Community Need
Chronic diseases such as Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease and Hypertension have created significant health threats which in turn have created an increasing demand for qualified professionals to help bridge the gap between medical recommendations and patients' abilities or implement change.
This program is designed to prepare students to serve on integrative health care teams assisting clinicians, as community health workers, health educators, patient navigators and healthcare coaches.
What Do Integrative Health Coaches Do?
An Integrative Health Coach is a new and growing allied health specialty that supports patients by focusing on prevention, health and wellness. Coaches serve as a patient advocate by assuring they understand their clinician's written and verbal directions. The Integrative Health Coach also assists to improve the patient's health literacy, and understanding of their condition and treatment plan. To assist patients in changing their health behaviors, Integrative Health Coaches use:
- Goal setting
- Motivational interviewing
- Health coaching
- Health education
Where Do Integrative Health Coaches Work?
- Community Health Clinics
- Hospitals
- Primary Care/Pediatric Offices
- Mental Health Programs
- Substance Abuse Programs
- Womens Health Centers
- Older Adult Programs
- Nonprofit Agencies
- Insurance Companies
- Community Education Programs
- Family Resource Centers
- Home Visitation Programs
- Trade/Industry Programs
- Veterans Centers
- Group Medical Visits
- Disease Specific Centers