0 or 3 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Upper Division
This is a graduate-level course that will assist students in refining patient/client communications and applying lifestyle behavior change strategies in practice. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to health and wellness coaching principles, practices, and theories. Topics include core components and scope of health coaching, behavior change models and theories, coaching structure, screening and assessment, building rapport, motivational interviewing, and more. This course is part of a series that will prepare students for a health coaching certification and the potential to sit for the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) health coaching certification exam.
Learning Outcomes1Explain the role and scope of the health coach professional and core coaching competencies.
2Explore and understand the theoretical foundations of coaching psychology, behavior change models & theories.
3Establish fundamental knowledge within coaching applications and techniques, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral coaching, appreciative inquiry, and SMART goals techniques.
4Evaluate current literature and research in the field of health and wellness coaching.
5Demonstrate understanding of different assessments, screening tools, and health coaching techniques implemented through observation and peer-to-peer practice.
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.