Cancer Health and Wellness Coach (Cancer Coach) Training Program
Program Director:
Dr. Doris Howell
- 6 Asynchronous Self-Directed Sessions
- 9 Live Classroom Modules
- 2 Hour Capstone Evaluation
- Total 92 Hours
Empower Lives with Expert Cancer Coaching
The Cancer Health and Wellness Coach (Cancer Coaching) Training Program is comprised of 92 hours of interactive learning modules (18 hours of self-directed asynchronous sessions and 9 full day instructor-led online classes). This interactive, competency-based program incorporates experiential learning through live simulation sessions with patient actors, providing real-world practice to enhance decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills
Healthville Advantage
Course designed by an Emeritus Scientist, Dr. Doris Howell from the World Renowned Princess Margaret Research Institute in Canada and expert in Health and Wellness Coaching
Experiential Learning
Refine and validate your skills through practical assessments, including one-on-one summative evaluations and live small-group simulations with patient actors.
At the program’s conclusion, receive personalized skills assessments with instructor feedback on health and wellness coaching competencies. Engage in realplay simulations, stepping into the role of a health & wellness coach in real-world scenarios. A facilitator will provide guidance, insights, and constructive feedback throughout the process.
Journey to Healthville Cancer Coach
You can complete the course within three months, seamlessly progressing through a structured learning journey that includes instructor-led sessions, self-paced asynchronous modules, and hands-on experience with standardized patients.
As a Healthville Cancer Coach, you become an integral part of our Cancer Managed Services Ecosystem, gaining full access to our worldwide cancer patient network and the Healthville Service Platform.
This allows you to seamlessly engage with patients, apply your coaching expertise in real-world scenarios, and leverage our tools and resources to provide personalized, high-impact support.
Select graduates will have the exclusive opportunity to join Healthville as full-time Cancer Coaches. With us, advance into leadership roles, including becoming a Cancer Coach Trainer, where you can mentor and shape the next generation of Cancer Coaches, further expanding your impact within the Healthville ecosystem.
Expand your impact and elevate your practice by integrating Cancer Coaching into your existing patient care model or by launching a brand-new Cancer Coaching practice from the ground up.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider looking to enhance your services with specialized cancer support or an entrepreneur eager to build a meaningful, patient-focused practice, our program equips you with the expertise, tools, and ecosystem access to succeed.
For the First 25 registrants in 2025, receive three personalized mentoring sessions with a certified Cancer Coach, designed to support your transition into practice.
Mentorship will be comprised of three online sessions; and you may choose an area of focus for skill building and/or discussion of your career directions
These sessions can be scheduled within three months of completing your certification program
How will you benefit
Trusted Path to Board Certification
The Healthville Cancer Health and Wellness Coach Program is one of the most comprehensive and credible training programs available for those looking to support cancer patients holistically
Career Advancement
in Cancer Coaching
Leverage your existing knowledge to launch, upskill, or enhance your career focused on cancer care coaching.
Master Behavioral Change and Health Promotion Strategies
Enhance your practice with a cancer-focused model of care that can be implemented and scaled within your organization or private practice.
Whole Person
Assessment Skills
Describe and apply the essential elements of a whole person cancer, health history, and self-management capability assessment for identification of collaborative problem-identification
Access to Healthville Cancer Support Ecosystem
Exclusive access to Healthville's growing support ecosystem of patients and support providers.
Professional
Certification
You have the opportunity to earn at the end of the program, on successful completion of all mandatory requirements – a NBHWC recognized Cancer Health and Wellness (Cancer Coach) Certificate of Completion.
Entry Requirements:
A regulated health professional with an active license practicing in fields such as nursing, psychology, kinesiology, chiropractic, dietetics, homeopathy, TCM/acupuncture, naturopathy, medicine, etc., OR working in primary care, community care, specialty clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and other clinical settings.
An internationally educated health professional (e.g., Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs), International Medical Graduates (IMDs)) holding an active license from their home country. Professionals holding a bachelor's degree in a health-related field (e.g., public health, health promotion, psychology (unlicensed), kinesiology (unlicensed), with a strong academic foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and the pathophysiology of chronic conditions acquired through university or college-level coursework. Additionally, they possess practical experience working within the healthcare sector, applying their knowledge in clinical or community health settings.OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
All programs at Healthville are delivered in English. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure they meet the required language proficiency before enrolling. Applicants may be required to provide proof of their English language proficiency as part of the registration process.
Please note:
- Registered health professionals may be asked for proof of licensing.
- International health professionals who meet program entry requirements are welcome to take this program. They must submit a copy of their license number from their home country (this will need to be in English). Please note all programs have been designed according to Canadian standards.
- Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field who are not registered health professionals must submit information of their relevant education or experience, including courses in human anatomy and physiology or pathophysiology of chronic conditions at a university or college level.
Become a Certified
Cancer Coach
From anywhere in the world
CAD $4,950
- 9 Live Classroom Modules
- 6 Asynchronous Self-Directed Sessions
- 92 Total Hours
- Eligible to register as a professional cancer coach on HealthVille Support Ecosystem.
- 3 Personal Sessions with a Mentor - After the course
FAQs
Why choose to become a Cancer Health & Wellness Coach?
Becoming a Cancer Health & Wellness Coach is more than a career choice—it’s a commitment to lifelong learning, mastery, and a passion for making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. As a rapidly emerging profession, cancer coaching offers both financial opportunities and a deeply rewarding career path. Whether you choose to build an independent coaching practice, integrate your expertise into medical or health-related settings, or join Healthville’s global ecosystem of cancer coaches, you’ll be equipped to empower individuals and families through expert guidance and compassionate support.
Why does NBHWC accreditation matter?
The NBHWC accreditation certifies that our program meets the highest industry standards, ensuring a rigorous, evidence-based, and client-centered approach to health and wellness coaching. This recognition guarantees that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them to deliver effective, professional coaching. Upon completing the course modules, graduates will be eligible to sit for the NBHWC exam, earning the prestigious National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential, which enhances credibility and expands
Who is eligible for this course?
This course is designed for regulated health professionals with a university or college degree in fields such as nursing, medicine, psychology, social work, dentistry, health promotion, kinesiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nutrition, or other health-related disciplines. Internationally trained medical doctors are also eligible.
Applicants without a healthcare license may be considered if they hold a degree and have at least two years of experience in the health and wellness coaching field.
How is the Program Delivered?
- Our program follows a hybrid learning model, combining self-paced (asynchronous) learning with live, interactive online sessions (synchronous via Zoom) for a comprehensive and flexible learning experience.
- The self-guided component—completed in the four weeks prior to online classes—focuses on the unique health challenges, self-management strategies, and concerns of individuals across the cancer continuum (prevention, treatment, survivorship, and advanced disease).
- The live online classes incorporate a multi-modal learning approach, including instructor-led lectures, peer practice, demonstration videos, pre-readings, coaching simulations, and interactive exercises to support diverse learning styles.
- A standout feature of our program is simulated learning, where participants engage in real-life cancer coaching scenarios with trained actors portraying patients facing cancer-related health challenges, ensuring practical, hands-on experience in a safe, supportive environment.
Who Are the Course Instructors?
Our instructors are globally recognized educators, researchers, and practitioners with expertise in cancer, nursing, kinesiology, and psychology. They have made significant contributions to their fields and are deeply committed to advancing cancer care through evidence-based health coaching.
With extensive practical experience in supporting individuals with cancer, our faculty members bring cutting-edge insights into the unique health challenges faced across the cancer continuum. Many hold specialized certifications, including:
- Motivational Interviewing Network Trainers (MINT)
- Pre-habilitation & Exercise Specialists
- Certified Psychotherapists
Each instructor is dedicated to enhancing student learning through expert guidance, interactive training, and hands-on coaching techniques. You can explore their credentials and professional backgrounds in the course descriptions on our website. CLICK HERE to learn more about our instructors.
How do I Apply for This Program?
Applying is simple! Contact us through our website, and our Training Coordinator will personally reach out to:
- Answer any questions you may have
- Provide guidance on the application process
- Send you the enrollment form
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be required to submit a deposit toward the full tuition payment. Before the course begins, you will be scheduled for an orientation session, ensuring you are fully prepared for the program.
What is the Class Schedule & Size?
Our classes are intentionally small, typically accommodating 10 to 15 students, with a maximum cap of 20 to ensure personalized instruction and an interactive learning environment.
- After completing the self-paced (asynchronous) component, you will attend 9 weekly online classes, each lasting 7.5 hours per day.
- The total instructional time for the course is 92 hours, with an additional 1-2 hours of out-of-class study per week.
- At the end of the program, you will complete a multiple-choice test and participate in a 2-hour simulated cancer coaching session, where your health and wellness coaching competencies will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
How Much Hands-On Practice Will I Get?
Our program is designed to provide extensive hands-on experience in health and wellness coaching, ensuring you build confidence and proficiency in real-world applications.
✔ Integrated Coaching Practice: Each course module includes guided skill-building exercises to reinforce coaching techniques.
✔ Peer Coaching Sessions: You will complete two structured peer coaching sessions to refine your approach in a supportive environment.
