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California Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Pathway

Welcome to the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) curriculum pathway within Azusa Pacific’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.

Because APU’s BSW is an officially designated CWC education program in the state of California, APU BSW students fulfill all education requirements for state CWC certification through their major coursework—without adding extra semesters.

Questions? We’re here to help. Reach out to the BSW team at [email protected] or (626) 857-2410.

 

1. What is a Certified Wellness Coach?

A Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) is a state-recognized mental health professional who expands nonclinical, prevention-focused behavioral health services for youth across California. CWCs work with children and young adults through age 25 in schools, community organizations, and health systems, offering wellness promotion, screening, care coordination, and nonclinical support.

For complete state guidelines and overview, visit the official HCAI Certified Wellness Coach website.

Advantages of Adding the CWC Pathway

  • Dual Credentialing at Graduation: Earn your BSW degree while simultaneously completing the prerequisites for a recognized state certification.
  • Expanded Career Opportunities: Stand out to California employers in schools, nonprofits, and community health organizations seeking certified coaches.
  • Seamless Professional Advancement: Gain a direct head start toward CWC Level II certification as you launch your career or enter a Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
  • Zero Extra Cost or Time: Build the required elective and field hours into your existing undergraduate plan.

2. Pathway Completion Requirements

To satisfy the CWC requirements through APU, BSW students must complete the following steps:

  1. Complete Required BSW Coursework: Maintain progress in your core social work degree requirements.
  2. Take Health Psychology: Fulfill your social work elective requirement by taking PSYC 385 Health Psychology.
  3. Complete 400 Internship Hours: Complete your 400-hour practicum at an approved, state-aligned internship site.
  4. Submit Experience Sign-Off: Have your field supervisor sign off on your hours using the CWC Supervisor Verification Form.
  5. Register with the State: Submit your official documentation through the California state portal upon graduation.

3. How to Declare Your Intent

Ready to join the CWC pathway? Follow these steps to align your academic plan early:

  1. Get Informed: Explore the HCAI CWC Overview.
  2. Express Interest: Fill out the brief BSW CWC Interest Form.
  3. Consult Your Advisor: Schedule an academic advising session to integrate PSYC 385 and an approved field site into your degree roadmap.
  4. Update Your Degree Plan: Submit the Major Update Form so the university system officially tracks your CWC pathway completion.

4. Finalizing Your State Certification

Certification Levels Explained

  • CWC Level I: Requires an associate degree from an accredited California community college earned within the last six years and 150 hours of field experience with youth (ages 0-25) at the time of application. The remaining 250 field experience hours must be completed within two years. If you entered APU with Level I status, your BSW coursework advances you toward Level II certification.
  • CWC Level II: Requires a bachelor’s degree and an additional 400 hours of field experience with youth (ages 0-25). After completing your APU coursework and field experience, you are immediately eligible to apply for Registered Certified Wellness Coach (R-CWC) status and enter the workforce to provide services. To become a CWC II, you must complete 400 additional field experience hours within two years, either through postgraduation work in the field or an MSW program that includes field experience with youth.

Step-by-Step State Application Guide

  1. Gather Required Documents
  2. Apply Online

What Happens Next?

HCAI typically reviews applications within 2-5 business days. Once approved, you’ll receive your official CWC or R-CWC certification ID number and a PDF of your certificate from HCAI.

Maintaining Your Credential: CWC certification is valid for 2 years. To renew, coaches must complete 20 continuing education hours, including 3 hours in Law and Ethics and 3 hours in Cultural Responsiveness. The remaining hours must relate to other core functions of the CWC. See the HCAI website for complete and updated information.