Do you enjoy talking with people about their health and wellbeing or empowering others to make lifestyle changes? Health coaches work individually or with groups of people looking to make health-related lifestyle changes. A health coach helps people identify areas of concern, assist with goal setting, and provide encouragement and motivation along the way.
The best health coach certification programs either focus on a particular area like nutrition or offer a broad curriculum designed to cover several health-related concerns. Some may provide training in specialized areas such as business coaching or fitness and nutrition coaching. Here, we go over the pros and cons of different health coach certification programs, what to consider before signing on the dotted line and review some frequently asked questions.
Best for Academics: Emory University. Best with No Prerequisites: Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. Why We Chose It : The Institute for Integrative Nutrition is one of the largest integrative and holistic health coach certification programs in the world. Founded by the now-well-known Joshua Rosenthal in a tiny New York City kitchen, IIN has grown into one of the larger and more popular health coaching certification programs, with more than , graduates to date.
To IIN, actual food is secondary to all of those factors. This program is for you if: You want to learn about non-nutrition components of health coaching and focus on lifestyle management.
You should also have at least 10 hours per week to dedicate to this program. Why We Chose It : The Precision Nutrition Level 1 certification program takes a deep dive into nutrition coaching with its science-backed curriculum. On the flip side, if you are very interested in the details of nutrition and how the body processes, responds to and utilizes food, the Precision Nutrition health coaching certification might be the one for you.
This program is for you if: You want a completely online course developed by a credentialed expert in nutrition John Berardi, PhD, is the founder and you want to focus on nutrition only. This program is not for you if: You want any sort of hands-on learning or want to learn about more aspects of health coaching, other than just nutrition. Why We Chose It: Emory University earned the top spot for academics because of its challenging, university-level health coaching program.
The Emory University health coaching program begins and concludes with a full weekend of in-person classes in Atlanta, Ga. Based on the course description, this program is tough and has a long list of learning objectives. This program is for you if: You love academia and want a challenging, university-level health coaching program, as well as a nationally recognized title.
Another university-based program, the Duke Integrative Health Coaching Program has two distinct portions: the foundation course and the certification course. All students are required to complete both.
Why We Chose It: Certified personal trainers looking to broaden their expertise and services for clients should consider the American Council on Exercise's Health Coach certification. This program offers trainers a way to learn about all aspects of health coaching. The American Council on Exercise ACE offers one of the best personal training certifications available and is known for its vast selection of specialization programs.
The ACE health coaching program is the only such program accredited by the NCCA, the gold standard for credentialing agencies in the health and fitness industry.
This program is for you if: You have or are working toward one of the necessary prerequisites, and plan on using your health coaching knowledge in addition to your current specialty e. The health coach certification program focuses on many of the same objectives that other programs on this list cover: nutrition, behavior change, exercise, stress, lifestyle, etc.
To take it one step further, however, the graduate course focuses entirely on building your health coaching business. This program is for you if: You either want a health coach certification and a business coaching program to refine your health coaching career; or you already have a health coaching certification and want to better your business with the graduate-level program.
Why We Chose It: The National Society of Health Coaches is an exclusive certification program for licensed health or medical professionals looking for an evidence-based health coaching program. The caveat? The NSHC is only available to licensed healthcare professionals. Rather than a standalone health coaching program, the NSHC certification is designed to be used in conjunction with a medical license, such as a doctor of chiropractic, registered nurse, licensed dentist, or naturopathic doctor.
This program is for you if: You are a licensed health or medical professional and want to earn an additional credential or use this program as a continuing education opportunity. This program is not for you if: You do not have one of the accepted health or medical licenses to enroll and earn the NSHC certification. Why We Chose It: Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, founded by Dr. The Dr. This certification is the Gold standard in Health Coaching. It is founded on Evidence Based practice and encourages continous learning through its support systems.
It is extremely relevant to my practice in hospital. It is something I have been taught several times before, but this really consolidated my learning. I highly recommend this program and would change nothing about it!
It is evidence-based, flexible, and delivers an excellent program, along with ongoing coaching resources to assure that critical skills a. Our highly popular, interactive day-long event is hosted by your organization onsite or virtually via Zoom and facilitated by an NSHC Lead Coach. Sessions added as they occur. View now! We're Shaping the Future of Health Coaching! Developed by clinicians for you NSHC's program and Health Coach Certification has been developed specifically for health practitioners in contrast to programs developed for the masses.
