If you’re interested in learning more about what it means to be a health coach and whether or not it’s right for you, read on. We spoke with experts in the field for insights on starting a fulfilling career in health coaching. Unlike doctors, health coaches do not prescribe medication, make diagnoses, or interpret lab results. Instead, they offer support, motivation, and positive psychology to help clients make behavioral change. “Health coaches help you to discover and implement practices that can sustain long-lasting improvement to your overall health and well-being,” meditation instructor and certified health coach Pilin Anice, tells mindbodygreen. Health coaches can be employed in a number of different settings—from hospitals to functional medicine practices to universities. Some health coaches also opt to open their own coaching businesses. Becoming certified in health coaching can also help people expand in their current wellness-focused career path, such as nursing or personal training. Programs that are accredited by the The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) set you up to take the NBHWC board exam and become a certified health coach. Not all practicing health coaches are certified. However, the NBHWC certification enhances a coach’s credibility and sets them up to take on more clients. To be certified, health coaches must pass a rigorous final examination following their training program. Once you pass your exam, you can either apply to a job as a certified health coach or launch your own practice. RELATED STORY: The Best Health Coaching Programs To Fit Your Personalized Needs RELATED STORY: As A Health Coach, This Is The Salary Range You Can Expect RDs are licensed and regulated by state licensing boards, for example, while certified health coaches operate under a different national board certification by the NBHWC. RDs can prescribe dietary interventions and recommend supplements, while health coaches cannot. Both health coaches and nutritionists use action plans and motivations to achieve results, Pilin adds, but they differ in their education and overall approach. “For starters, a nutritionist is someone who typically has studied nutrition through a four-year degree program and offers advice specifically around nutrition,” she explains. “On the other hand, a certified health coach is more holistic and offers a much wider range of support.” Though food does play a role, health coaches also consider lifestyle factors, such as movement and stress management. Ultimately, they help clients make small, sustainable shifts in their daily routines that both achieve the desired result and help them feel their best, Pilin says. They also never stop learning. “It’s important that a health coach continues to educate themselves and stay on top of the science in their field,” registered dietitian Jess Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN previously told mindbbodygreen. In order to extend helpful advice and energy to their clients, Cording says health coaches should continue prioritizing their own health and self-care as well. “To determine whether health coaching is a good fit for you, think about what you really want to do and how well that training can prepare you for that,” she recommends. Consider which aspects of the job appeal to you and which don’t. Write down your responses, and weigh the various pros and cons. Reaching out to other health coaches and gaining insight into their day-to-day responsibilities could also be helpful. RELATED STORY: Exactly How To Become A Certified Health Coach
