Besides setting you apart from the competition, there are other reasons you may want to consider wellness certification. Anyone can slap on the label of "wellness expert," but how does an employer identify the true expert?
Wellness certification provides a tool for the employer to measure expertise. There are several wellness certification programs available through organizations and universities. But not all certifications are created equal. Some programs focus on the clinical aspect of wellness. Others focus on one-on-one services like personal training, health coaching or nutrition. The type of program that best supports what you do is one that takes a total program management approach.
To be successful, a corporate wellness program must engage the employer, from the top down, as well as employees and plan vendors.
When shopping for a program, looking carefully at the following aspects.
- Identifying health risks - e.g., risk assessments and screenings
- Outcome tracking
- Evaluating results and intervention techniques to reduce health risks
- Communication strategies, including incentives.
For total program management, all the above elements are integrated with benefit plan design.
The field of available wellness certification programs, narrows when the goal is to find one that incorporates employee benefit concerns. Here is a quick review of some of the worksite wellness certification programs as they are described on the individual organization's Web sites.
WorldatWork Society of Certified Professionals is an affiliate of WorldatWork, an association of HR professionals from leading companies and other organizations. The affiliate administers the exams for multiple certification programs including the Work-Life Certified Professional or WLCP.
This designation is awarded to individuals that have a passing score on four exams. The program focuses on strategies and implementation of effective work-life programs.
The National Wellness Institute and WebMD Health Services co-sponsor a five-level program for worksite wellness. Each level requires two full days of training, completion of four case-oriented small group projects and the successful completion of an exam. Upon successful completion of each level, participants earn a designation ranging from Certified Wellness Program Coordinator, Manager or Director to Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant or Professional.
I chose this program because of its comprehensive focus on corporate wellness rather than one aspect, like coaching or physical fitness. The program is run by the oldest wellness organization in the country, the National Wellness Institute, and WebMD.
My firm saw this as an excellent credential to add to our collective resume. I didn't have to work very hard to sell it to my colleagues. Many firms are in varying stages of providing worksite wellness consulting and related services to their clients. The wellness movement has become so strong that my certification in this program has helped us stay ahead of our competition.
The Wellness Council of America offers a workplace wellness certification program to its members. The program consists of four, 90-minute online training sessions covering the group's research on results-oriented wellness programs. To receive certification, participants are required to attend all four sessions, complete a variety of homework assignments, and a final exit survey.
The National Association of Health Underwriters sponsors a wellness certification course that focuses on communication, implementation, case studies, compliance and legal issues, incentives and measuring ROI for wellness and prevention. It is a two-hour course with certification provided upon completion of the course and a passing score on an online exam. The course is offered to both NAHU members and non-members.
The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing administers Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exams twice a year.
The Coopers Institute offers a Health Promotion Director (HPD) course.
Is it worth it?
Only you can decide what's right for your business. Wellness certification can create credibility, provide a measurement of expertise, and it can set you apart from competitors. But, a new credential is meaningless if it doesn't represent an enhancement to the services you provide to your clients. Not having credentialed or certified staff may not contribute to the loss of business, but I argue that it could make your firm vulnerable when sized up against a firm that does have such credentialed professionals. Wellness has become so much more than just implementing a walking program or installing a healthy vending machine. It is complex and forever changing. So explore your options and watch for future developments. Make it worth it.
Taylor is a consultant and a certified wellness program manager for San Diego's Intercare Insurance Solutions.