Browse Course Outline. Health Coaching Future. Hello Nicole, Yes all of these are very legit certifications. Good luck with your search and I hope you find the health coach program that is right for you! This is very helpful, thank you! Like someone else mentioned before I really like the holistic approach this program offers.
Does ACE or any of the programs you listed delve into the spiritual and psychological aspects of health coaching much? Hello midnight, These certifications are not necessarily holistic certifications. Some of them do however dive slightly into the spiritual side and definitely talk a lot about the psychological aspects of health coaching. That is what habit formation is all about anyways. What are your thoughts on the Institute of Transformational Nutrition in terms of being a legitimate certification……seemed to me like a quality program that was backed by quite a few professionals in the industry.
Also saw that it was on the list of approved programs for the health coach alliance. Hey Tristan, Thanks for pointing this out to me. I will take a look at the Institute of transformation nutrition and do a full review of it here on my website.
There are so many certifications in so many new ones coming out every year that it is hard to keep track. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I am a nurse, I am curious if the Duke one is the best due to my background or if they other ones are just as good??
Also, when you are done with your basic certification, consider learning more clinical knowledge at SAFM. I talk to a lot of coaches I run a Facebook group of 12, coaches and I truly believe these are the best options. Hey Jodi, Thanks for the information.
I will definitely check out these health code programs to see what they are all about. The cost of certification is separate from the cost of the class which is very good — loved the Motivational Interviewing and am considering a career change from tech back to a caring profession. Info to know: week, teleclass program fees:.
For those who have already completed the program yet did not complete the certification, there is a reduced course price. Hey Jami, Thanks for stopping by and leaving this valuable information about the wellness coach program.
I will definitely look into this and thanks so much for leaving such a detailed comment. Personally, I used dietary and lifestyle changes to go from a pre-diabetic condition to very good health, and maintain it over the years. After looking into the human genome project and learning how the DNA works for type-2 diabetes, I made these changes and know how difficult it can be. It would be much more satisfying knowing I am helping people rather than staring at a computer for 8-hours daily at a tech company.
So, yeah, really glad I found this article. Thank you!! Any opinions are appreciated! That being said, they are a fantastic organization that have really gained the trust of the entire industry.
This is especially true if you are looking to go specifically holistic. In my opinion is a great program and clearly the biggest drawback is trying to balance whether or not it is worth it for the money. Hello can I ask you for some advise.. I have a bachelors in community health and have not worked in the past 12 years , now since my kids are all grown up I am looking to go back to work … I was thinking to take one of these certifications that way I refresh my memory again and get a recent certificate as well when applying to a job … what would you recommend I apply for which program?
Hello, I feel like you are the same person that left another comment on this post. All of these will be fantastic for refreshing your memory on what you need to know in order to become a health coach.
That being said, what experience with health coaching do you have in the past? What type of coaching do you want to do in the future? All of these factors are important when trying to decide on which healthcare certification to choose for your current situation.
I have worked with health insurance company before improving the overall lifestyle of individual with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases basically improving and providing better health choices to improve health and reduce risk….. They really test your knowledge of what you learned during the healthcare certification and how you can apply it in a real-world setting.
For me, this is the choice to go with but all of these options are pretty good to be honest. Hey Tyler! Love this site and the info you have provided. I have been looking into Health Coach Institute, do you have any feed back on them? Hey Romi, I will have to do some further investigation into this institute before I can say for sure. Are they accredited by any legitimate organization? That is a good quick way to tell if they have gone through the hoops they need to in order to provide a great certification.
I Tyler love the valuable information… My question for you is I am a certified Special Ed teacher, who is looking to diversify. I am looking for a program where I could teach my students and students parents about health, including supplements for behaviors, food, and exercise.
Which program would you recommend? I also wonder if I meet the condition to be in related health care field? Thank you, Michelle. Hey Michelle, Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. If you are looking for a combination between nutrition as well as health coaching I would definitely look into the certified nutrition coach by the National Academy of sports medicine. Is not technically a health coach certification but it touches upon a lot of the same topics such as behavior and habit changing techniques.
On top of that it has a lot of information on nutrition obviously. In IIN,. Hey Tracy, It sounds like you have a very good idea about which type of people you want to train in the health coaching industry. Working out of your own home and working with individual clients that way is a lot more profitable than working in a gymnasium situation.
The hardest part is getting clients that I believe you will do a great job! Hello I like working with people , changing habits, educate people on any disease they might have and get them to make lifestyle changes and motivate them to better living ….
Having a bachelors in community health degree what other certifications I can add to look good on my resume and increase the likelihood of getting a job …. All of these are great questions and all of these certifications on the list for the top health coach programs would be a good addition to your bachelors degree.
