Hinge Health Announces Health Coach Diversity Award

Aims to train diverse students for one of America’s fastest-growing occupations

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hinge Health, the #1 Digital Musculoskeletal Clinic, announced a $100,000 award in partnership with Duke University to support students from diverse backgrounds pursue a career in health coaching. This award is expected to provide up to 18 students with financial support (full tuition) through upcoming program cohorts. Health coaching—among the fastest-growing occupations in America—is projected to grow by 17% over the next decade, with a median wage of $56,500. Hinge Health’s Advancing Diversity in Health & Well-Being Coaching Award will be offered at Duke University’s highly respected Health & Well-Being Coach Training program.

As part of an integrated care team, health coaches play an important role in supporting and motivating patients to complete their physical therapy program and make lifestyle changes necessary to resolve back and joint pain. However, patient progress is often held back due to a lack of diversity among healthcare providers. In a survey of orthopedic surgeons, 68% acknowledged evidence of disparities in orthopedic treatment due to race and ethnicity.

“Diverse care teams are critical to serving diverse member populations as we build an inclusive healthcare experience that works for everyone,” said Daniel Perez, CEO of Hinge Health. “When I was a student, I was grateful for the opportunity to be part of a scholarship program for first-generation college students. Today, I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Duke University to enable many more students with diverse backgrounds to enter the promising field of health and wellness coaching.”

“As one of the fastest-growing fields in the US, the coaching industry must grow in a way that represents patient diversity,” said Margaret Hathaway, vice president of coaching at Hinge Health. “We look forward to graduates from the program applying their new coaching skills to improve patient outcomes.”

The Hinge Health Advancing Diversity in Health and Well-Being Coaching Award will cover the complete cost of the Duke University program, including tuition and non-tuition fees. It is open to anyone who meets the requirements and has an interest in becoming a health coach. The initiative is designed to attract applicants who demonstrate a commitment to breaking down racial and ethnic barriers in the field.

“The institution’s highly respected Duke Health and Well-Being Coach Training program is certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching and has a 94% pass rate. It offers a flexible course schedule for students, including virtual classes,” explained Marley J. Johnson, M.Ed., director of programs, Duke University Health and Well-Being. “We hope to help more diverse coaches become credentialed and make an impact in the communities they will serve.”

To find out more or apply for the Hinge Health Advancing Diversity in Health & Well-Being Coaching Award at Duke University’s Health & Well-Being Coach Training program, click here.

About Hinge Health:

Hinge Health is building the world’s most patient-centered Digital Musculoskeletal (MSK) Clinic™. It is now the leading Digital MSK Clinic, used by four in five employers and 90% of health plans with a digital MSK solution. Hinge Health reduces MSK pain, surgeries, and opioid use by pairing advanced wearable sensors and computer vision technology with a comprehensive clinical care team of physical therapists, physicians, and board-certified health coaches. Hinge Health’s HingeConnect integrates with 750,000+ in-person providers and enables real-time interventions for elective MSK surgeries, driving proven medical claims reduction. Available to millions of members, Hinge Health is widely trusted by leading organizations, including Land O’Lakes, L.L. Bean, Salesforce, Self-Insured Schools of California, Southern Company, State of New Jersey, US Foods, and Verizon. Learn more at http://www.hingehealth.com.