Academic Catalogs

Integrative Health Coach, Certificate of Achievement

Banner Code: 1_CN_IHC

Control Number: 38598

Financial Aid Eligible


The Integrative Health Coach will have a holistic approach to patient services and will have knowledge of integrative modalities that support health and wellness. Integrative Health Coaches assist patients in understanding the recommendations of their clinicians for improved health outcomes. Tools used by Integrative Health Coach include goal setting for behavior change, motivational interviewing, and health education. Their understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and health insurance will allow them to help patients navigate the healthcare system, assuring that patients are connected to services including under coverage and/or connecting the patient to additional community resources. The Integrative Health Coach program will prepare students to serve on health care teams, providing patient navigational support in understanding and accessing medical care.

The Integrative Health Coach empowers patients to make lasting health behavior changes that are the cornerstones of lifelong well-being. It bridges the gap between medical recommendations and patients' ability to successfully implement their clinician's recommendations into their behavior choices.

Students who complete the Integrative Health Coach Certificate of Achievement may elect to complete additional graduation requirements and earn an Associate of Science, Integrative Health Coach. The program is structured to allow students who have completed the Medical Assisting program can complete the requirements in one semester. It will also benefit individuals who are currently working within health care or who have completed an undergraduate degree and desire additional skills.

Program Outcomes

  1. Students will have the knowledge, skills, and social-emotional intelligence to be successful members of an integrated healthcare team. 
  2. Students will understand basic disease etiology and treatment and be able to assist patients in developing prevention behaviors and lifestyle changes for improved treatment adherence and health outcomes.
  3. Students will have the skills necessary to motivate patients in setting realistic goals for behavior change that promotes health and wellness.
  4. Apply appropriate educational techniques with clients, patients, groups, or communities that encourage improved wellness and health behaviors.

Review Graduation Requirements.

Course Title Units
Required Courses
ALH A111Medical Terminology3
ALH A115Patient Care2-2.5
or INHL A115 Clinical Skills for the Integrative Health Coach
ALH A120Human Diseases2
FN A140Introduction to Nutrition Concepts2-3
or FN A170 Nutrition
INHL A100Integrative Health Coach Principles & Practice I3
INHL A200Principles & Practice II3
INHL/PUBH A210Navigating the U.S. Health Care System, Health Insurance, Public Assistance, and Benefits Programs3-5
or MA A205 Administrative Medical Assisting 2
INHL/PUBH A220Techniques and Topics in Health Education3
INHL A225Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine3
INHL A250Integrative Health Coach Supervised Practice2
Restricted Electives - Select one course:3
Enhancing Guest Service
Assessing and Analyzing Health Information
Theory of Yoga
Medical Assisting Core
Introduction to Medical Nutrition Therapy
Introduction to Public Health
Health and Social Justice
Total Units29-32.5

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
ALH A115
Patient Care
or Clinical Skills for the Integrative Health Coach
2-2.5
ALH A120 Human Diseases 2
INHL A100 Integrative Health Coach Principles & Practice I 3
FN A140
Introduction to Nutrition Concepts
or Nutrition
2-3
INHL/PUBH A210
Navigating the U.S. Health Care System, Health Insurance, Public Assistance, and Benefits Programs
or Administrative Medical Assisting 2
3-5
ALH A111 Medical Terminology 3
 Units15-18.5
Semester 2
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVE - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3
INHL/PUBH A220 Techniques and Topics in Health Education 3
INHL A225 Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine 3
INHL A250 Integrative Health Coach Supervised Practice 2
INHL A200 Principles & Practice II 3
 Units14
 Total Units29-32.5