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Next Open Enrollment: May 1–15, 2026
PHD Academy

The Proper Human Diet Health Coaching Certification Program

Transform lives with science-based, personalized nutrition coaching.

Coaches gathered around a table, sharing a whole-food meal

Discover a powerful approach to health coaching grounded in evolutionary nutrition principles. Our certification is uniquely designed around the Proper Human Diet (PHD) — a real, whole-food, animal-nutrition-focused approach integrating low-carb, keto, ketovore, and carnivore strategies. Empower your clients to thrive by helping them achieve vibrant health through personalized nutrition.

Bowl of fresh whole foods and fish on a wooden counter

The world is facing a health crisis. We need compassionate, skilled, and dedicated coaches who can guide clients toward sustainable health goals. By grounding coaches in the Proper Human Diet, we aim to create meaningful, lasting change in global health. Additionally, we want our graduates not just knowledgeable but capable of building rewarding, profitable coaching careers.

Meet your Expert Instructors

Neisha Salas-Berry, Kim Howerton and Alyssa Rogersbring extensive expertise in health coaching, nutrition, business strategy, and ancestral health practices. You’ll benefit from their deep knowledge, practical insights, and hands-on guidance throughout your certification journey.

Dr. Ken Berry headshot

Dr. Ken Berry

PHD Founder

Healthcare Advocacy

Neisha Salas-Berry headshot

Neisha Salas-Berry

PHD Certified Expert

Marketing and Social Media

Kim Howerton headshot

Kim Howerton

PHD Certified Expert

Business and Operations

Alyssa Rogers headshot

Alyssa Rogers

PHD Certified Expert

Coaching and Behavioral

From our graduates

What coaches say about the program

Reflections from the first cohorts of PHD Certified Health Coaches — in their own words.

You really taught not just PHD but how to market, how to protect our business practices, effective coaching methodologies, and how to grow sustainable coaching practices. Our coaches are actively coaching and upholding extremely high standards for themselves and setting the tone that we can then emulate in our own practices.

BGBecky Gosky

This program is top-notch, with cutting edge information and experienced leaders that will guide you to confidence in starting your own business. The group participation in live sessions and community engagement within the cohort was supportive, encouraging and helpful. You won’t regret making this commitment.

LALynn Albin

I found the PHD Health Coach Academy to be worth every penny — and then some. The instruction is thorough and complete, and extremely well arranged by very experienced professionals already in this industry.

BTBradford Tozier

This course goes beyond coaching techniques. You’ll learn the principles of the Proper Human Diet, how to translate them into meaningful client change, and how to build the systems and structures that support a thriving, sustainable coaching business.

AAngela

This program offers a comprehensive foundation in all necessary aspects of health coaching — from proper human dietary theory, practical coaching skills, client intake and management, business structure, and approaches to package pricing and marketing. I graduated confident and fully prepared to hit the ground running.

FCFrances Claire Ruiz

I highly recommend PHD Academy. The lessons were thorough and the coaches were phenomenal in their specific field of experience. They made it easy to be ready to coach once I was certified.

KSKaren Spencer

PHD Health Coach Academy equipped me to effectively coach clients who want to improve their health. The information and examples given during our classes, and the peer mock coaching sessions, gave me confidence that I can help others become a better version of themselves.

KBKaren Burton

The educational structure was thoughtfully designed and provided clear training in PHD, coaching techniques, and the practical aspects of working as a coach. As a participant from Norway, I found that attending the course remotely worked seamlessly.

HNHeidemarie Nordahl

No fluff, no overcomplication — just clear, honest coaching rooted in real physiology. You didn’t just teach what to say, you taught how to think as a coach. Because of this program, I now feel confident helping people cut through years of confusion and take real steps toward better health.

RHRussell Harbaugh

This was Proper Human Coaching, no doubt. I came in with missing pieces in my journey to becoming a health coach, and I left 100% more confident, with the blanks filled in. If you are looking to help people go on a health journey based on PHD, you are in the right place.

DBDarin Berntson

The PHD Academy has taught me the ‘A’ and ‘B’ of the art of health coaching. I’m extremely grateful for the profound knowledge and the professional approach this program delivers. I felt appropriately challenged, well-supported, and continuously encouraged to grow my competence and coaching skills.

NHNadia Hristova

The PHD Health Coaching Academy was the best investment in myself and my health that I have ever made.

SSShaun Steffani

The Four Pillars of Certification

This comprehensive certification integrates four essential pillars, providing a solid foundation to launch and sustain a thriving career as a health coach and beyond.

