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.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

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.