✔ Half-Day Live Coaching Practice: Participate in a dedicated in-class coaching session with peers, where you will apply techniques learned throughout the course.
✔ Full-Day Simulated Coaching Experience: Engage in realistic coaching simulations with a trained standardized cancer patient, allowing you to develop, test, and refine your coaching skills in a safe, supervised setting.
This structured progression of practice-based learning ensures you gain practical expertise, preparing you to confidently support individuals facing cancer-related challenges.
What Resources Will I Have as a Student?
As a student, you’ll have access to a comprehensive suite of learning resources designed to support your growth, both during and beyond the course.
✔ Extensive Course Materials: Includes lecture notes, supplementary readings, interactive learning modules, and industry-leading coaching tools.
✔ Case Studies & Skill Development: Each class integrates real-world case studies, coaching simulations, and hands-on practice to reinforce learning.
✔ User-Friendly Online Learning Platform: Easily accessible anytime, allowing you to review materials, revisit lessons, and track progress at your own pace.
✔ Ongoing Mentorship: 3 mentoring sessions are included. You may opt for more mentorship support to further develop your coaching expertise (available for an additional fee).
Our goal is to provide everything you need—from foundational knowledge to practical application and post-course support—ensuring you’re fully equipped for success as a Cancer Health & Wellness Coach.
What Career Opportunities Are Available After Completing the Course?
Health and wellness coaching is a versatile and in-demand skill set, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities across healthcare, corporate, and private sectors. As a certified Cancer Health & Wellness Coach, you can apply your expertise in:
✔ Private Practice: Establish your own independent coaching business, offering personalized cancer coaching and wellness programs.
✔ Healthcare & Rehabilitation Centers: Support patients as part of integrative oncology teams, survivorship care programs, or rehabilitation services in hospitals and clinics.
✔ Corporate Wellness Programs: Work with organizations, insurance providers, or employee wellness initiatives to promote cancer prevention, recovery, and resilience strategies.
✔ Fitness & Wellness Centers: Integrate cancer coaching into lifestyle medicine, exercise oncology, and holistic wellness programs.
✔ Nonprofits & Community Health Initiatives: Partner with cancer support organizations and advocacy groups to provide education, coaching, and emotional support to individuals affected by cancer.
✔ Healthville is always looking to hire Cancer Coaches, in full time or consultant roles.
Whether you pursue an entrepreneurial path, clinical role, or corporate position, this certification equips you with the skills to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by cancer
How is this course different from other courses
Mentorship
As a participant in the Health and Wellness Coach (Cancer Coach) Training Program we value our commitment to helping you grow and achieve your goals to be the best coach you can be, to help people with cancer to optimize their health and wellness. Our mentorship support will focus on supporting you in deepening your coaching skills through one-on-one practice with one of our instructors or a practicing Healthville cancer coach, and/or offering career advice. Mentorship will be comprised of three online sessions; and you may choose an area of focus for skill building and/or discussion of your career directions
Payment & Refund Policy
The total course fee is CAD$4,950, with an initial deposit of CAD$495 required at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due before the course start date.
Refund Policy:
If we must cancel the course—for example, due to insufficient enrollment (minimum of four students)—you will receive a full refund. If you request a refund, the following policies apply:
Refund Deadlines:
Refund requests must be submitted before the course begins. The earlier the request, the higher the refund eligibility.
Refund Amounts:
- Full refunds may be available for early requests.
- Partial refunds may apply for later requests.
- No refunds will be granted beyond a certain deadline.
- Administrative Fees: A processing fee may be deducted from refunds to cover administrative and enrollment costs.
- Processing Time: Refunds will be issued via the original payment method and may take a certain period to reflect in your account.
For further details or to request a refund, please contact [insert contact details].
