ACHS launches NBHWC-approved health coaching training program

American College of Healthcare Sciences has launched NAT 550, a new NBHWC-approved training program that adds applied coaching practice and a certification pathway for students. The course is designed to help graduates qualify for the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach credential.

Why it matters: - ACHS is adding a credential-linked coaching program as demand grows for health and wellness professionals with standardized training. - NAT 550 gives students a clearer pathway toward National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach status. - The program pairs evidence-based instruction with observed practice, which can better prepare students for real client work.

What happened: - American College of Healthcare Sciences announced that NAT 550: Principles and Professional Practice of Health and Wellness Coaching is now an NBHWC-Approved Training Program. - The program is designed to provide applied, evidence-based training in health and wellness coaching. - The announcement was made Sept. 16, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.

The details: - NAT 550 combines coaching theory, behavior-change science, ethical practice and hands-on coaching experience. - Students develop skills in Motivational Interviewing, behavior-change strategies, culturally responsive coaching, ethical decision-making and coaching relationships. - Coursework includes the Transtheoretical Model, Self-Determination Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, growth mindset, positive psychology and appreciative inquiry. - Students also study chronic condition risks and social determinants of health to understand factors that shape health behavior. - The course emphasizes coach presence, cultural humility and health-literacy-adapted coaching plans. - Students complete three faculty-observed Practice Coaching Sessions. - Students also complete an NBHWC Performance Assessment scored against a coaching competency rubric. - The course includes scenarios on confidentiality, dual relationships, cultural humility, HIPAA-aligned practices and responsible use of artificial intelligence tools. - Students build plans that include SMART goals, self-tracking systems and referral pathways. - The program also asks students to develop a continuing-development plan centered on reflective practice, mentorship, supervision and professional growth. - NBHWC establishes professional standards for health and wellness coaching and administers the national exam for the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach credential. - Completion of an NBHWC-Approved Training Program is required for students pursuing the NBC-HWC pathway, along with other current NBHWC eligibility requirements. - More information on exam requirements is available here. - More information about NAT 550 is available here.

Between the lines: - ACHS is aligning its integrative health curriculum more closely with recognized professional standards. - The program combines academic content with observed practice, which signals a shift from theory-heavy instruction to competency-based training. - The inclusion of social determinants of health, ethics and AI use suggests the curriculum is built for modern coaching settings, not just traditional classroom learning.

What's next: - Students who complete NAT 550 can pursue the NBC-HWC credential if they meet the rest of NBHWC's eligibility rules. - ACHS is positioning the program as part of its broader professional development offerings in integrative health and wellness. - The college is also inviting further inquiries through Tracey Abell at president@achs.edu.