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Program Roadmaps
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Wellness Coach Curriculum
| Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXSC 1050 | Weight Training | View-EXSC 1050 | n/a | 1 |
| Choose EXSC 1750 EXSC 1850 | ||||
| EXSC 1750 | Yoga or | View-EXSC 1750 | n/a | 1 |
| EXSC 1850 | ||||
| EXSC 1900 | Worldwide Fitness and Wellness Trends | View-EXSC 1900 | n/a | 1 |
| EXSC 2010 | Essentials of Exercise Science | View-EXSC 2010 | n/a | 3 |
| EXSC 2100 | Concepts of Training | View-EXSC 2100 | n/a | 3 |
| EXSC 2110 | Advanced Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription | View-EXSC 2110 | n/a | 3 |
| EXSC 2270 | Essentials of Sport & Exercise Nutrition | View-EXSC 2270 | n/a | 3 |
| EXSC 2490 | Kinesiology | View-EXSC 2490 | n/a | 4 |
| EXSC 2600 | Wellness Coaching and Behavior Change | View-EXSC 2600 | n/a | 2 |
| EXSC 2700 | Wellness Coaching Theory and Practice | View-EXSC 2700 | n/a | 3 |
| HLTH 1000 | Introduction to Mindfullness | View-HLTH 1000 | n/a | 2 |
| HLTH 1070 | Nutrition | View-HLTH 1070 | n/a | 3 |
Course Subject: HLTH
Course Number: 1000
Course Title: Introduction to Mindfullness Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: Students will develop an understanding of the current research on Mindfulness and Meditation practices. The focus of this class will be to train students to enter a calm and centered state of awareness through working with the body, breath and mind.
Course Title: Introduction to Mindfullness Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: Students will develop an understanding of the current research on Mindfulness and Meditation practices. The focus of this class will be to train students to enter a calm and centered state of awareness through working with the body, breath and mind.
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 1050
Course Title: Weight Training Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: This course will introduce students to strength training for the development of lifelong physical fitness. Students will develop the basic principles of designing and participating in a safe and effective resistance training program.
Course Title: Weight Training Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: This course will introduce students to strength training for the development of lifelong physical fitness. Students will develop the basic principles of designing and participating in a safe and effective resistance training program.
Course Subject: HLTH
Course Number: 1070
Course Title: Nutrition Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental truths of nutrition principles, health promotion and disease prevention throughout life.   Topics include, in part, the study of carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals and their function and role in healthy living.  It will provide introductory nutritional information for career paths in nursing and other similar fields of study.
Course Title: Nutrition Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental truths of nutrition principles, health promotion and disease prevention throughout life.   Topics include, in part, the study of carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals and their function and role in healthy living.  It will provide introductory nutritional information for career paths in nursing and other similar fields of study.
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 1750
Course Title: Yoga Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: The focus of yoga will be on the physical dimension. We will stress exercise, movements, and poses which will enhance overall mobility, flexibility, balance, and muscle training. Yoga will train used, underused, and opposing muscles which may improve one's physical quality of life. Yoga instruction will introduce the mental aspect as well. We will begin to develop, practice, and train the relationship between mind and body in order to improve the body's mental and physical communication. This course can be repeated for credit.
Course Title: Yoga Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: The focus of yoga will be on the physical dimension. We will stress exercise, movements, and poses which will enhance overall mobility, flexibility, balance, and muscle training. Yoga will train used, underused, and opposing muscles which may improve one's physical quality of life. Yoga instruction will introduce the mental aspect as well. We will begin to develop, practice, and train the relationship between mind and body in order to improve the body's mental and physical communication. This course can be repeated for credit.
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 1900
Course Title: Worldwide Fitness and Wellness Trends Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is designed to explore the constantly evolving field of Exercise Science. In the rise and fall of fitness trends, students must be equipped with basic scientific understanding in exercise theories to discern between trends, fads, safe, and harmful methods for physical training. This course seeks to empower students with the knowledge in exercise science and wellness to improve their lives and of those around them.
Course Title: Worldwide Fitness and Wellness Trends Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is designed to explore the constantly evolving field of Exercise Science. In the rise and fall of fitness trends, students must be equipped with basic scientific understanding in exercise theories to discern between trends, fads, safe, and harmful methods for physical training. This course seeks to empower students with the knowledge in exercise science and wellness to improve their lives and of those around them.
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 2010
Course Title: Essentials of Exercise Science Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides an in-depth look into topics such as the acute and chronic physiological and psychological responses to exercise, exercise anatomy, exercise metabolism, and how the nervous, skeletal, muscular and endocrine systems respond during exercise. (3 hours lecture)Prerequisite: Placement into Engl 1201It is strongly recommended that students in the Personal Training Certificate program take EXSC 2010 and EXSC 2100 at the same time in order to sit for the NASM-CPT exam.