Program at a Glance
Fall Session: Starting from Second Week of September 2025 (Exact date to be announced)
| Date | Time | Topic | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 3 2025 | 17:00-19:00 (ET) LMS Opens | Orientation to Course and Learning Management System-Zoom Meeting | Dr. Doris Howell |
| Asynchronous Course Component (18 hours) | |||
| Sept 3 to Oct 1 | Self-Guided | Six asynchronous, faculty-narrated, self-guided sessions for completion over 4 weeks (about 3 hours each, 18 hours) | Dr. Doris Howell |
| Synchronous Virtual Online Course Component (74 hours) | |||
| Wed, Oct 1 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) 13:00-16:30 (ET) | Module 1: Coaching Structure and Fundamentals of Cancer Health and Wellness Coaching | Dr. Doris Howell |
| Wed, Oct 8 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) 13:00-16:30 (ET) | Module 2: Whole Person and Wellness Assessment and Coaching Formulation | Dr. Doris Howell |
| Wed, Oct 15 | 09:00 -12:30 (ET) 13:00-16:30 (ET) | Module 3. Basics of Motivational Interviewing and OARS Skills | Dr. Maya Obadia |
| Wed, Oct 22 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) 13:00-16:30 (ET) | Module 4. Psychology of Health Behaviour Change and Readiness to Change | Dr. Doris Howell |
| Wed, Oct 29 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) | Module 5. Part A. Advancing Your Skills for an Effective Response to Change and Sustain Talk. | Dr. Maya Obadia |
| Wed, Nov 5 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) | Module 5. Part B. Deepening Consolidation of Skills for Rolling with Resistance | Dr. Maya Obadia |
| Wed, Nov 5 | 13:00-16:00 (ET) | Consolidation of Coaching Skills: Peer to Peer Practice Sessions | Dr. Doris Howell |
| Wed, Nov 12 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) 13:00-16:30 (ET) | Module 6. Lifestyle Behaviour Change Coaching to Optimize Health and Survival | Dr. Daniel Santa Mina and Holistic Nutrition Instructor |
| Wed, Nov 19 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) 13:00-16:30 (ET) | Module 7: Setting Goals and Implementing Action Plans for Behaviour Change | Dr. Doris Howell |
| Wed, Nov 26 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) 13:00-16:30 (ET) | Module 8 A: Management of Cancer Stress/Emotional Distress and Enhancing Coping | Dr. Doris Howell |
| Wed, Dec 3 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) | Module 8 Cont’d. Coaching Clients with Serious Illness for Recovery and Thriving | TBD |
| Wed, Dec 3 | 13:00-16:00 (ET) | Consolidation of Practice Skills: Peer to Peer Practice and Mentor Coaching | Dr. Doris Howell and Dr. Maya Obadia |
| Wed, Dec 10 | 09:00-12:30 (ET) 13:00-16:30 (ET) | Module 9: Experiential Learning: Practical Application of Health and Wellness Coaching Skills | Dr. Doris Howell |
| Capstone Evaluation | |||
| Dec 10-17 | 2-hour time slots | Capstone Evaluation of Competencies (each student selects one 2-hour session). Schedule will be posted online. | Dr. Doris Howell |
ASYNCHRONOUS (AS) FACULTY NARRATED COMPONENT-18 HOURS.
INSTRUCTOR: DORIS HOWELL
Session 1 (AS): Cancer Chronicity and Self-Management Tasks Across Phases
In this module, you will learn about the prevalence and risk factors for common chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular) and conditions (i.e. arthritis, obesity) including metrics and medical red flags, and the role of inflammation. Additionally, the context of cancer as a complex, dynamic chronic illness and long-term health challenges (physical and psychosocial). Risk factors and prevention/health promotion priorities are highlighted. The role of health behaviours in reducing risks for chronic diseases (i.e. metabolic syndrome, weight gain, obesity, etc.) and cancer population specific late-effect risks (e.g. second cancers (i.e. leukemia), and for other chronic diseases (i.e. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthralgias, etc.) are also examined.
Session 2 (AS): Cancer Health and Wellness Coaching Structure and Process
In this module, you will learn about the theories underpinning health and wellness coaching science. You will learn about the essentials of coaching for self-management and the intersection between coaching and patient navigation in a proposed framework for cancer coaching. The structure of coaching and coaching process for brief clinical encounters (e.g. 5As model for self-management coaching) and the tasks and core skills of self-management are discussed and its application to health and wellness coaching. Emphasis will be placed on shifting from usual healthcare professional roles as expert to collaborative, coaching partnerships for health behaviour change applied to cancer populations. The intersection between health literacy and patient activation will also be explored.
Session 3 (AS): Cancer and Health Coaching Communication Skills
In this module, you will learn about the principles of person-centered communication as fundamental to establishment of a collaborative partnership and a therapeutic coaching alliance to promote health behaviour change. An overview of the principles and SPIRIT of motivational interviewing and basic skills of communication based on motivational interviewing techniques of OARS will be highlighted. The communication skills emphasized include OARS (open-ended questions, simple and complex reflection, double-sided reflections, periscope, paraphrasing and summarizing) along with specific approaches to identify strengths and challenges of health behaviour change in cancer as a complex, dynamic chronic disease.
