Health Coach Program

Health Coach – The Community Care Network (CCN)

The Health Coach Program is a unique partnership between The College of Wooster and the Wooster Community Hospital. Under medical supervision, students provide companionship and guidance to patients in the community to help them lead healthier lifestyles.

The Training Process

Before being paired with patients, students must complete a one-semester training course (IDPT 13000, The Community Healthcare Seminar, 0.5 credits)

  • By Application Only: Students must apply and be accepted to the program to be enrolled in the seminar. The application process occurs every fall semester and the seminar is offered each spring semester (Monday evenings from 6-7:30pm)
  • Expert Instruction: Engage in weekly lectures from physicians, nurses, dieticians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals who work in the community
  • Curriculum: Focus on diagnostic capacities and the impact of lifestyle on chronic diseases that are prevalent in our community
  • Requirements: Students must attend all class meetings, obtain CPR certification (offered by the Wooster Community Hospital), complete a background check, and do two hands-on trainings before seeing patients

Hands-On Experience

Once trained, Health Coaches are assigned their own patients in the community. They will meet with patients in the patients’ homes and assist them with wellness goals

  • Weekly Commitment: Health Coaches will meet with their patient(s) for one hour per week per patient
  • Professional Reporting: Health Coaches will prepare SOAP notes and attend bi-weekly team meetings to report on their visits
  • Mentorship: Health Coaches will have regular consultations with Co-Medical Directors Drs. Amy Jolliff and Paul Nielson, as well as a team of nurses and social workers, to refine patient care plans
  • Long-term experience: The majority of students serve as Health Coaches for 4+ semesters during their time at The College of Wooster

The Career Advantage

This demanding program prepares students for the realities of healthcare. Wooster Health Coach graduates report a significant competitive advantage when applying to medical and professional schools, which highly value this level of direct patient care experience

Questions?:

Contact Jamie Adler (jadler@wooster.edu) for more information