By: Sabrina Miller
Baltimore, Md- Notre Dame of Maryland University’s School of Integrative Health has achieved a major milestone, its Master of Arts in Health and Wellness Coaching program has been awarded Level 2 Accreditation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This recognition marks a significant advancement in the school’s commitment to excellence in health and wellness coaching education.
“We are very excited to offer this advanced level of ICF credentialing,” said Dr. Duston Morris, Chair of the Health and Wellness Coaching Department and Associate Professor. “This demonstrates our continued dedication to providing students with the most current, comprehensive, and high-quality academic preparation and professional training available.”
The School of Integrative Health already holds Level 1 Accreditation for its Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching, which prepares graduates to pursue the ICF’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. With the new Level 2 Accreditation, graduates of the Master of Arts program will now be eligible to apply for the ICF’s Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential—a higher distinction that recognizes advanced coaching skills, applied experience, and professional excellence.
“This new level of program accreditation demonstrates the school’s commitment to excellence in integrative health education,” said Dr. Chris Sax, Dean of the School of Integrative Health. “It further positions NDMU as a national leader in preparing skilled, compassionate, and evidence-informed health and wellness coaches.”
The accreditation process is rigorous, requiring alignment with ICF’s highest standards of coaching ethics, competencies, and curriculum design. For students, the Level 2 designation streamlines the path toward PCC certification and expands professional opportunities in health and wellness coaching, healthcare, and organizational leadership.
“We are excited to now offer ICF Level 2 (PCC) education certification for our M.A. students,” said Sherry Leikin, Associate Professor and Credentialing Manager for Health and Wellness Coaching. “Our Level 2 training is a tremendous asset to our M.A. program and our students and greatly simplifies the ICF application process for our graduates.”
This milestone highlights the expertise and dedication of NDMU SOIH’s faculty and the University’s continued innovation in integrative health education—equipping students to lead and empower others toward healthier, more balanced lives.
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