Session 4 (AS): Coaching for Self-Management of Acute Cancer Treatment Effects
In this module, you will learn about self-management support and fundamental skills for coaching patients in use of problem-specific symptom self-management behaviours to address treatment side-effects i.e. cancer fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance and self-monitoring for patient recognition of serious treatment toxicities in the acute phase of cancer; and for adjusting daily healthy behaviours (i.e. smoking cessation, medication adherence). The 5As coaching process is applied for assessment/engaging, guiding shared agenda setting and focus, setting goals and action planning, making decisions, recognizing ambivalence and scaling importance and confidence, and brief motivational interviewing skills for integration in clinical practice. Common sense models will be examined to understand role of symptom interpretation on behaviours.
Session 5 (AS): Coaching for Healthy Lifestyle Behaviour Change in Survivors
In this module, you will learn about the evidence-base and recommendations for healthy lifestyle behaviours (healthy eating, physical activity/sedentary behaviour, smoking cessation, alcohol consumption) and their application to managing health risks in the general population and applied to long-term and late effects in post-treatment survivorship. You will learn the basics of Version, January 27, 2025 healthy diet eating plates (US, Canada), physical activity, healthy sleep behaviours, and substance abuse and compare differences in healthy eating plates in US (Harvard, CDC) with Canada guidelines. Additionally, you will become familiar with evidence-based recommendations for healthy lifestyle behaviours specific to cancer survivor populations.
Session 6 (AS): Health Coaching Liability, Legal Implications, Standards and Code of Ethics
In this module, you will learn about the liability and legal implications that need to be considered in the delivery of health and wellness coaching and the context of employment and independent or solo practice and vis a vis health care professional regulatory body. Discussion of scope of practice and professional and regulatory disciplinary obligations to clients who require additional support i.e. psychotherapy or identify suicidal ideation, etc. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for the International Coaching Federation and the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching will be discussed and their application in coaching. The considerations for telephonic, dual practices, group coaching, and issues of privacy are also highlighted.
SYNCHRONOUS VIRTUAL ONLINE CLASSROOM LEARNING
INSTRUCTOR-LED
INTRODUCTION:
The live, instructor-led sessions are delivered through e-learning and a Zoom web conferencing classroom and include blended learning methods (pre-readings with reflective learning, micro- skills practice sessions, slides/lecture interactive). The synchronous sessions will be 7.5 hours in length weekly plus a 2-hour capstone evaluation (9 Modules-69.5 hours). A final 2 hour simulated practice session with standardized cancer patient/survivor actors. Each individual learner also completes a final practical skills assessment (capstone evaluation) simulating a full coaching session to assess NBHWC competencies at the end of the program. This final practical skills assessment is during an assigned 2-hour timeslot (3-20 minutes sessions with asynchronous instructor feedback of 60 minutes for total of 2 hours for successful/unsuccessful (pass/fail). Trained standardized patients are simulated clients.
Module 1: Coaching Structure and Fundamentals of Cancer Health and Wellness Coaching (7.5 hours). Instructor: Dr. Doris Howell
In this session, you will learn about the definitions and structure of health and wellness coaching and the fundamentals of the health and wellness coaching process with an emphasis on its applicability to cancer populations at different phases of the cancer trajectory. The cancer health and wellness coaching process is based on a strength-based approach, the underpinnings of positive psychology and focuses on client values, goals and actions, within a coaching framework and a client-centred collaborative relationship and therapeutic alliance between client and coach that supports their autonomy, self-efficacy, and the growth potential of the client.
Module 2: Whole Person and Wellness Assessment and Coaching Formulation (7.5 hours) Doris Howell
We provide an overview of whole person assessment based on a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework and wellness models and tools that can be used in the assessment process. We explore the Travis Illness-Wellness Continuum and the predisposing and perpetuating factors contributing to illness/wellness in cancer, life context and the personal, disease and social determinant factors that impact on self-management, health behaviors, and wellness. We discuss differentiation between wellness and well-being in cancer population. The risk factors for disability, morbidity and mortality in cancer are also explored. You will apply agenda setting and formulate a coaching plan based on the patient’s priorities, values, strengths and comprised of short-term and long-term health outcome goals.
Module 3: Motivational Interviewing and Consolidation of Advanced OARS Skills (7.5 hours). Instructor: Dr. Maya Obadia
Deeper dive into principles, processes and practice of Motivational Interviewing and the application of OARS with cancer clients. The Gordon Communication Model is elaborated and the application of STEMS to facilitate coaching conversations. Emphasis will be placed on deepening consolidation of MI and application of advanced skills in OARS including complex reflections (amplified, double sided, metaphor, periscope reflections) adding feelings to complex reflections, reframing reflections, perspective shifts and insights).
Module 4 PART A: Psychology of Health Behaviour Change and Readiness to Change (3.75 hours) Instructor: Dr. Doris Howell
The Transtheoretical Model or Stages of Change Theory will be discussed and its application for assessing readiness for change and the specific techniques to be applied for each stage of change. Additionally, Social Cognitive Learning Theory and its application to learning mastery will be discussed. You will learn about the Evoking Process of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and recognizing change and sustain talk (DARN-CAT). You will demonstrate use of the Evoking Process of MI for behavior change and working with clients in the use of problem-specific and health behaviours to address health problems. The critical risk factors and the challenge of health behaviour change in the context of multi-morbidity and risk clustering in cancer are explored through case application of health and wellness coaching skills.
Module 4 PART B: Advancing Your Skills for an Effective Response to Change and Sustain Talk (3.75 hours). Instructor: Dr. Maya Obadia
In this session, you will take a deeper dive into change talk as the driver of behaviour change and differentiating from sustain talk. You will be provided with evidence for how change talk plays a role in health behaviour change and improved health outcomes. You will get an opportunity to be selective in which information is exchanged in an MI adherent fashion using the technique of elicit-provide-elicit. The art of softening sustain talk will be covered. You will have an opportunity to practice responding to change talk using your OARS with a focus on complex and double-sided reflections as the mechanism of reinforcing change talk.
Module 5 PART A : Deepening Consolidation of Skills for Rolling with Resistance (3.75 hours) Instructor: Dr. Maya Obadia
You will practice and demonstrate use of readiness to change and scaling of importance and commitment and apply various techniques to rolling with resistance. The specific tools that will be used include values sort cards, decisional balance, querying extremes. This module will provide you with an opportunity to practice with each other being “difficult” clients; and rolling with resistance. Dealing with discord in the coaching encounter will also be discussed.
Module 5 PART B: Consolidation of Coaching Skills: Peer to Peer and Mentor Practice Sessions (3.75 hours) Instructor: Dr. Doris Howell
This session provides participants with an opportunity for peer practice in a safe and secure classroom environment. Cases will be discussed and coaching application with an opportunity to practice with peers. Session is interactive and facilitated by the instructor. Scheduled case-based practice of health and wellness coaching skills with each student acting as coach and clients. Minimum of 20 minutes per student in role of Version, January 27, 2025 coach. Synchronous instructor feedback is provided to each student based on skills observed in the coach role. A total of 20 minutes of feedback to each individual student.
Module 6: Lifestyle Behaviour Change Coaching to Optimize Health and Survival (7.5 hours). Instructor: Dr. Daniel Santa Mina
In this session, you will deepen your knowledge of the role of lifestyle medicine and current evidence-based recommendations (e.g. Centre for Disease Control, National Institute of Health, American Sports Medicine) for healthy lifestyle behaviours to reducing risks for chronic diseases and conditions (e.g. obesity); and their relevance to cancer populations. Health promotion and prevention through healthy eating and for management of long-term physical effects of cancer treatment and for mitigating late effect risks (i.e. metabolic syndrome, smoking, nutrition, obesity, diabetes, arthralgias/arthritis will be examined. Health coaching skills for facilitating healthy lifestyle behaviour change and goal setting will be emphasized and the role of lifestyle medicine in chronic diseases and for optimizing cancer survival.
Module 7: Setting Goals and Implementing Action Plans for Behaviour Change (7.5 hours) Instructor: Dr. Doris Howell
Transforming values and desires into action. Goal setting science within a health and wellness coaching context is introduced. Evidence-based techniques for designing effective goals and what matters most to the client. Guiding the client in selection of self-monitoring measures; and the role of outcome measurement for self-monitoring and accountability in the coaching process and application in follow-up sessions to avoid shame and build self-efficacy. Concept application will include use of rulers for scaling importance and confidence and coaching clients in problem- solving obstacles and identification of support systems to follow through with goals and actions and supporting lasting change. You will apply goal setting using the SMART approach.
Module 8: Management of Cancer Stress/Emotional Distress and Enhancing Coping Skills (7.5 hours). Instructor: Dr. Doris Howell
In this session, you will learn about stress and emotional distress and the application of health and wellness coaching to support clients in the management of stress, emotional wellness, and how emotional states impact on health behaviors. You will learn about how to apply MI processes to support clients with stress and facilitate positive thinking/resilience and coping behaviors, reframing negative emotions and building the persons navigation skills to access social networks and peer support resources. You will guide clients in structured problem-solving and apply principles of a solution-finding coaching approach based on the underpinnings of positive psychology, strengths-based coaching process, and using the mind to manage stress. We will examine the scope of coaching, understand differences between coaching and therapy and responding to case situations such as suicidal ideation and mental health; and how to refer patients for additional counseling or help. The importance of self-care for the coach and strategies will also be examined.
