How to Become A Health Coach: Instruct, Empower, And Compel Clients In 5 Steps

Research states that the success rate is higher in people who implement change on their own terms. Being a health coach is a life-giving career. You impact lives personally and get the privilege of seeing a fundamental transformation. So if you’re wondering how to become a health coach or asked yourself, what is a health coach, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we answer some common questions, such as:

We also discuss several steps you can take to become a health coach. Our goal is to empower you with the tools you need to make the most of your new career. In addition, we want to equip you on your career path and answer your questions on how to become a health and wellness coach.

You may be in the throes of decisions, such as:

• Deciding if you need continuing education
• Finding information on if you need a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Choose the appropriate degree program or accredited certification
• Work with clients in their health and fitness improver their health holistically
• Equip those with chronic disease to live a healthy lifestyle
• Grow in your overall health education
• Speaking with personal trainers

If you choose to become a life coach, it’s essential to understand what a coach does, how to become a coach, and the current demand. First, however, before we go any further, let’s answer a foundation question: What is a health coach?

In our previous article, 4 Types of Transformational Coaching Methods That Empower Clients, we discussed that a health coach is someone who works with individuals to establish long-term change. Many individuals desire to change and simply need the encouragement of a holistic health coach to keep them on track.

What Does A Health Coach Do?

Coates stated that being a health coach is about small changes over the long term. A health coach should enable clients to make lifelong lifestyle choices. Anyone can make drastic changes for a few days, but living those changes out for lasting impact is different.

This practical change is where coaching comes in. Making a career as a coach means you get to cheer clients on and partner with them in their journey. You get to inspire their progress, watch the transformation before your eyes, and be part of their life change.

A health coach is a personal guide to influence you in positive change. If this piques your interest, the next question to ask is:

Is There A Demand For Health Coaches?

The simple answer is, yes, there is a great demand for health coaches. However, there is also a cost. But, with such great demand, the cost to become a health coach is worth it.

According to Everything Health Coach, the “​​Health coaching market reached $6 billion in 2017, a 15 percent increase from 2014. The market is forecast to reach $7.85 billion by 2022, with 121,000 practicing coaches.”

In the past few years, the need for health coaches has dramatically increased. This increase is primarily because mental health skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. So now is an opportune time to make a change if you’re passionate about becoming a health coach.

Simply search for “health coach jobs near me” to discover what’s open in your area.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Health Coach?

Many certified programs to become a health coach take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year. Much of these lessons can be done online or even at a self-imposed pace. But, the type of coach you choose to become will impact how long your certification takes.

A health coach will focus on the physical side of your life. A wellness coach will dive into your lifestyle habits. For example, if you want to lose weight or gain muscle mass, you’ll hire a health coach. However, if you want to improve mental health, a wellness coach would help connect how weight impacts mental health, stress, and mindset.

How To Become A Holistic Health Coach: 5 Steps for Success

Nudge Coach explains health coaching costs in tiers, understanding that the average session is 45-60 minutes long. Here’s a breakdown of those tiers:

Whether you want to become a life coach and see financial gains or hire a life coach and experience transformation, answering these questions is crucial to your future success.

1. Find A Health Coach Program

First, if you pursue a health coach career, find the program that is right for you. Very Well Fit lists several options you can pursue:

• Integrative or Holistic Health: Institute for Integrative Nutrition
• Nutrition-Focused: Precision Nutrition Level 1
• Academics: Emory University
• Deep Dive at a University: Duke Integrative Medicine
• Go Along with a Personal Training Certification: American Council on Exercise
• Business Support: Health Coach Institute
• Accessory for Licenced Professionals: National Society of Health Coaches
• No Prerequisites: Dr. Sears Wellness Institute

Browse through the above options and see what is best for you, your current life stage, goals, and aspirations.

2. Earn A Degree Or Obtain A Certification

During these months, focus on your health and wellness. Sacrificing your well-being is not a sacrifice you should make. But, of course, you may have some nights of longer study sessions or weeks you can’t maintain your typical routine.

Be gracious with yourself and give yourself time to refocus. Your work ethic can be an example to future clients.

You do not need to have a traditional college degree to become a health coach. However, you need the appropriate education, passion, and patience as you help your clients nurture their lives into a more sustainable lifestyle.

If you feel unequipped and may:

• Not have a college degree
• Have a degree in a different field
• Have a new passion for health and wellness

The above is good news. No matter where you are in your career, you can take steps today to become a health coach.

3. Gain Work Experience

Gaining experience is crucial to the health coach field. As you look at your options, consider:

• Volunteering
• An internship
• Part-time job positions

Work experience, paid or unpaid, is vital to your overall education. Your program or certification will teach you what you need to know, but getting out in the field is a practical necessity.

Pour yourself into your volunteering or internship. Remember that the more experience you gain, the better coach you will be in the future.

4. Join A Professional Health Coach Organization

Joining a health coach organization can help give you the credibility you need. If you don’t have years of experience, being part of an organization or group helps to establish your prestige. Not only will you grow, but surrounding yourself with those further down the road will teach you lessons your certification couldn’t.

We are constantly shaping and being shaped by those around us. Joining a professional health coach organization ensures professionals who know the field and have experience help shape you.

5. Keep Yourself Certified

Once you earn your certification, keep learning. It’s important to stay current with discoveries and individuals with unique physical and emotional needs. Maintain study hours. Continue to learn.

When it comes time to recertify, you’ll already have prepared. For example, recertification is required every five years for the National Society of Health Coaches. This recertification happens through a test covering the most current NSHC Edition of its self-study program.

To certify, you must have a current NSHC membership, be in good standing with the Society, and also have an active, unencumbered license/qualifying credential are required to recertify. A recertification fee is required.

Health Coaching Resources and Questions

Health Coach: Take Action Steps Today To Make A Positive Impact On People

Change happens where passion and ability collide. The more proactive you are about becoming a health coach, the better you will equip yourself to help others. With the coaching market forecast to reach $7.85 billion this year and 121,000 practicing coaches, there is a blatant need for you.

Your passion for helping individuals in their health and wellness could be the transformation your future clients long for.

Here are some steps to take today to become a health coach:

Becoming a certified coach is possible. Whether you are starting with no degree, a degree in a different field, or years of experience, your passion is needed. So take the above steps today, pursue your dream, and share your passion. There are thousands of individuals who need what you offer.

Every health coach starts with zero experience, and that’s why today matters. So take those steps, educate yourself, and ask your questions. You’ll be surprised how far you’ll go when you start today.