NBHWC-ApprovedTraining Program
Everyone Called it a Hobby. The National Board of Medical Examiners Calls it a Credential.
HHE's NBHWC training program September 14th cohort now enrolling
The HHE Holistic Health Coach Certification is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified.
At some point, it stopped being a hobby.
You're not sure there was a single moment. It was gradual. One person you helped, then another. A protocol that worked. A conversation where you realized you knew more than you thought you did.
The question now is what to do with that.
You've looked around. The options aren't obvious. And you don't want a certificate. You want a credential that means something to someone who doesn't already know you.
There's really only one that fits that description in health coaching right now.
The only health coaching credential recognized by the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Health coaching is a $24.1 billion industry and growing rapidly, with no professional standard.
Clients and employers want to work with a health coach, but they have no reliable way to evaluate who actually knows what they're doing. Someone who decided to promote a supplement line last month and someone who has spent years studying, working with clients, staying current with research, and showing up to professional roundtables like the ones HHE hosts carry the same title. There's nothing on the surface to tell them apart.
That's not a knock on coaches. It's a problem with the category.
The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching was assembled to fix that.
To create academic and professional standards that coaches could meet and practice by, so clients, employers, and healthcare systems would have a way to identify who has done the work.
It's the only health coaching credential recognized by the National Board of Medical Examiners. It’s the same board that licenses physicians.
- Hospitals are hiring NBHWCs by name.
- Corporate wellness programs are listing it in job postings.
- Integrative clinics want it on your resume.
- FSA and HSA account managers are recognizing it.
HHE avoided most credentialing bodies for 13 years.Amy explains why NBHWC was different.
Amy Sprouse, MPH (Johns Hopkins) — HHE Co-Founder & Curriculum Director
What people said after finding this program
More confidence. More structure. More ways to grow your coaching career.
The credential matters, but the lasting difference is how confidently you show up for the people you coach.
This is for you. Or it isn't. Here's how to know…
- 01You want stronger coaching and communication skills
- 02You believe mental health is a key part of healing
- 03You want to work more closely with clinics or qualify for an NPI number
- 04You want legal clarity and scope around coaching difficult health topics
- 05You’re curious about evidence-based coaching methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing
- 06You want national-level recognition and distinction in your career
What the Credential Actually Changes
And what it adds to your work
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01
Get trained on what clients actually walk in with
Hypertension, diabetes, depression... the top conditions people seek alternatives to conventional care. You'll also get formal training in the psychology of behavior change and client-centered coaching, so you know not just what to recommend but how to get people to actually do it.
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02
Open doors that were previously closed
Qualify for roles in integrative and functional clinics, health systems, and corporate wellness programs who are looking for Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBHWC).
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03
Qualify for an NPI Number
After passing the board exam, you can apply for a National Provider Identifier, a unique 10 digit identification number for US healthcare professionals. This can open doors for insurance reimbursement (by participating insurance companies), streamline FSA/HSA reimbursement, and increase your access to professional resources in accounts like Fullscript.
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04
Apply Advanced Coaching Tools
Learn evidence-based coaching techniques you can immediately use with clients, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
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05
Stand Out in the Field
Right now, most health coaches don't have this. The NBHWC is recognized by clinics, employers, and clients who know the difference between a certificate and a credential.
You'll be even better prepared to...
- Run a private coaching business
- Receive referrals from licensed professionals
- Join corporate or clinical wellness teams
- Educate communities or speak on health stages
- Launch your dream health-related business
The People Teaching This Cohort
Tammi Cross
National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Therapeutic Nutritional Counselor, Entrepreneur
Tammy McArthur
Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Therapist, HHC/TNC
Amy Sprouse
MPH, Certified Holistic Health Coach, Therapeutic Nutritional Counselor
Dana Medlin
Integrative Functional Nutrition Practitioner, HHP, NBHWC, Author
WHERE THIS TAKES YOU
Doors open that weren't open before.
NBHWC holders work across a range of settings. Most didn't plan their path in advance — they finished the program and found where they fit.
- 01Private practice — One-on-one coaching, individuals or groups. Your credential gives clients a reason to choose you over someone who just calls themselves a coach.
- 02Integrative and functional medicine clinics — Physicians and NDs are actively looking for NBHWCs. The credential is what gets you the referral relationship, not just a conversation.
