July 15, 2025

Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, in collaboration with Duke Health, has launched a new degree and certificate program in Complementary and Integrative Health. Through this dual-degree and certification pathway, students will gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills grounded in evidence-informed practices, preparing them to lead in the evolving landscape of whole-person care.

By combining the strengths of two highly respected programs in health wellness, the College of Nursing and Health Professions and Duke Health offer students a unique, interdisciplinary learning experience. The Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH)/Health and Well-Being Coach Training Pathway Program is designed for qualified students who wish to pursue a Master of Science degree in complementary and integrative health at Drexel, while concurrently pursuing a certificate in health and well-being coach training from Duke Health.

Health and well-being coaching is a person-centered, relational process that empowers individuals to make lasting lifestyle changes for optimal health and wellness. This approach acknowledges the interdependent roles of mind, body and spirit, and the innate healing capacity within each person.

“This collaboration represents a powerful alignment of vision and values between two distinguished institutions,” said Rita Carroll, PhD, an assistant clinical professor and track director of the Complementary and Integrative Health Program in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. “By bringing together Drexel’s MS in Complementary and Integrative Health and Duke Health’s exceptional Health and Well-Being Coach Training Program, we have created a unique opportunity for students to become innovators and leaders in advancing health care toward more holistic, person-centered approaches.”

“Duke Health and Well-Being Coach Training is excited to welcome Drexel students and alumni. We look forward to the opportunity to provide support as students move forward on their health coaching journey,” said Dina Lumia, program manager for Duke Health and Well-Being Coach Training Program.

The MS: Complementary and Integrative Health is an evidence-based degree program that prepares health care professionals to integrate complementary practices and a holistic approach into conventional care, supporting optimal health outcomes tailored to each person’s unique needs, goals and preferences. Coursework spans a range of leading-edge topics, including phytomedicine, functional nutrition, mind-body modalities and integrative health strategies, providing both practical skills and a strong theoretical foundation. Through a focus on core competencies and whole-person approaches, students are equipped to apply these practices in clinical, educational and community settings.

The Duke Health and Well-Being Coach Training Program was among the first to be approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching, setting a standard for innovation and leadership in the field. Duke Health and Well-Being Coach Training emphasizes hands-on coaching experience, including expert feedback and personalized mentorship, to build competence and confidence in real-world coaching. The curriculum provides coaches with a robust framework for supporting individuals in personal health planning and sustainable lifestyle change. At the completion of the Duke program, students will be prepared to begin the coaching sessions required to apply for the certification exam by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching.

The 10-month Duke Health and Well-Being Coach Training is offered three times each year, beginning in spring, summer and fall. The program begins with 17 weeks of live virtual sessions, followed by self-paced e-learning modules and supervised practice under a mentor's guidance. Once the modules and related assessments are complete, students can independently arrange practice coaching sessions to fulfill the certification requirements set by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching. Students take a leave of absence from Drexel while attending the Duke Health coaching program and resume their studies with Drexel upon completion of the Duke Health program. Drexel CIH MS students receive a substantial tuition discount for early registration.

“At Drexel, we are committed to preparing students to meet the future of health care with skill, purpose and compassion. This unique collaboration with Duke offers our students an extraordinary opportunity—to earn a master’s degree while completing a nationally recognized coaching certification program,” said Kymberlee Montgomery, DNP, senior associate dean of Nursing and clinical professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “Together, we’re equipping graduates to lead in whole-person care with confidence, evidence-based knowledge and real-world experience.”

“By combining Drexel’s strengths in evidence-informed integrative health education with Duke’s nationally recognized coaching program, we are expanding pathways for students to make a profound impact on health and well-being,” said Emily Roper, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “This collaboration empowers future leaders to bridge disciplines, personalize care and drive meaningful change across clinical and community settings.”

For more information on the Pathway Program, visit: https://drexel.edu/cnhp/academics/graduate/MS-Complementary-Integrative-Health/.

About Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions
Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) is a nationally recognized leader in health care education, offering over 85 programs in fields such as nursing, physical and occupational therapies, orthotics and prosthetics, counseling, physician assistant studies, culinary arts and science, health sciences, speech-language pathology and audiology. Based in Philadelphia, CNHP emphasizes experiential learning, cutting-edge technology, interprofessional education and community engagement to prepare students for real-world impact. As part of Drexel’s innovative academic environment, the College is committed to advancing health equity and shaping the future of health care and food systems.

About Duke Health
Duke Health is a world-class academic and health care system. Duke Health strives to transform medicine and health locally and globally through innovative scientific research, rapid translation of breakthrough discoveries, educating future clinical and scientific leaders, advocating and practicing evidence-based medicine to improve community health and leading efforts to eliminate health inequalities.