# Health and Wellness Coaching (Certificate of Performance)

San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Exercise Science

Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/17540/18643/18644/17541/19633

### Summary

The Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate of Performance gives students the skill to improve the health of individuals and groups through interventions in behavior change, nutrition, and physical activity. Students gain an understanding of the science behind behavior change, nutrition, and physical activity, and are prepared to implement evidence-based strategies to improve long-term health. Students completing the certificate will be able to facilitate healthy lifestyle change in multiple sectors of the allied health field including hospitals, clinics, worksites, non-profit organizations, and private businesses.

This certificate is appropriate for those who already have a bachelor's, master's, or terminal degree in a health- and wellness-related field or those who have prior work experience in the field. Students who complete the certificate are qualified to sit for the National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach Exam (NBC-HWC) offered by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

A "C" or better must be achieved in all required courses and electives in order to receive a Certificate of Performance.

**Award Notes:**
A Certificate of Performance is a departmental award that does not appear on the student’s transcript. All courses must be completed within the San Diego Community College District.
This program is not eligible for federal financial aid in accordance with Federal regulations.

**Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Health and Wellness Coaching Program will be able to:**

1.  Display the attributes of sportsmanship and teamwork as it pertains to physical education and athletic competition.
2.  Apply core critical thinking skills of analysis, interpretation, evaluation and explanation in the development of nutritional and fitness plans and the acquisition of skill development including proper techniques, physiological principles and kinesthetic awareness.
3.  Demonstrate effective and sensitive verbal, nonverbal and written communications skills.
4.  Value and implement physical fitness activities, wellness strategies and principles in support of a healthy lifestyle.
5.  Utilize current technology to research and compile information in health and wellness, human performance.

### Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:** | | 7 |
| EXSC 294 | Health and Wellness Coaching | 3 |
| EXSC 298 | Applications of Health and Wellness Coaching | 1 |
| HEAL 107 | Lifestyle Medicine for Health and Wellness | 3 |
| **Select 2 - 3 units from the following:** | | 2-3 |
| HEAL 103 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| HEAL 104 | Public Health and Social Justice | 3 |
| PSYC 125 | Introduction to Behavior Modification | 3 |
| EXSC 284 | Fitness and Sports Nutrition | 2 |
| NUTR 160 | Foods for Healthy Lifestyles | 3 |
| BUSE 120 | Personal Financial Management | 3 |
| BUSE 127 | Social Media for Business | 3 |
| BUSE 129 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MARK 100 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| COMS 135 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMS 170 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| COMS 180 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |