How to Become a Certified Health Coach
Many people are asking how to become a health coach. As more individuals seek to take control of their health and wellness, the demand for health coaches continues to rise. If you're passionate about helping others achieve healthier lifestyles, this rewarding career may be the perfect fit for you.
Health coaches provide personalized guidance and support to help clients make meaningful lifestyle changes. They also play an essential role in integrative healthcare, collaborating with patients and healthcare providers to set goals, develop strategies, and sustain progress toward improved well-being.
In this guide, we’ll cover the fundamentals of becoming a health coach, including certification requirements, training programs, career opportunities, and more.
Why Get Certified as a Health Coach?
Earning a health coach certification enhances your credibility and expands your career opportunities. A certification validates your expertise, making you a recognized professional in the field. Many employers require certification when hiring health coaches, and clients are more likely to trust certified professionals.
1. What Credentials Do You Need to Become a Health Coach?
The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) sets the standards for health coach training and certification. To become a certified health coach through NBHWC, you must:
Complete an NBHWC-approved training program
Conduct 50 health and wellness coaching sessions
Have at least an associate’s degree (or 4,000 hours of work experience in any field)*
Pass the National Board Certification Exam to earn the title of National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)
Note: Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Where Can You Get Health Coach Training?
Several organizations, private institutions, and universities offer NBHWC-approved training programs.
2. Training Programs for Health Coaches
Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) is one example of an institution that offers an NBHWC-approved Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching program in multiple formats:
Graduate Certificate Program (stand-alone certification)
Embedded Option in the Master of Health Science in Functional & Integrative Nutrition
Embedded Option in the Master of Health Science in Integrative Care
Continuing Education Certificate Program
How Long Does It Take to Become a Health Coach?
3. Duration of Training
The time required to become a health coach varies depending on the program you choose. Generally, it takes anywhere from three months to two years to complete the necessary training and coaching experience.
For instance, NWHSU’s online health coach certificate program can be completed in as few as 28 weeks, including a supervised practicum where students complete their 50 required coaching sessions.
What Courses Are Included in Health Coaching Programs?
4. Common Courses in Health Coaching Programs
NBHWC-approved programs typically include at least four core courses. NWHSU offers the following courses as part of its curriculum:
INCR 6111: Fundamentals of Behavioral Science and Motivating for Health Change
INCR 6112: Foundations of Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching
INCR 6113: Advanced Applications of Health Coaching in Integrative Care
INCR 6114: Health and Wellbeing Literacy
INCR 6115: A Health Coaching Approach to Community Health and Wellbeing (Practicum)
These courses prepare students for the National Board Certification Exam and provide hands-on training to enhance coaching skills.
5. Where Can a Health Coach Work?
Certified health coaches have diverse career opportunities in a variety of settings, including:
Department of Veteran Affairs facilities
YMCAs and community wellness programs
Managed healthcare organizations
Private clinics and medical offices
Employee wellness programs
Online coaching platforms
Private coaching businesses
Educational institutions
Many certified health coaches run private practices, often conducting client sessions online for greater flexibility.
6. Benefits of Certification for Existing Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, chiropractors, and nutritionists can enhance their scope of practice by becoming certified health coaches.
Health coaching skills help professionals:
Go beyond disease management to promote holistic well-being
Improve patient-centered care by empowering clients with behavior change strategies
Provide alternatives to prescription drugs and invasive procedures
Integrate coaching techniques into their existing healthcare practice
How to Choose the Right Health Coaching Program
When selecting a health coaching program, consider the following factors:
NBHWC Approval: Ensure the program meets the standards set by the leading accreditation body.
Degree Options: Some programs embed health coach training within advanced degree tracks for greater career growth.
Practical Training: Programs with supervised practicums help students gain real-world experience and complete their required coaching sessions.
Exam Preparation: Choose a program that offers structured support for the National Board Certification Exam.
For example, NWHSU’s program includes weekly faculty-led exam preparation to help students succeed.
10 Lesser-Known Facts About Becoming a Health Coach
Health coaching is rooted in behavioral science – It focuses on motivation, habit formation, and psychology rather than just diet and exercise.
You don’t need a healthcare background – Many health coaches come from unrelated fields and transition into coaching with proper certification.
There are multiple career paths – Beyond working in clinics or wellness centers, health coaches can work in corporate wellness, fitness programs, online platforms, or even start their own business.
You need to complete 50 coaching sessions for certification – The NBHWC requires candidates to log 50 coaching sessions before taking the certification exam.
Some programs embed health coaching into degree tracks – Universities like NWHSU integrate health coaching into master’s programs, allowing students to earn both a degree and a coaching certificate.
Health coaching can be a remote career – Many health coaches operate entirely online, conducting virtual coaching sessions through telehealth platforms.
Doctors and nurses can enhance their practice with coaching – Medical professionals can use health coaching techniques to better support patients, especially those looking for lifestyle-based interventions.
NBHWC certification is a gold standard – While many organizations offer training, only NBHWC-approved programs ensure industry-wide recognition.
Health coaching goes beyond weight loss – While many associate coaching with fitness and nutrition, it also helps clients manage stress, chronic illness, and mental well-being.
The field is still growing – As healthcare shifts toward preventative care, health coaching is becoming an essential part of patient-centered wellness.
Your Next Step: Start Your Journey Today
If you’re ready to explore health coaching as a career, the next step is to research and enroll in an NBHWC-approved training program. Anhco’s health coach certification program offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and exam preparation to set you up for success.
Start your journey today with Anhco and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in health coaching!
References
By following these steps and leveraging the resources available, you can embark on a rewarding career as a certified health coach, making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of your clients.