How to Become a Health Coach

Providers within the current healthcare system often need help finding time to champion and support health behavior changes in their patients. This void has led to the development and growth of a new health coaching approach that has become a cornerstone of chronic disease prevention and treatment.

Health coaching goes hand-in-hand with lifestyle medicine, which works with patients to address health conditions related to lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, nutrition, sleep, or alcohol consumption). Health coaches effectively motivate patients to undertake behavior change in key lifestyle areas, and this approach has improved health outcomes in patients with chronic health conditions.  

Keep reading to learn more about the $7 billion health coaching market, including the required training, career prospects, and salary.

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What is a Health Coach?

A health coach is a motivating personal health champion who guides clients to adopt lifestyle changes that improve health and overall well-being. Health coaches are adept at presenting proposed lifestyle changes in a respectful, non-judgmental manner that aligns with their client's values.

Health coaches are trained to promote optimal health through motivational strategies, behavior change theories, and education.

What Do Health Coaches Focus on?

Here are a few specific ways that health coaches work with clients to achieve improved health:

Chronic Disease management

Many chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, are effectively managed through lifestyle changes like healthy eating and regular physical activity. Health coaches assist individuals in developing the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to make these changes.

Behavior Change

Health coaches help individuals identify and overcome barriers to change, like lack of motivation, knowledge, or social support. They also help individuals set realistic and achievable goals and provide ongoing support and accountability as they work towards them.

Empowerment

Health coaches empower individuals to take active roles in their health and well-being. They help individuals understand their health conditions and make informed decisions about their care.

Improved clinical outcomes

Health coaching improves a wide range of health outcomes, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, improved blood pressure, and reduced risk of heart disease.

How to Become a Health Coach

The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and the International Coaching Federation (ICF) are two prominent professional organizations for health coaches. Both the NBHWC and the ICF have lists of approved health coach training programs. Some health coaching programs are approved by both organizations.

Many health coach training programs require a Bachelor's degree for entry, but it's best to check with the schools you're interested in to verify entrance requirements.

Training in an approved program usually takes several months to a year or more and covers communication skills, coaching techniques, health, and wellness. Some programs require the completion of a certain number of hours of supervised clinical practice.

Graduates of a recognized training program may choose to become board certified through a professional organization like the NBHWC or ICF. Both organizations require the completion of continuing education credits to renew credentials every three years.

Where Do Health Coaches Work?

Health coaches practice in various settings:

• About 46% of US workplaces offer health promotion programs, including coaching
• Large institutional clinics and hospitals
• Corporate wellness programs
• Private health clinics‍
• Independent practice
• Veteran's Administration (VA)
• Insurance Companies

Can Health Coaches Order Labs?

Health coaches do not order or assess laboratory tests in the United States.

The scope of practice laid out by the NBHWC states that health coaches are not permitted to "diagnose, interpret medical data, prescribe or de-prescribe, recommend supplements, provide nutrition consultation or create meal plans, provide exercise prescription or instruction, consult and advise, or provide psychological therapeutic interventions or treatment."

Laws regarding the scope of practice for health coaches vary between states and countries, so it's always best to check with your local regulatory body to confirm what is allowed in your area.

What is The Average Salary for a Health Coach?

Health coaches have an average salary of $42,317 annually. The US health coaching industry has been growing steadily over the past few years, and opportunities for health coaches are expected to increase over the next decade.

Summary

Health coaching effectively helps individuals take control of their health and make positive changes leading to improved well-being. It is especially beneficial for addressing chronic health conditions, promoting behavior change, and empowering patients to be accountable and involved in their care. By working with a health coach, patients can achieve measurable improvements in health metrics like blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and body weight.