This Health Coach Program is For You If… You plan on seeking NBHWC certification, the pinnacle of achievement in health coaching   You want to hone your skills so you can make a significant impact in the realm of health and wellness  You’re looking for online professional education that will boost your career by showcasing your expertise  You want a self-paced foundation in health coaching, but also crave a real-time, small group learning experience  The Ultimate Health Coaching Package – Accredited by NBHWC Our Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program includes these two courses: Health & Wellness Coach Certification [ Self-Study] Self-paced | Complete in 6 months or less Your comprehensive health coaching foundation 35 hours of video content, including simulated coaching sessions Dynamic learning methodologies to meet a variety of learning preferences 37 handouts to prepare you for real-life application Interactive scenarios to help you engage with what you’re learning Most students complete this course in 4 months or less.  Advanced Health Coaching Intensive [Live] �� Live courses starting in July and August 2026 – Limited seats available! Advance your health coaching skills in a small group setting 48 hours of live online instruction Meet online via Zoom Interactive, cohort-based learning Virtual opportunities for community building  Up-to-date knowledge and best practices  Bonus! One month free access to NBHWC Exam Prep  AFPA’s Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach program 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 a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). “I absolutely loved my AFPA Certified Master Health & Wellness Coach training to become a NBC-HWC!”   “The self-study lessons taught me everything I needed to know to become a successful coach, and the live training allowed me to put my new knowledge into action. This hands-on practice helped me gain confidence in my abilities. The instructors were exceptional, genuinely caring about our education and dedicated to training us to become outstanding health and wellness coaches. I highly recommend AFPA and look forward to more training with them!” — Jeanna R., AFPA-Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Health Coaching Curriculum Overview Course 1 of 2: Your Health Coaching Foundation Health & Wellness Coach Certification [ Self-Study] Move through 35 hours of dynamic video content and interactive online modules at your own pace within 6 months. Learn from our team of board-certified health coaches and practicing wellness professionals who run private coaching businesses, plus registered dietitians. Get real-life skills you can start applying to your coaching practice today. Module 1 – Introduction to Health Coaching What is health coaching? Foundations of coaching practice Scope of practice for health coaches Credentialing in health coaching Comparing health coaching to health education Comparing health coaching to psychotherapy Module 2 – Coaching Presence, Relationships, and Sessions Designing a coaching program The intake session Coaching presence Inclusive, culturally affirming coaching Recognizing biases power and privilege Preparing for a coaching session The coaching agreement Assessments in coaching Goal Setting Initial coaching sessions Conducting follow-up coaching sessions Ending coaching agreements Module 3 – Theories, Models, and Approaches to Behavior Change The Transtheoretical Model The Health Belief Model Social Cognitive Theory Self- Efficacy Social Ecological Model Appreciative Inquiry Neuroplasticity and healthy habit formation Module 4 – Skills, Tools, and Strategies An introduction to motivational interviewing The spirit of motivational interviewing The 4 processes of motivational interviewing The microskills of motivational interviewing Brainstorming Scaling questions Exploring patterns in client behavior Supporting clients through systemic barriers Module 5 – Ethics and Professional Practice Professional conduct Ongoing development for coaches Self care for coaches How to avoid burning out Coaching ethics Legal considerations HIPAA compliance Module 6 – Health and Wellness Health Promotion Exercise and physical activity Nutrition Holistic health and wellness Preventing and managing chronic conditions Sleep health Managing stress Course 2 of 2: Your Fast Track to Becoming a Great Coach Advanced Health Coaching Intensive [Live] Get accountability, community, and personalized attention from practicing board certified health coaches in a small group setting. The Advanced Health Coaching Intensive [Live] course is designed to help you advance your skills in the field of health coaching. This course emphasizes applied skills, focusing on the practical application of theory to real-life coaching scenarios. Classes are taught live via Zoom. Limited seats available! Session 1 Course Welcome Overview of the Field of Health Coaching  Evidence that Supports Health Coaching How Health Coaching Differs from Other Healthcare Professions (and why that matters)  Current Trends in Health Coaching  Scope of Practice for Health Coaches Session 2 Designing an Effective Coaching Program    Creating a Coaching Agreement  Preparing for a Coaching Session  Using Client Assessments in Coaching Session 3 Conducting the Initial Coaching Session   Early Coaching Elements Crafting a Wellness Vision  Establishing SMART Goals  Action Steps Towards Goals  Accountability  Coaching Practice – Early Coaching Session 4 Conducting a Routine Ongoing Session*  Refining Goals and Strategies for Client Self-Monitoring  Guiding Routine Coaching Conversations  Coaching Practice – Routine Ongoing Coaching Sessions Session 5 Elements Included in Coaching Program Termination  Conducting a Final Closing Session   Celebrating Client Successes  Evaluating the Coaching Experience  Coaching Practice – Final Closing Session Session 6 Client-Centered Relationship Elicit-Provide-Elicit   Health Literacy in Coaching  Unconditional Positive Regard  Active Listening and Presence  Nonviolent Communication and Other Communication Strategies in Coaching  Fostering Self-Compassion and Expressing Empathy Session 7 Health Behavior Change Theory  Patient Activation and Engagement Models  Problem-Solving in Coaching  Building Self-Efficacy  Coaching Practice – Applying Health Behavior