Whole-food meal plate on a linen tablecloth
  1. 1

    Month 1

    Foundations of PHD, Marketing Basics, Coaching Fundamentals, Business Essentials

  2. 2

    Month 2

    Navigating Common Health Issues, Audience Growth, Tech Essentials, Advanced Coaching Techniques

  3. 3

    Month 3

    Elimination Diets, Sales Mastery, Creating Marketable Offers, Effective Coaching Strategies

  4. 4

    Month 4

    Lifestyle Factors Beyond Food, Managing Social Media, Business Financials, Coaching Ethics

  5. 5

    Month 5

    Deep Dives in PHD, Analytics for Growth, Skill-Building Strategies, Group Coaching Practice

  6. 6

    Month 6

    Lab Work Essentials, Social Media Audits, Scope of Practice, Certification Preparation

PHD & Ancestrally Based Living
Dive deep into personalized nutrition strategies inspired by ancestral wisdom. Explore the entire spectrum of the Proper Human Diet — from low-carb and keto to ketovore and carnivore diets — understanding how to tailor approaches to individual needs. Master the use of elimination diets, metabolic repair, and holistic interventions to effectively address autoimmune issues, metabolic syndrome, and overall wellness.
Marketing & Sales
Grow your client base authentically by mastering essential marketing and sales skills. Learn effective strategies for social media engagement, email marketing, creating compelling lead magnets, and ethical selling techniques that attract and convert clients naturally. Gain practical tools to develop your brand voice, increase audience reach, and build meaningful relationships through genuine communication.
Coaching Skills
Develop advanced interpersonal skills and coaching techniques designed to motivate, inspire, and empower your clients. You’ll learn effective active listening, powerful questioning, and strategies to support deep behavioral change. Understand how to navigate complex coaching situations, address emotional eating, troubleshoot client setbacks, and maintain ethical professional boundaries while guiding clients towards sustainable success.
Business Ownership
Gain comprehensive, practical business management skills essential for launching and maintaining a profitable coaching practice. Understand foundational business elements such as forming an LLC, managing finances, budgeting, understanding taxes, and legal essentials. You’ll also learn to confidently price your services, create compelling offers, manage profitability, and sustainably scale your coaching business.
Coach mentoring a student in a sunlit room

Ready to Become a Certified Proper Human Diet Health Coach?

Take the first step towards transforming lives, including your own. Enter your details below to learn more about our program and access exclusive pricing information.

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Become PHD Certified for only $4,797 (payment plan available)

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Frequently Asked Questions.

How much does the PHD Certification program cost?
The program costs $4,797. You can pay that amount in full or break it up into smaller payments with an $879 non-refundable deposit, followed by 5 additional monthly payments of $879 ($5,276 total).
Is this program suitable for beginners?
Our program is thoughtfully designed to support both complete newcomers to health coaching as well as existing coaches seeking additional skills. We provide foundational knowledge for beginners and in-depth content to elevate the expertise of experienced participants.
What does the course syllabus cover?

PHD Health Coach Certification Course Syllabus 2026

Pre-Module: Welcome & Orientation

  1. Proper Human Diet Foundations
  2. Metabolic Sciences Part 1 — The Food Science
  3. Metabolic Sciences Part 2 — Digestion & Metabolism
  4. PHD Lifestyle Factors — Nourishing Beyond the Plate
  5. PHD Practical Applications
  6. Understanding the Role of Health Coach
  7. Foundational Coaching Skills
  8. Supporting Client Progress Through Coaching
  9. Client Assessment & Goal Setting
  10. The Discovery Call
  11. Documentation for Coaches & Clients
  12. Understanding Advocacy
  13. Coaching Case Study
  14. Business Ownership: From Budgets to Legalities
  15. Niching Down
  16. Content 101: Social Media Basics

Final Exam

The syllabus is subject to revision as new information, course needs, or scheduling updates arise. Students will be notified of any changes to the syllabus or course schedule in a timely manner. This flexibility allows the course to remain dynamic, current, and educationally relevant.

What technology will I need?

You’ll access all program materials through a custom-built, user-friendly website. The online program is designed to make your learning experience seamless, interactive, and enjoyable, requiring no advanced technical skills.

List of recommended technology:

  1. An active email address and internet connection
  2. A Zoom-capable device
  3. A laptop or desktop
When will the program take place?
The course will open on May 8, 2026. There will be monthly live office hours for questions, as well as the ability to pre-submit your questions should none of the live times work for you. Everything will always be recorded to view later.
How much weekly time commitment is required?
We’ve found it really varies by student. Many students report needing 3–4 hours per week, while others who choose to do more in-depth study and practice assignments have spent more time engaging with course lessons, attending live Q&A sessions, and participating in accountability groups. We’ve structured the program to fit comfortably alongside your existing commitments by making the course self paced. Though a new lesson will open weekly (for 20 weeks), you can complete those lessons at the pace that works for you.
Will I have access to ongoing support?
Yes! You’ll benefit from extensive support throughout the entire program, including regular live Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered directly, accountability groups to maintain motivation, and an active online community where peers and instructors offer ongoing encouragement and assistance.
What if I miss a live session?
No worries. Every live session is recorded and made available on-demand. You can conveniently watch or revisit sessions anytime at your own pace, ensuring you never miss important content.
Is there a final exam?
Yes, upon completion of your course, you’ll complete a practical coaching certification test. This evaluation helps ensure you have the hands-on skills and confidence to thrive as a professional health coach, demonstrating your readiness to implement your new skills effectively in real-world scenarios.
Are payment plans available?
Absolutely. We offer flexible monthly payment options designed to make the program accessible, allowing you to comfortably invest in your education without financial strain.
Do I get certified upon completion?
Yes, upon successful completion of the program and the final practical exam, you’ll receive your official PHD Health Coaching Certification. This certification validates your expertise and supports your professional credibility in the coaching industry.