Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Pathway
Build a Career Supporting Youth, Families, and Community Wellness
The Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) pathway at Ventura College prepares students for entry-level roles in the growing field of behavioral health and human services, with a focus on supporting children, youth, and families. Developed in alignment with the California Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), this program provides a clear, accessible pathway into meaningful, community-based careers without requiring a graduate degree.
CWCs provide non-clinical behavioral health support, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and wellness promotion. They work in schools, community organizations, and social service settings to help individuals build healthy habits, improve well-being, and connect to needed resources.
Work. School. Life. Community.
Only so many hours in a day.
We created this pathway to help you start a career that makes a difference.
The CWC pathway is embedded within Ventura College’s Human Services program and is designed for students interested in working in schools, youth programs, community-based organizations, and social service agencies supporting populations impacted by mental health challenges, substance use, family stress, homelessness, and other social issues.
Join an Info Session
Learn more about the Certified Wellness Coach pathway and how to get started!
In-Person Info Session
Date: May 12
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Ventura College Campus, MAC 200
Enjoy lunch and refreshments while you connect with faculty and learn about the program.
Virtual Info Session
Date: May 13
Time: 5:30 PM (Pacific Time)
Link: Join the Certified Wellness Coach Info Zoom Session
Fill the interest form to learn more about the Certified Wellness Coach Program at Ventura College
What Does a Certified Wellness Coach Do?
- Provide wellness education and skill-building
- Support individuals and small groups
- Assist with early identification of behavioral health needs
- Help connect clients to services and resources
- Work as part of a care team under supervision
Where Can You Work?
- TK–12 schools and youth programs
- Ventura County Office of Education programs
- Community mental health and social service agencies
- Family, child, and youth service organizations
- Nonprofits and community-based programs
Program Pathway
The Ventura College Human Services program, including the CWC pathway, is structured around:
- theoretical foundations/intervention strategies
- client population/cultural diversity
- research/evaluation
- skill development/field experience
Certification & Career Path
Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for certification as a Certified Wellness Coach through HCAI.
- CWC I (Associate Degree Level) includes required fieldwork
- Graduates may begin working as a Registered CWC
- Additional supervised hours lead to full certification
Learn more about becoming a certified wellness coach
Why Choose This Pathway?
- Start a career in behavioral health without a graduate degree
- Gain hands-on experience working with youth and families
- Build skills in prevention, wellness, and community support
- Create a pathway into advanced careers in social work, counseling, or education