- 03Corporate wellness — Companies with employee wellness programs are listing NBHWC in job postings. It's a hiring specification now, not a nice-to-have.
- 04Community and education settings — Schools, universities, nonprofits, community health programs. Places that need documented qualifications before they'll bring someone in.
- 05Speaking and workshops — The credential changes how a room receives you. You're not just someone with opinions about health.
- 06Wellness retreats and hospitality — Spas, resorts, and retreat centers adding credentialed coaching to their offerings.
Program Details: What the September Cohort Looks Like
- Start DateSeptember 14th
- Duration20 Weeks
- Live Class TimesMondays/Thursdays 7:00–8:30 PM ET
Format: Weekly live trainings (required 2x per week), online videos, assigned readings, and peer coaching sessions (80 hours total)
Study Group & Exam Prep Support: Every student has the option to participate in organized study sessions led by an NBHWC-certified health coach. These groups provide encouragement, accountability, and guided review of key concepts, making preparation structured and supportive.
Classes are live on Zoom: Cameras on, required by NBHWC. The same board that oversees physician licensing takes engagement seriously. So do we. It's part of what makes this credential mean something.
What the program costs and what it's worth.
20 WeeksDuration
80 Hours TotalLive Training, Videos, Readings & Peer Coaching
2x Per WeekRequired Live Trainings
Note: Tuition does not include the board exam fee or books. Confirm the current exam fee directly with NBHWC when you're ready to apply.
Return on Investment:
- $45–$100 per coaching session = recoup investment in 1 to 6 months — depending on your client load and experience.
- $1500 per private client = recoup investment with 2 clients
- Over two thirds of full-time NBHWCs report earning $50K–$100K+ annually, with private-practice coaches reporting an average hourly rate of –$110/session ($75–150/session), and employed coaches averaging earnings of $44.69/hour.
Source: National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), 2025 Annual Survey Report
$2,600
- For those without a health and wellness background, an additional bundle of courses may be required to fill gaps in your knowledge base (speak to an Academic Advisor to learn your options)
Financing available (based on credit)
Tuition shouldn't be the reason you don't do this. An HHE Academic Advisor can walk you through every financing option available.
What You'll Actually Cover
Six weeks of what you'll cover. Your advisor has the full 20-week breakdown.
Week One
Introduction To Health Coaching
- What is a Health Coach
- Coaching preparation
- How to conduct a Health Coaching session
Week Two
Client Behavior
- Strengthen coaching sessions – what to do and what not to do
- Client Preparation
- Alternatives to common coaching procedures
Week Three
Chronic Diseases
- Common chronic diseases
- How to effectively coach clients with these diseases
Week Four
Client Centered Relationships
- Educate and inform
- How to offer suggestions
- Empowering clients
Week Five
Trust
- Build trust and rapport with clients
- Active listening skills
Week Six
Motivational Interviewing
- Foundations of Motivational Interviewing
- Client emotion and energy
Graduate Perspective
“Being an NBHWC board certified coach definitely sets us apart from any other coaching.”
– Tammi Cross, 2025 Graduate — now a 2026 Instructor
“It’s been incredible, and has given me valuable knowledge and practice. I am a much more professional and valuable coach now. My energy is directed appropriately and efficiently and in a manner that is well-received by my clients. Our sessions are more powerful, they have “more meat on their bones” than before NBHWC.”
– Julie E.
"I thought it was about [being able to accept] insurances... in the end, I could care less about that. I saw that we were able to utilize more of this Eastern philosophy and introduce it to the West. I'm very happy I made the decision to enroll."
– Jill Studacher
“My eyes have been opened to a whole new level of being able to have a positive influence on people in such a unique way.
I didn't know this way of thinking and being was possible. I feel that this will change my life and relationships in so many positive ways, not only career wise, but personally.”
– Yolanda Degler, Program Graduate
“I didn’t expect how much this program would improve my communication with my family. It’s almost like it was a communication skills course, not a health coach training. There is something really powerful about encouraging others autonomy and guiding and supporting them through their journey of achieving their goals!”
– Aimee Hammond, Program Graduate
The September 14th cohort has limited seats.