They all have slightly different focuses in slightly different curriculum though depending on what exactly you are looking for, those of the factors you should think about. Probably out of all of these, the healthcare certification from the American Council on exercise is one of my go to certifications.
Ok one more question I need a certification which I can test online is that possible?? Hello Rola, It depends on which health coach certification that you are talking about. All of them have different rules and regulations regarding testing procedures and where tests can be taken.
Some allow international tests to be taken outside of the states but you will have to check with your particular certifying organization to see if they do that, and if so, where they have testing facilities outside the United States. I have some time looking for different alternatives for courses on health coach. I am a dietitian, but I moved to the USA and I cannot use my license here so Im looking alternatives related with my career.
I really liked your review, but there is none of the two courses I had been watching, I am worried about paying so much for a course that is really not worth it, or that is just as good as another one that costs half! I would like to know your opinion about Suzanne Monroe Integrative Nutrition and Wellness Coach Certification if you know them, and also the health coach from Integrative Nutrition.
Hey Maria, That is so cool that you have moved to the United States to start your training here. Honestly I have not heard of that specific integrative nutrition certification. In terms of the wellness coach certification, there are various wellness coach certifications out there, which one do you mean?
Also when you say that you are a health coach from integrative nutrition, which integrative nutrition course have you taken as there are various as well. Let me know your opinion, and which of all you understand that can be more beneficial to my professional field.
Hey Maria, awesome to hear that you are already a nutritionist. That article will include both of the certifications that you mentioned above. Stay tuned for this but as of right now I do think that the integrative nutrition certification is top-of-the-line. Thanks for the information about the programs. Thank you for any advice! His true that you can help your clients from a wide variety of angles not just fitness and nutrition.
But like you said, emotional, mental, spiritual etc. Any of the certifications on this list will help you gain knowledge in order to help your clients in that way. Which one is catching your eye the most?
I have a masters in counseling but do not hold a license. I am wanting to get into the health coaching field centered around behavioral health.
Is there an accredited certification for people who do not have a license? Thank you, Laurie. Yes most of these health coach programs are accredited and I think that any one of these would be a good option for somebody that does not have a license. All of these will help focus on behavioral change on a deep level. Good luck. Dr Sears Is a pretty good program. Did you mean the American Council on exercise health coach certification?
Which certification are you referring to specifically? Is AFPA recognised by employers internationally? In this regard I would definitely opt to go with the American Council on exercise as they are more recognized worldwide. That is unless the AFPA certification has something very specific that you are looking for. Thank you for this post. It was very helpful! I am a Registered Dietitian and I have been interested in becoming a health coach as well.
I know from your post that you prefer the ACE but you mentioned that both are very great programs and have similar costs. Hey Jane, It seems like you already have the nutrition background.
Take a look at both programs and see which one resonates better with you as they are both great. Have you done your research on the Health Coach Institute? Hey Jen, I definitely have heard of this and have heard good things. I have not done a lot of research on it for a full article on my website though. Thanks for this article — very helpful! I am going into my sophomore year of college and am majoring in Exercise Science, and I would love to get certified to be a health coach!
I think that the health coach certification from the American Council on exercise is a great choice. I love your career path and good luck with personal training and health coaching. Hello there, I have been researching options to become a wellness coach.
I am passionate about health, nutrition, and fitness. My background is that I am a certified medical assistant. I do not hold a degree , only the MA certification. I would like to complete courses online. I am wondering what my best options are?
Hey there Beth, which certification on this list resonates best with you? They are all good health coach certification options.
HI Tyler, I noticed your comment that how much you spend on the coaching certificate may not impact employment opportunities. I am hoping to teach at a College or University in the future I live in Canada , for Wellness Coaching and wondered if that would make the Duke University option the best, would it be more respected?
I am a little put off by all the sales pitches from some of the other wellness coach organizations, reminds me of Amway:. You can definitely go with Duke, they are a fantastic option. I will definitely contact some employers around your area to see which certifications they may accept or prefer for a position in nutrition coaching. This is the best way to be sure.
Hello, I am interested in the Health Coach certification program. Do you mind providing me with registration information? Just take a look at any of the health coaching programs mentioned in this article. You can follow them to their websites and check out the requirements to get registered. Good luck with your health coaching career. The cost is significantly cheaper than other programs, so I was wondering why. If I do decide to invest in a certification, I want to make sure its accredited and legitimate.
I found your article on Health vs.
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