Academic Integrative Medicine (AIM) Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate Program

figure climbing wooden steps held by hand

About

This is a six-month virtual coaching program that promotes innovation, academic rigor, collaboration, and cultural humility. 

The UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute (SSIHI) Academic Integrative Medicine (AIM) Health & Wellness Coaching certificate program, which emphasizes integrative practices, is grounded in the conventional healthcare model. This powerful combination of traditional and whole-person care training prepares health coaches to participate on multidisciplinary teams within the healthcare setting.

Students are trained to provide integrative and holistic health coaching to clients with a variety of clinical conditions and prevention goals. The program offers a focus of supporting those with mental health challenges that impact their experience of wellness.

*Continuing Medical Education (CME): AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Information Sessions:

  • Wednesday, March 13, between 12-1 p.m. Register here.
  • Wednesday, April 17, between 5-6 p.m. Register here.

*Information session attendees will receive an application fee waiver ($75 value).

If you have questions, please contact ssihieducation@hs.uci.edu.

Who should apply:

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution (applicants with a healthcare background are highly encouraged to apply)
  • Interest and/or experience in academic medicine, healthcare in underserved communities and incorporating integrative health into a medical practice (relevant disciplines include psychology, social work, business, education, etc.)

Program commitment:

AIM-HWC is a six-month virtual program.

  • AIM-HWC is a six-month program that includes 48 hours of live, synchronous learning (virtual) and asynchronous learning.
  • Synchronous learning: Tuesdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. PT
  • Asynchronous learning: two hours a week, plus reading

Next cohort: July 9 – December 17, 2024

How to Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with the final deadline coming soon. Please check back for updates.

Application Fee: $75

Deadline: June 1, 2024

Tuition cost:

  • Total tuition: $10,000
  • Scholarships are available for qualified applicants: $1,000 UCI Scholarship to students, alumni, faculty and staff at UCI

Curriculum

Key Benefits

  • The program is certified through the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and is highly recognized within healthcare.
  • It teaches interdisciplinary healthcare delivery that is both conventional and integrative by utilizing evidence-based strategies to meet the needs of diverse populations, especially focused on underserved and underrepresented.
  • It includes learning dedicated to mental and behavioral health considerations, and coaching strategies to support clients to make self-selected lifestyle changes.
  • It partners with several regional and state organizations to advance the future of healthcare.

The program is approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), making our graduates NBHWC board eligible.

NBHWC Seal

Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute – AIM Health & Wellness Coaching is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Upon completion, graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

Leadership

robert mccarron
Robert McCarron, DO

Director of Education; Vice Chair of Education and Integrated Care |

Associate Dean, Continuing Medical Education, School of Medicine; Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine

Theresa Nutt
Theresa Nutt, MA, BSN, HNB-BC, NBC-HWC

Director of Health and Wellness Coaching |

Health and Wellness Coach

Kristen Ahn
Kristen Ahn

Administrative Director for Education

Testimonials

I strongly encourage my fellow public health graduate students to consider pursuing this program. In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, where holistic approaches to health are increasingly valued, acquiring coaching skills can set individuals apart and open doors to diverse career opportunities. This certification serves as an investment in professional growth that will undoubtedly enrich your careers and the lives of those you serve.

Hemangi Mavadiya, MPH, RD, AIM-HWC alumna and UCI Public Health doctoral candidate
Hemangi Mavadiya
Hemangi Mavadiya, MPH, RD

Read about Hemangi Mavadiya, MPH, RD, and her experience with the AIM Health and Wellness Coaching program:
Nourishing a future in research between public health and nutrition

The instructors and their real-world experiences and stories were great!
I appreciated working in a small cohort and sharing our learnings along the way.

KA, AIM HWC alumna and Global Executive
Krystianne Avedian (KA)
KA (Krystianne Avedian)
Alumna Ashley McKeachie shares why she chose UCI.
HWC Alum Sara Martinez shares how she’s using what she learned in the program for her job as a nurse.
Current Student Susan Katz, professor emerita, University of San Francisco
Alum Krystianne Avedian (KA), MBA, global executive

I feel more inspired professionally since taking this course. I am inspired to help people move through ambivalence and into the full expression of their most fulfilling lives.

Marcelle Hayashida, PhD

Watch Overview of Health and Wellness Coaching Program with Director Theresa Nutt

Watch Integrative Insider Live: Health and Wellness Coaching Webinar

Contact Us

For more information regarding the AIM Health & Wellness Coaching program, please email ssihieducation@hs.uci.edu