms 
  • Private practice 
  • Insurance companies 
  • Schools and universities 
  • Fitness centers 

Why is now the time to become a health coach?

Learn more about what are graduates are doing: 

Jennifer Bachman 

Michael Mickens 

Anna Bataskes

Serena Jain

Those who successfully complete all the course modules and requirements will earn a Certificate of Completion, Continuing Education Units, and International Coach Federation Continuing Coach Education (CCE) Credits. 

  • Physicians: 121.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits 
  • Nurses: 121.5 credit hours 
  • Pharmacists: 121.5 hours 
  • 12 CEUs 

The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC): This program is an NBHWC-Approved Training Program. Successful graduates meet the training requirements to be eligible to sit for the HWC Certifying Examination required for health & wellness coaches to become National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC). 

 

NBHWC Seal of Approval

For the Blended In-Person and Distance Learning, what kinds of hotel accommodations are available in the area?

We have a room block reserved at Hilton Garden Inn Durham/University Medical Center for March 23, 2025, through March 28, 2025, and May 18, 2025, through May 23, 2025. Booking your room is simple, just select “Book a Room” to receive your group’s preferred rate of $169.00/night. 

Book Your March Reservation 

Book Your May Reservation 

For the Blended In-Person and Distance Learning, what is the closest airport?

The closest airport is the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). The airport is 18 miles from Duke University.

Do You Have Additional Questions?

We have compiled a list of questions we are often asked. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for the answers to common questions about the DHWCT.

Click here to learn more about our name change and curriculum enhancements.

If you are unable to find the information you need after viewing our Frequently Asked Questions, please contact DHW Programs.

Click here to review the DHWCT Attendance Policy.

System Requirements

The minimum system requirements for participation are as follows:

  • Internet access
  • Desktop or laptop computer. Note: Chromium operating systems (Chromebooks) are not fully supported and will result in not being able to fully participate in courses.
  • Phone line with long-distance capability
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Blended Health Coach Training Returns in 2025!

We are announcing the return of our Blended Health Coach Training in March 2025! Combine dynamic in-person training at Duke with flexible distance learning. Join us for a transformative experience!

Apply or Register NowLearn More
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