Health Coaching FAQ

What is Health Coaching?

Please see our one-pager Health Coaching In Focus for more information.

Why is Health Coaching Important?

Health risk behaviours are extremely prevalent in Canada and around the world. These health risky behaviours can lead to chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, or mental health and addiction problems, and others.

The existing health care system has not been able to meet the emerging healthcare needs of the population. This has contributed to escalating rates of complex and chronic issues. Health coaching is an evidence-based intervention that can help to promote health, reduce risk, and manage health conditions.

Is Health Coaching Applicable in Other Provinces or Countries?

Yes, absolutely. Our health coaching approach can be applied in any setting. If you are part of a regulated health profession in a jurisdiction, you are encouraged to contact the regulatory body to understand the full scope of your practice.

What Can I Do with the Health Coaching Certificate?

You can incorporate health coaching in your current practice as a health professional, find in a new role in the health and wellness sector or start your own one-on-one health coaching business. As health coaching is not a regulated health profession, qualifications required may vary from employer to employer.

Do I Have to Be a Regulated Health Professional to Health Coach?

Our program is designed for individuals practicing in health care, social services, and other counselling or helping professions. You do not have to be a regulated health professional to take the Lifestyle and Wellness Health Coach Certificate. However, you will need to demonstrate requisite knowledge, have a health-related diploma or degree and 1-2 years of relevant work experience in the health and/or wellness sector.

If you are unsure if our programs are suitable for you, please contact us at hlln@yorku.ca.

Do I Have to Take the Certificate Programs in Sequential Order?

You are strongly recommended to have taken either the Lifestyle and Wellness Health Coach or Certificate in Motivational Interviewing before taking the Chronic Disease Management Health Coach program, or have demonstrated education and experience with motivational interviewing. However, each program is a standalone certificate program geared towards coaching a specific population segment with a focus on varying health outcome goals.

Each health coaching course can also be stacked towards a Health Coach Professional Certificate.

Will I receive a digital badge*?

*Digital Badge: A visual and portable representation of certification including details of earning criteria such as defined competencies, course activities and experiences, which can be displayed on your online pages such as your LinkedIn page. More information on Digital Badges.

Yes, you will receive the following skills badges for each program and a badge to represent your professional certificate when you have completed all requirements.

Health Coach Program Digital Badge
The Lifestyle and Wellness Health Coach
  • Motivational Interviewing - Fundamental Skills Badge
  • Health Coaching Therapeutic Intervention - Fundamental Skills Badge
The Chronic Disease Management Health Coach
  • Health Coaching Therapeutic Intervention - Advanced Skills Badge
  • Care Planning - Fundamental Skills Badge
Cultural Safety for Health Coaches and Navigators
  • Cultural Safety - Fundamental Skills Badge
All of the above courses + evaluative experiential learning module
  • Health Coach Professional Certificate
How Much Does the Program  Cost?
Health Coach Course Price
The Lifestyle and Wellness Health Coach (4 days) $1850 CAD + HST
The Chronic Disease Management Health Coach (4 days) $1850 CAD + HST
Cultural Safety for Health Coaches and Navigators (1 day) $275+HST
Evaluative experiential learning component $550 + HST

The price includes all teaching materials, webinars, guest speakers, and the cost of patient actors for practice simulations. There is a $20 + HST administrative fee for each digital badge issued.

Are There Program Discounts Available?

Yes. Discounts are also available for York Alumni or groups of two or more. Please contact hlln@yorku.ca for more information.

Are There Scholarships for this Program?

Unfortunately not, as this is a non-degree and non-credit certificate program. While there are no specific scholarships, participants may be eligible for Canada-Ontario Job Grant and other similar out-of-province programs to support professional development. Nurses may be eligible for the Education Initiative offered through the RNAO, and allied health professionals may be eligible for the the Allied Health Professional Development Fund offered through HealthForceOntario. We do not apply for these funds for participants.

I Live Outside the GTA and Will be Commuting. Are Accommodations Available?

Yes. Accommodations are available at the Schulich Executive Hotel on Campus. Reservations can be made by phone at (416)-650-8300 or by email at reservations@schulich.yorku.ca.

I Would Like to Provide Health Coaching Services at My Organization. What Options Do I Have?

We offer offer customized group training for an organization based on your specific needs.At this time we do not provide a directory of health coaches to individuals looking for a health coach. However, if your organization or practice is looking to hire health coaches and would like to inquire about graduates of our program, please contact us at hlln@yorku.ca or 416 736 2100 ext. 22170.

Do You Have Partnership and Sponsorship Opportunities?

Yes. A limited number of partnership and sponsorship options are available.Contact us for more information about a Partnership to offer the Certificate through your organization or for sponsorship opportunities. Please contact Tania Xerri at xerri@yorku.ca or at 416 736 2100 ext 22142.