Module 9: Experiential Learning: Practical Application of Health and Wellness Coaching Skills (7.5 hours) Doris Howell
You will further deepen your knowledge and skills in the application of NBHWC health and wellness coaching competencies inclusive of integrating communication skills to engage patients, support them in setting a vision for health and wellness, coaching for health behaviour change and apply Motivational Interviewing processes/communication skills to cancer cases in client simulations. This session provides each student with an opportunity to practice their health and wellness coaching skills and NBHWC Version, January 27, 2025 competencies with feedback from peers and instructors. This is an all-day simulated coaching practice session with two standardized patients (one in am, one in pm) experiencing different health challenges i.e. physical activity and managing stress and emotions). Students coach the client for two, 20-minute coaching sessions (one session in am, one session in pm). Synchronous instructor feedback of 30 minutes is given to each student immediately following their simulation in role of coach (15 minutes am and 15 minutes pm).
CAPSTONE EVALUATION
Evaluation Process:
Final NBHWC Practical Skills Assessment through Live Virtual Simulation with Standardized Patients (2 hours – Students sign up for individual online appointment). The final capstone evaluation will allow students to demonstrate their coaching skills and NBHWC competencies in health and wellness coaching. This is a full practice coaching session of 60 minutes based on processes of the Motivational Interviewing coaching structure (engage, focus, evoke, plan) and required NBHWC competencies. Professional actors simulate a variety of health challenges (i.e. metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, stress/anxiety, and obesity). Synchronous instructor feedback is provided at the end of each session of coaching and immediately after the coaching session for 60 minutes. The student is also provided with a written summary within 48 hours summarizing competencies observed and satisfactory/pass or unsatisfactory/fail performance.
Cancer Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Student Evaluation:
- A minimum expectation of (150 words) weekly online response to a thematic topic (one post and a response post of 150 words each) after each of the nine synchronous learning modules.
- Successful completion of self-guided asynchronous learning and interactive learning and test of knowledge and skills using quizzes embedded within sessions 1 to 6 (multiple attempts possible) (100% correct).
- Two practical skills Coaching Practices with a peer. Includes completion of two peer practice session outside of class time. An observation sheet of coaching skills is completed by each student to provide peer feedback. The peer observation sheet is handed into the instructor (pass is completion of two peer practice sessions and observation sheet). Asynchronous Instructor feedback is provided to each student as one session is recorded.
- Successful completion of a 50-item multiple-choice exam at end of course (Pass completion rate of 75%)
- Practical Skills Assessment (Capstone Evaluation). Successful completion of 3 sessions of health coaching (20 minutes each) in a coaching simulation (see attached competency evaluation grid)-satisfactory/pass or unsatisfactory/fail.
Week 1 to 4
Asynchronous Self-Directed Learning Sessions (6 sessions, 18 hours, about 3 hours per session)
The six asynchronous, self-directed learning sessions of this training program are completed over 4 weeks prior to the start of the live instructor led classroom modules. The content is focused on knowledge of chronic diseases and risks and the unique health challenges for living with cancer as a chronic illness and essential coaching skills for supporting self-management and health behaviour change.
Coaching structure and communication skills for brief encounters in clinical practice and for longer term health behaviour change is emphasized and the theoretical underpinnings of health and wellness coaching that promote self-efficacy and a therapeutic coaching alliance.
Health coaching liability, legal implications, and ethics are also addressed. These sessions are interactive to promote deep learning using quizzes, self-directed reading and reflection on case studies.
Week 5 to 13
Instructor Led, Live Classroom Sessions (9 full day weekly sessions plus an individual 2-hour competency assessment)
The instructor led, live classroom modules (13-consecutive weeks) are focused on health and wellness coaching structure and coaching processes with an emphasis on strength-based coaching, based on positive psychology, theoretical underpinnings of readiness to change and micro-skills application of coaching skills throughout each module, inclusive of application of basic and advanced motivational interviewing coaching processes and techniques.
We focus on application of health and wellness coaching skills to support cancer populations in health behaviour change to manage long term physical and psychosocial health challenges and to reduce risks of late effects through use of behaviour change coaching based on principles of lifestyle medicine, goal setting and healthy lifestyle change to promote optimal health and whole person wellness and wellbeing.
Experiential learning in coaching simulations with standardized patient actors build students’ confidence and competence in coaching alongside in-class and scheduled peer practices.
Mentorship
In this module, you learn about normative emotions in cancer, stress and distress, uncertainty and anxiety, and their impact on health and survival. Techniques and skills of cancer coaching to support the management of uncertainty and the individuals application of positive coping behaviours including accessing social and peer support (online and groups) resources.