Course Title: Essentials of Exercise Science Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides an in-depth look into topics such as the acute and chronic physiological and psychological responses to exercise, exercise anatomy, exercise metabolism, and how the nervous, skeletal, muscular and endocrine systems respond during exercise. (3 hours lecture)Prerequisite: Placement into Engl 1201It is strongly recommended that students in the Personal Training Certificate program take EXSC 2010 and EXSC 2100 at the same time in order to sit for the NASM-CPT exam.
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 2100
Course Title: Concepts of Training Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course will allow students to research, explore, discuss, and compare different training strategies based on empirical research that are designed to improve health, wellness, and performance, and to modify lifestyle behaviors. Students will comprehend how and when to apply each training method upon distinguishing individual needs and wants of different persons while adhering to current training guidelines, principles of training, and current accepted Exercise Science training theories.In order to sit for the NASM-CPT exam, it is strongly recommended that students register for both 2010 and 2100 at the same time.
Course Title: Concepts of Training Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course will allow students to research, explore, discuss, and compare different training strategies based on empirical research that are designed to improve health, wellness, and performance, and to modify lifestyle behaviors. Students will comprehend how and when to apply each training method upon distinguishing individual needs and wants of different persons while adhering to current training guidelines, principles of training, and current accepted Exercise Science training theories.In order to sit for the NASM-CPT exam, it is strongly recommended that students register for both 2010 and 2100 at the same time.
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 2110
Course Title: Advanced Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is designed to expose students to practical application scenarios in which they will conduct risk factor screenings, fitness assessments, and exercise programming (including appropriate progressions, instructions and spotting techniques). The purpose of this course is to facilitate the application of theoretical concepts previously learned; therefore, offering a bridge between theory and practice.Students will also have the opportunity to design, implement, and modify exercise programs for real and/or theoretical clients under direct supervision.
Course Title: Advanced Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is designed to expose students to practical application scenarios in which they will conduct risk factor screenings, fitness assessments, and exercise programming (including appropriate progressions, instructions and spotting techniques). The purpose of this course is to facilitate the application of theoretical concepts previously learned; therefore, offering a bridge between theory and practice.Students will also have the opportunity to design, implement, and modify exercise programs for real and/or theoretical clients under direct supervision.
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 2270
Course Title: Essentials of Sport & Exercise Nutrition Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course presents the scientific basis for sports nutrition building upon basic nutritional concepts. Students will review, describe, and interpret the macronutrient needs and recommendations for athletic performance (this would include pre-, during, and post-exercise fueling), energy expenditure during resistance and cardiovascular exercise, the diet during training, the timing and composition of the pre- , during, and post- competition fueling, the use of nutritional supplements, and the special needs of various athletic groups. The course provides practical and scientifically based information for those entering the exercise science field as well as the competitive athlete and people of all ages wishing to incorporate nutrition into an active lifestyle.Prerequisite: HLTH 1070 with a recommended grade of C or better
Course Title: Essentials of Sport & Exercise Nutrition Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course presents the scientific basis for sports nutrition building upon basic nutritional concepts. Students will review, describe, and interpret the macronutrient needs and recommendations for athletic performance (this would include pre-, during, and post-exercise fueling), energy expenditure during resistance and cardiovascular exercise, the diet during training, the timing and composition of the pre- , during, and post- competition fueling, the use of nutritional supplements, and the special needs of various athletic groups. The course provides practical and scientifically based information for those entering the exercise science field as well as the competitive athlete and people of all ages wishing to incorporate nutrition into an active lifestyle.Prerequisite: HLTH 1070 with a recommended grade of C or better
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 2490
Course Title: Kinesiology Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: Course Content includes study of human movement and the muscular system. Skeletal and major muscular systems will be studied in detail in order to better understand how human movement is produced. Students will anatomically analyze movements and be introduced to the concepts of biomechanics. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisites: EXSC 2010 - Essentials of Exercise Science (Minimum grade: 1.67 GPA Equivalent)
Course Title: Kinesiology Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: Course Content includes study of human movement and the muscular system. Skeletal and major muscular systems will be studied in detail in order to better understand how human movement is produced. Students will anatomically analyze movements and be introduced to the concepts of biomechanics. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisites: EXSC 2010 - Essentials of Exercise Science (Minimum grade: 1.67 GPA Equivalent)
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 2600
Course Title: Wellness Coaching and Behavior Change Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: The course will provide students with key tools for promoting behavior change and creating a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Concepts essential to understanding the psychological and behavioral aspects of wellbeing will be explored. Applications are made to future exercise science professionals in aiding oneself and others in the movement towards wellness. Students will learn strategies, such as motivational interviewing, decisional balance, operant conditioning, and appreciative inquiry, in order to aide oneself and clients through the stages of change and healthier habits.
