Up to 85% of avoidable health costs and most disability are due to health behaviors. Fortunately there are some brief, best practice approaches for engaging at-risk individuals and facilitating better health. Compared to traditional patient education or popular health coaching approaches, these approaches consistently deliver better patient-level outcomes in real-world health care settings. 

In health coaching, like any health care field, best practices are developed when trained and credentialed specialists review the clinical research and define effective interventions. Practitioners are then trained in these approaches and practitioner knowledge, proficiency and adherence to best practices is measured. This was the process used to develop and validate the Registered Health Coach (RHC)^® program. 

The First Health Coaching Credential based on Science, Proficiency & Outcomes

The Registered Health Coach (RHC) program is the first health coaching credential grounded in the science of health behavior change and learning. The RHC program was developed in partnership with experts in the field--including NIH-funded health coaching and behavioral medicine specialists. RHC also reflects ten years of experience at HealthSciences with some of the largest public and private health care organizations in the US and Canada. 

Making a Measurable Difference for People & Purchasers 

While Registered Health Coaches come from various clinical or nonclinical fields and settings, they share knowledge and proficiency in the most effective approaches for engaging people, building motivation and facilitating health behavior change. These approaches help people achieve their most important life goals, and help practitioners and programs deliver better clinical and cost outcomes. In fact, skilled health coaches can deliver four-fold improvements in engagement vs. practictioners who are less proficient.  

A Pathway to Proficiency & National Recognition

The Registered Health Coach Program recognizes excellence and provides a pathway for building health coaching knowledge and proficiency. Registered Health Coaches are included in a PartnersinImprovement^® national online Health Coach Registry^®. The registry will be searchable by consumers, employers and purchasers. Organizations who require Registered Health Coaches will also be recognized for quality.

RHCs Have Completed a Core Curriculum in Chronic Care & Health Coaching 

A Registered Health Coach must complete a core curriculum in evidence-based population health management, chronic care and self-care support, wellness and lifestyle management using brief, motivational interviewing (MI)-based health coaching. This requirement is based on the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine as well as peer-reviewed studies on implementation success factors for the Chronic Care Model (CCM). 

RHCs Are Proficient in Motivational Interviewing (MI) in Health Care 

MI is the only health coaching approach that consistently delivers better patient-level outcomes in over 300 clinical trials. RHC training requirements are based on the validated training recommendations of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and proficiency is measured with an externally validated tool for assessing MI health coaching proficiency. 

Registered Health Coach: Training & Proficiency Requirements by Level

How do I Apply for Registered Health Coach and Who is Eligible? 

Any clinical or nonclinical professional is eligible for RHC. There is no application or fee for RHC. Candidates simply complete the training requirements (in any order) and submit submit a patient de-identified audio sample for assessment. You will receive your report and be notified within two weeks whether you meet that proficiency level. Candidates are provided skill-building recommendations from a MINT health care  at no additional fee. 

Can RHC Training Requirements be Waived? 

As there are currently no equivalents, waivers are not provided for CCP certification or HCPA proficiency determination. The MI Health Coaching Skill-Building Workshop may be waived for 1). Individuals who have completed the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) training. 2.) Individuals who have completed a 2-3 day MI workshop facilitated by a MINT traininer licensed in a medical care or clinical health care field, e.g., nurse, dietician, physician, OR, is a recognized expert in health coaching, e.g. published peer-reviewed articles on the topic; AND, 3.) The training and training activities were primarily focused on the foundations and applications of MI in health care vs. traditional, generic MI training. If the MI workshop is waived, the MI Health Coaching Webinar Series may also be waived if the candidate has fulfilled equivalent training in the 2012 Miller & Rollnick Health Coaching Framework. Waiver requests must include the curriculum vitae (CV) of the trainer, learning objectives and any course materials for review and consideration.  

How Can I Complete Training Requirements & What are the Fees?  

Registration for CCP is available anytime and the MI Health Coaching Webinar Series will be offered up to three times a year. The MI Skill-Building Workshop will be offered at the National MI Health Coaching Conference in Orlando (October 2-4, 2012) and may be delivered on-site to organization or regional teams of 25 or more. Total fees for all training requirements are approximately $2,250. Please see details below: 

Step 1: Learn more/register for the CCP Program ($1,295) >

Step 2: Learn more/register for the MI Health Coaching Webinar Series ($250) >

Step 3: Learn more/register for the Two-day MI Health Coaching Workshop ($650 to $900) >

How is Final Health Coaching Proficiency Determined? 

Upon completion of the training requirements, and participating in any additional self-study, practice or coaching sessions with a MINT health care specialist as needed, an RHC candidate submits a representative audio sample of work with an actual patient (de-identified) or a real health coaching session with a friend or colleague. This sample is evaluated by a MINT, HCPA-certified professional using an externally validated measure of MI health coaching proficiency (HCPA). Learn more about the development and validation of the HCPA. 

Step 4: Submit a Health Coaching Sample for HCPA Reporting, Feedback & Coaching ($250)>

How Do I Learn More? 

In February 2012, Dr. Susan Butterworth, a lead contributer to the development of the HCPA and RHC program, hosted a webinar session overviewing the program. Please view now: Becoming a Registered Health Coach (RHC): Your Pathway to Proficiency & National Recognition. If you have further questions please submit a technical support form.