You will coach individuals using structured problem-solving and solution-finding based on the underpinnings of positive psychology, strengths-based and cognitive-behavioral approaches to manage distress. Use of patient-reported outcome tools for recognition and differentiating between normative emotions and sub-threshold and clinically significant depressive and anxiety disorders and referral to specialists are discussed.
Dr. Doris Howell RN, PhD, FAAN, NBC-HWC
Doris Howell is a highly awarded expert in psychosocial oncology with an international research reputation in symptom and self-management interventions. She is a Mayo Clinic Certified Health and Wellness Coach and holds additional certificates in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Chronic Disease Health Coaching. She developed and led the Cancer Coach training program at York University, Toronto, ON. She leads group coaching at Gilda’s Club and is peer volunteer Cancer Coach and Cancer Thriving and Surviving. Also a Stanford Trained Facilitator for Self-Management Group Coaching Programs (Chronic Disease, Chronic Pain, Cancer Thriving and Surviving).
As Co-Director of the Ontario Patient Reported Outcomes-Symptoms and Toxicity Research Unit (On-PROST) she made significant contributions to the measurement and implementation of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in routine cancer care. She also led the development of pan-Canadian psychosocial and survivorship guidelines that have been adapted for use in federal jurisdictions in Canada, the American Association of Clinical Oncologists and internationally in countries such as Australia.
Dr. Howell’s current contribution focuses on testing innovative models of healthcare delivery including proactive cancer self-management support and health coaching and remote monitoring and ‘real-time’ management of symptoms using mobile health devices. She is also conducting clinical trials testing the effects of behavioural self-management interventions to reduce the morbidity associated with complex cancer symptoms (dyspnea, fatigue, acute treatment toxicities) and optimize health recovery across the cancer trajectory. She also leads outcomes research to examine the psychosocial impact of breast cancer in young women and the role of self-efficacy as an executive member of the pan Canadian RUBY longitudinal cohort study.
Maya Obadia, PhD,RP
Daniel Santa Mina RKin CSEP-CEP PhD
Dr. Daniel Santa Mina is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and cross-appointed to the Faculty of Medicine in the Department of Surgery. He is also a Scientific Associate in the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management and Director of Research and Programming for the Prehabilitation Program at the University Health Network. Dr Santa Mina is also a CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Registered Kinesiologist. Dr. Santa Mina’s research interests include exercise oncology, and the effects of prehabilitation and rehabilitation and exercise in various clinical populations. Dr. Santa Mina is also actively involved in implementation research related to surgical prehabilitation and exercise oncology.
Certificate of Completion & Digital Credentials
Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a Healthville Inc, Cancer Health and Wellness (Cancer Coach) Certificate of Completion.
Healthville, Inc. – Cancer Health and Wellness Coach (Cancer Coach) Training Program is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).
Attended all sessions
Completed and passed all assignments and assessments, as they might be assigned during the program
Get the top-tier in Cancer Coaching Education
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Payment Plan
New classes begin twice a year: May & September
Tuition for the Fall 2025 Session
Regular Course Fee: $4950
You can now secure your spot with just a 10% registration fee, and pay the remaining amount when the session begins in September.
Early Bird Offer
10% Off Until June 30!
Register by June 30, 2025, and receive a 10% discount on the full course fee. Save $495 when you enroll early.
Registration Details
Our Cancer Health and Wellness Coach (Cancer Coach) Training Program is designed to meet Canadian standards and the approved standards of the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. If you’re joining us from outside Canada, we recommend checking with your local professional association or any relevant regulatory authority to make sure the program aligns with your country’s requirements.
While we do our best to deliver the program as advertised, there may be times when we need to make changes to dates, location, speakers, or content, sometimes with little or no notice. If we need to cancel a program, our responsibility is limited to refunding the paid tuition fee.
Refund and Transfer
Registrants who provide a refund request to Healthville 10+ business days prior to the start of the course, are eligible to receive a full refund of the course fee or deposit minus a $100+HST administrative fee OR their registration can be transferred to the next course run one time only at no additional fee. With less than 10 business days notice prior to the start of the program, the course fee or deposit is non-refundable. However, registrants can move their registration to the next course run one time only with a $100+HST administrative fee. All refund or transfer requests must be received in writing to info@healthville.ca
Early Bird Registration
- Pay 10% ($445) now to reserve your seat
- Remaining amount due at the start of the program
- NBHWC-recognized training led by Dr. Doris Howell
Early Bird Deadline Extended to 30 June
Due to payment gateway issues, some users couldn’t complete registration. If you face any problems, contact:
rohit@healthville.ca | marianne@healthville.ca
