Academy Initiatives
Building the infrastructure for behavior change excellence
The Academy for Behavior Change is advancing the field through rigorous, evidence-informed professional development that equips diverse learners across healthcare, coaching, and related fields to practice with skill, integrity, and lasting impact.
As the Academy grows, we are developing practical pathways, tools, partnerships, and learning communities that support excellence in behavior change and human-centered care.
Specialization Tracks
Focused pathways for applied competence
A specialization is a focused, competency-based learning and development pathway designed to build and demonstrate skill in a specific domain.
Unlike certification—which relies on formal, high-stakes examination—specializations emphasize applied learning, skill development, reflection, and demonstrated competence through real-world scenarios.
Why Specializations Matter
Specializations support organizations and professionals by:
- Developing targeted skills aligned with strategic priorities
- Strengthening workforce capability in emerging or complex domains
- Supporting consistent, high-quality practice through defined competencies
- Creating pathways for professional growth and advancement
- Offering rigorous learning without the operational burden of certification
What Specializations Are Designed to Do
A strong specialization supports:
- Evidence-based knowledge acquisition
- Real-world application and skill development
- Clarity about what effective practice looks like
- Professional judgment in complex or evolving contexts
- Alignment between organizational goals and workforce capability
In Development
The Academy is currently developing specialization tracks in:
- Pediatric Coaching
- Oncology Coaching
Beginning July 2026, we plan to expand specialization development into additional clinical and applied domains.
Interested in partnering with us to develop a specialization?
Advanced Learning Pathways
Supporting ongoing professional growth
The Academy is committed to innovative, evidence-based learning pathways that support credential maintenance and continued professional development.
These pathways are designed to meet professionals where they are—whether deepening expertise, expanding into new roles, or advancing within integrated care environments.
Current and Planned Offerings
- Healthcare Professional Trainings
- Clinical Integration Certificate
- Clinical Coaching Fellowships
- Annual Coaching & Clinical Integration Symposium
- Ongoing masterclasses and workshop series
These offerings will continue to evolve to reflect emerging research, practice needs, and the realities of interdisciplinary care.
CHWC-Accredited Program Support
Strengthening the programs behind the credential
Supporting CHWC-accredited programs is foundational to the success of the credential and the field.
As a partner organization, the Academy is committed to providing resources, training, and community to strengthen program quality, consistency, and impact.
Areas of Support
Faculty Development
Tailored development opportunities for both new and experienced faculty to support depth, consistency, and fidelity in curriculum delivery and mentoring.
Practical Skills Evaluation Training
Training for faculty and mentors on the Institute for Behavior Change’s practical skills evaluation to ensure alignment with national standards and consistent use of evaluation rubrics.
Curriculum Development Support
Opportunities for program leaders to strengthen curriculum design, share best practices, and address implementation challenges.
Learning Community for Program Leaders
Collaborative spaces for program directors and faculty to connect, exchange ideas, and advance the quality of coach training programs.
Clinical Integration
Supporting real-world application in healthcare settings
The Academy is committed to advancing the integration of coaching and behavior change into healthcare and community systems.
Informed by research, including a Delphi study led by the Institute for Behavior Change, these efforts are designed to support practical, scalable, and human-centered integration.
Planned Initiatives
Clinical Integration Toolkit
Development of an evidence-based toolkit, along with consultation support, to guide implementation in clinics and health systems.
Clinical Simulation Lab
Structured learning environments that support interdisciplinary, real-world practice in human-centered care.
Coach Mentoring
Targeted mentoring for clinical health and well-being coaches working in applied healthcare settings.
Practicum & Placement Support
Support for clinical practicum placements and partnerships with organizations seeking to integrate coaching roles into care teams.
Resource Library
Curated knowledge to support the field
The Academy is committed to providing access to high-quality, relevant, and evidence-informed resources for professionals and organizations.
The Resource Library will serve as a growing hub for tools, research, and practical guidance.
What Members Can Expect
- Curated open-access tools and resources
- Evidence summaries and applied research insights
- Case examples from real-world practice
Publications & Reports
- Annual State of Behavior Change report, developed in partnership with the Institute for Behavior Change research team
- White papers focused on clinical integration models and coaching effectiveness
- Ongoing publications addressing emerging topics across disciplines
Community & Knowledge Sharing
- Online community hubs to support collaboration and exchange
- Opportunities to engage with peers, researchers, and practitioners across the field
Advancing the field, together
These initiatives reflect the Academy’s long-term commitment to building a strong, evidence-informed foundation for behavior change and human-centered care.
As the field evolves, the Academy will continue to expand its offerings to meet the needs of professionals, organizations, and the communities they serve.