Talk to an Academic Advisor before you decide. They'll answer your questions, walk you through financing, and tell you honestly whether this cohort makes sense for where you are right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 01
What is the difference between NBHWC and HHE's HHC/TNC Dual Certification Programs?
Holistic Health Educators Certification Programs are rich in health sciences, natural health protocols for diseases/conditions, practical health knowledge, lifestyle instruction, health behavior change, and extensive training on cellular anatomy & physiology.
The NBHWC program focuses more on coaching techniques, interpersonal skills, active listening, ethics, and how to run board-approved coaching sessions.
While different in content, these two programs complement each other well, so that coaches emerge with both KNOWLEDGE of how to help the body heal, and SKILLS of how to help others adopt the behavior changes necessary to actually heal.
Question 02
How much time should I expect to spend on this a week?
There are two live classes a week that run either Monday and Wednesday night, or Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. This makes for approximately 4 hours of live instruction a week.
Outside of class, there are book readings, and some online videos to watch. We also host optional weekly study group sessions.
We suggest budgeting 6–10 hours per week on average for this program.
Question 03
Is live attendance required? How many classes am I allowed to miss?
You are required to attend classes live and complete the coursework within the 20 week period. You are allowed to miss 2 live classes; if you miss more than that, you'll need to make it up with the instructor. It's a real commitment — and it's also what makes the credential worth having.
Question 04
What are the benefits of being board certified? Can I be reimbursed through clients' FSA/HSA accounts?
Most graduates of the NBHWC program use their NPI (National Provider Identifier) to be approved through their clients' FSA/HSA spending accounts.
If a graduate chooses to collaborate with a healthcare system that has an EMR system, that opens the door to utilizing CPT codes.
We do not guarantee you will be able to bill insurance for your services on the other side of this program. However, advocacy is actively taking place to further advance this initiative.
The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) announced that starting April 1, 2021, health and wellness coaches will be assigned a unique taxonomy code. This development signifies a significant advancement for the profession, highlighting the critical role of health and wellness coaches in the healthcare system and paving the way for potential future insurance billing. As health coaching continues to integrate into mainstream healthcare services, this milestone achievement stands to benefit all trained health coaches in the industry.
Question 05
What does it mean to be an ‘NBHWC Approved’ training program and why does it matter?
The National Board Certification credential (NBHWC) represents the profession’s highest standard and was developed in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners.
With more health and wellness coach training programs available than ever before, ensuring the baseline qualification of coaches—and the organizations training them—has become critical to advancing the industry’s standard of care.
Our Holistic Health Coach Certification is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the board exam to become a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBHWC). Completing the program is one of the requirements — not the finish line. You'll also need 50 qualifying coaching sessions and verified education or work experience before sitting for the exam.
Question 06
If I am currently an HHE student, should I pause my other HHE classes while going through this?
This entirely depends on your availability. Some students will proceed with their current HHE curriculum and the NBHWC program concurrently, while others will put their current HHE coursework on pause. We will automatically extend your graduation deadline by 5 months by enrolling in this program. Of course, you can still keep your current graduation goals if it won't be too stressful for you!
Question 07
What can I do for a living with this distinction?
From www.nbhwc.org website:
"National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWCs) work in many different settings.
- Some work on healthcare teams alongside physicians and other allied health professionals as part of an integrative approach to client care.
- Other coaches work in digital health, community-based programs, or in companies that support employee wellness.
- Others are entrepreneurs who support people in their journey to build a healthy lifestyle."
Question 08
Is the board exam fee covered in this tuition cost?
The board exam fee is not included in tuition. Confirm the current amount directly with NBHWC at nbhwc.org when you're ready to register — fees can change and you want the number straight from the source.
This test must be taken in person. You can find your local testing location options by going to www.nbhwc.org and looking up their next board exam testing location options.
Question 09
What are the requirements to graduate?
To qualify for the National Board Certification Exam, you must:
- Complete the training program (75 hours total)
- Complete 50 health and wellness coaching sessions (20 minutes each) follow the training.
- Provide documentation of an associate’s degree (or higher) OR approximately 2 years (4,000 hours) of work experience - does NOT need to be in the health field!
Once these qualifications have been met, you must apply for the National Board Certification Exam on the NBHWC site and score 80% or higher. There are three testing windows per year. See their Exam Checklist.