Course Title: Wellness Coaching and Behavior Change Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: The course will provide students with key tools for promoting behavior change and creating a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Concepts essential to understanding the psychological and behavioral aspects of wellbeing will be explored. Applications are made to future exercise science professionals in aiding oneself and others in the movement towards wellness. Students will learn strategies, such as motivational interviewing, decisional balance, operant conditioning, and appreciative inquiry, in order to aide oneself and clients through the stages of change and healthier habits.
Course Subject: EXSC
Course Number: 2700
Course Title: Wellness Coaching Theory and Practice Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course examines health and wellness coaching techniques with an emphasis on the practical application of evidence-based interventions, current practices, and skills used to promote healthy lifestyle changes. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to assess a clients lifestyle behaviors and then support them through behavior change. This course is designed to prepare students for national certification in health and wellness coaching.
Course Title: Wellness Coaching Theory and Practice Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course examines health and wellness coaching techniques with an emphasis on the practical application of evidence-based interventions, current practices, and skills used to promote healthy lifestyle changes. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to assess a clients lifestyle behaviors and then support them through behavior change. This course is designed to prepare students for national certification in health and wellness coaching.
| 10 Credits must be earned at NHCC |
| Total Credits Required | 29 |
2024-2025
The Wellness Coach certificate aims to prepare students to be ready to employ health and wellness programs to individuals, including but not limited to weight loss, lifestyle coaching and behavior change, disease risk prevention, and athletic performance training.
The program is rooted in behavior-change science and the principles of lifestyle medicine and addresses all the core competencies of health and wellness coaching within a single learning experience. Students will learn practical and effective strategies that can be implemented to facilitate lifestyle change and positively impact health and well-being.
This program is for exercise professionals and even those in the clinical setting who want to learn and practice active listening, motivational interviewing, and client-centered goal-setting as powerful tools to help others take charge of their health and wellness, regardless of age, gender, and race.
Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World.
Apply principles, skills, and methods related to biomechanics, exercise physiology, health promotion, exercise prescription and sport psychology.
Intellectual and Practical Skills, Including
- Inquiry and analysis - Apply the clinical and epidemiological evidence linking physical activity and exercise to mental and physical health.
- Critical and creative thinking - Apply the scientific method to solve problems related to physical activity and health.
- Written and oral communication - Utilize oral and written communication that meets appropriate professional and scientific standards in the field of Kinesiology/Exercise Science.
- Quantitative literacy - Evaluate the effectiveness of human movement using mechanical principles.
- Information literacy - Associate the organic, skeletal, and neuromuscular structures of the human body to psychological factors associated with diverse physical activities.
- Teamwork and problem solving - Work effectively in teams by valuing collaboration, providing service to others, and developing relational techniques for lifelong learning and problem solving.
Personal and Social Responsibility and Engagement, Including
- Civic knowledge and involvement – campus, local and global Apply exercise science related skills to real-world problems through empirical research, internships, field experience, and/or service learning.
- Intercultural knowledge and competence - Demonstrate leadership and social responsibility to improve quality of life for others and ensure equitable access for diverse groups by creating appropriate environments to initiate and maintain a physically active, healthy lifestyle.
- Ethical reasoning and action - Model behavior consistent with that of a Kinesiology professional, including 1) advocacy for a healthy, active lifestyle, 2) adherence to professional ethics, 3) service to others, 4) shared responsibility and successful collaboration with peers, and 5) pursuit of learning beyond NHCC.
- Foundations and skills for lifelong learning - Safely Develop an individualized exercise prescription based on scientific principles and appropriate evaluation techniques designed to reduce the risk of chronic disease and avoid injuries.
Integrative and Applied Learning, Including
- Synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general education, liberal studies, specialized studies and activities in the broader campus community. Assimilate, analyze, synthesize and integrate concepts related to the exercise science field. Students will also be able to sit for professional certifications related to personal training, including but not limited to those offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, and select others.
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
- Wellness Coach Certificate Program Roadmap Full Time
- Wellness Coach Certificate Program Roadmap Part Time
Information on careers, including career descriptions, salary data, and employment outlook is available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and O*Net Online website.
If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information
Certificates may be earned for successful completion of courses in a specialized program of study with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (C). A certificate shall include 9 to 30 semester credits. At least one third of the total credits required for each certificate must be completed at North Hennepin Community College.
Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.
Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.
North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
1-800-621-7440
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