Change Theories in Coaching Session 8 Appreciative Inquiry  Using Reflections in Coaching  Affirmations  Asking Powerful Questions  Language that Sparks Change Session 9 The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing  The Power of Brainstorming  Positively Reframing Client Statements   Visualizing Success  Navigating Challenges  Building Support Beyond the Health Coach Session 10 Client Experimentation and Self-Discovery  Developing a Growth Mindset  Positive Psychology  Creativity, Open-Mindedness, and Strategic Thinking   Coaching Practice – Positive Psychology in Coaching Session 11 Professional Conduct at Large  Conflicts of Interest  Professional Conduct with Clients  Confidentiality   Continuing Development Session 12 Dealing with Discord  Your Client is Crying (and other big emotions)  Running Out of Time  Misinformation and Other Unhealthy Beliefs  Preparing for your Final Exam Everything You Get When You Enroll The most comprehensive online health and wellness coaching program available at an affordable financial investment. 48 hours of live online instruction Interactive, cohort-based learning Personalized attention NBC-HWC faculty Access to the private online community just for your cohort 35 hours of pre-recorded video content Simulated coaching sessions and roleplaying 37 client-ready handouts Self-paced foundational certification Bonus! One month free access to NBHWC Exam Prep A Credential You Can Stand Behind When you graduate, you’ll receive your AFPA certification through Accredible. It’s proof of your training and a credential you can share with prospective employers and clients. Enroll Now Meet Your Instructors Shana Walsh, PhD, NBC-HWC, MCHES Dr. Shana Walsh earned her PhD from Baylor University where her research focused primarily on health behavior science, and specifically the theoretical underpinnings of why people make choices that either support or hinder their health. She is a former associate professor of health education and a practicing health coach. Dr. Walsh’s professional certifications include National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Master Certified Health Education Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Registered Yoga Teacher.  Stephanie Tingle, BS, NBC-HWC Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Wellness from Midwest University of Holistic Health and a Public Health Certification from Kent State University. Professionally, Stephanie has spent nearly 20 years growing her own coaching business. Personally, Stephanie has been interested in health, wellness, movement, and weight for most of her life. As a 50-year-old woman who lost nearly 130 pounds after yo-yo dieting since childhood, she understands that health is multifaceted – and means something different to each client. Stephanie’s coaching focuses mainly on overall health, general well-being, and longevity. Victoria P. Davis, NBC-HWC, CPT Victoria has a decade of experience in corporate health coaching, fitness, wellness content development, and presenting in the health, fitness, and wellness communities. She received the “Health Coach of the Year” Award in 2018 from The Wellness Council of Arizona and was featured in AZ Central’s “Who’s Next in Health and Fitness.” Victoria’s journey of thriving with Tourette Syndrome and scoliosis fueled her mission to help others with similar stories. Victoria serves as the head of Client Success at Sworkit, a global digital fitness and movement solution, and channels her passion for helping people find enjoyable daily movement. Eric L. Cox, MA, NBC-HWC Eric Cox has over 20 years of practical experience in leadership, coaching, training, and development. He holds a master’s degree in organizational management and a bachelor’s degree in communications. Eric is certified as an AFPA master health and wellness coach, life coach, meditation instructor, and trainer/facilitator. His former role was as the AVP of Training and Development for American Addiction Centers. An experienced marathoner, Eric pulls from the challenges of endurance running to empower individuals to create their best lives. He is also the author of SIGN UP!:10 Interactive Lessons to Take Your Goals from the Starting Line to Across the Finish Line. Sonja Ecklund, NBC-HWC Sonja is an NBC-HWC, a financial social work coach, a learning and development professional, and a behavior change expert with 14 years of coaching and training experience. Sonja started her private coaching practice in 2011 and took it full-time in 2024. In the meantime, she earned over 5,000 hours of coaching experience, developed an NBHWC-approved training program at a leading corporate wellness company, trained over 200 new health coaches, helped over 100 students pass the NBHWC Board Exam, and managed continuing education for a team of 300 coaches. Sonja is highly passionate about leveling up the professional credibility of the coaching industry, providing high quality coaching to her clients, and training new coaching professionals. Amber Peterson, NBC-HWC Amber Peterson is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach with specialized training in functional medicine, mindful eating, and nervous system regulation. With over ten years in the digital health industry, she has a strong background in designing and developing impactful coach certification programs as well as corporate health challenges. Amber is passionate about empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential and has served as a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of thousands. Vikki Pedigo, MSN, NBC-HWC Vikki Pedigo, MSN, NBC-HWC, is a board-certified health and wellness coach. Prior to entering coaching full-time, she worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health and Integrative Medicine. Vikki provided clinical health coaching and integrative medicine consults at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Vanderbilt, primarily focused on patients with complex chronic pain conditions. Since 2018, she has served as core faculty in health coaching programs, developed and iterated course content, and mentored providers and coaches in the communication skills of behavior change, including motivational interviewing. Vikki will soon be launching her private coaching and mentoring practice with a focus on fostering creative living through holistic well-being. Rachel Cirino MS, RD, NBC-HWC  Rachel is a registered dietitian, NBHWC-certified health and wellness coach, and certified yoga instructor. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. With a decade of experience, Rachel has a diverse background in public health, healthcare, and her private practice. She has a passion for mindfulness as a way of learning to eat and move intuitively without rules, plans, or strict diets. Witnessing the transformative impact of personalized guidance on someone’s life fuels her to continue to empower others on their wellness journeys. Allison Morgan, M.S., NBC-HWC Allison, NBC-HWC, has a B.S. degree in Dietetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a M.S. degree in Kinesiology from Illinois State University. The early part of Allison’s career was grounded in higher education, overseeing fitness and wellness programs, strength and conditioning, and fitness floor operations. Over the past eight years, her career shifted to virtual health coaching, specifically group facilitation and habit-based health coaching for large cohorts. She’s earned additional certifications and continued education such as Lifestyle Medicine, Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism, and a Menopause Specialist Certification. She is passionate about helping clients make sustainable changes aligned with their values and certifying more health coaches so they can do the same.  Kellie Lunday, MS, RD, LD, NBC-HWC Kellie Lunday is AFPA’s nutrition content lead and a registered dietitian with nearly a decade of experience in corporate wellness, health education, and performance optimization. She received her MS in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University and completed her dietetic internship at The University of Texas in Austin. Previously, she has worked in various roles at Exos and the University of Texas at Austin. She is passionate about travel, global cuisines, fitness, and advancing consumer health through evidence-based education.  John Clary, MS, NBC-HWC  John Clary is a health and wellness coach with ten years of experience and a National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching certification (2023). He has supported hundreds of clients through one-on-one and group coaching and has presented to thousands of attendees through webinars focused on weight loss and metabolic health.  John brings a personal perspective to his work—having reversed his own Type 2 diabetes and losing 250 pounds. He holds a master’s degree from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University.  Rena Shoshana Forester  Rena Shoshana Forester is a professional educator, healer, and mentor. She holds two Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in education, yoga teaching certifications for adults, families, and children, two trauma-informed yoga certifications, and is a certified Nutrition and Health Coach. She is currently self-employed, working as the founder of Karuna Yoga, a nonprofit organization that provides fully sponsored, trauma-informed yoga to women and children, and the owner of Wellness Edge, which develops corporate well-being programs for workforce optimization.    Rena played a key role in developing learning materials for AFPA’s Health and Wellness Coach Certification course and serves as the lead instructor for AFPA’s Yoga Instructor Certification course.  Christina Morelli, NBC-HWC  Christina Morelli, NBC-HWC, founded 86 Degrees Coaching with the goal of helping people navigate pivots, transformations, and the moments of life that fall outside of their comfort zone. No stranger to change, Christina’s journey to coaching is built on a foundation of 20 years as an artist, educator, and entrepreneur. As a board-certified health and wellness coach, her expertise lies in restarting, reframing, and rebuilding. She partners with a range of clients at various stages of life, helping them build resilience and empowering them to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.  “As a student of the Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach program, you will learn everything you need to know to become not just a health coach, but a great health coach. With lots of one-on-one practice and the support of a small group setting, you’ll finish this course fully confident and ready to coach on your own.”    -Dr. Shana Walsh Hear Why Graduates Love This Wellness Coach Certification “I loved this course!!”   “I have been a personal trainer for 5 years and wanted something to expand my knowledge and motivational interviewing skills. The instructor was AMAZING and very engaging. I got to meet a lot of talented people and interact with lots of various professionals. The course flew by, honestly. There is tons of support in the course and I feel like I walked away with great skills to become a health coach in the future.” — Julianne S., AFPA-Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Venassia Gunter Verified owner 5/5 Great information and customer service. 3 months ago Jacqueline Verified owner 5/5 5 months ago Mayumi Chitwood Verified owner 5/5 Erica & Stephanie both were amazing coach & instructors!!! I really enjoyed the program and appreciated! Thank you for your clear guidance, I passed the NBHWC exam too- I'm very grateful! 6 months ago Sushmita Naik Verified owner 5/5 6 months ago Angeliki Mitakou Verified owner 5/5 I am satisfied with the AFPA Master Health and Wellness Coaching program. It is well-structured, practical, and provides a solid foundation for professional coaching. A valuable and empowering learning experience 6 months ago 4.8 Based on 20 reviews5 star8080%4 star2020%3 star0%2 star0%1 star0% Search1-3 of 20 reviewsMost RecentMost Helpful Venassia Gunter Verified owner April 21, 2026 Great information and customer service. Jacqueline Verified owner January 27, 2026 Mayumi Chitwood Verified owner January 24, 2026 Erica & Stephanie both were amazing coach & instructors!!! I really enjoyed the program and appreciated! Thank you for your clear guidance, I passed the NBHWC exam too- I’m very grateful! 1 2 … 7 »Sorry, no reviews match your current selections �� Live online classes start July and August 2026 Join this dynamic cohort of current and aspiring health coaches and transform your career and life for the better.