Why you should invest in health coaching certification
Health coaching is a rapidly growing profession that is helping people transform their lives by becoming healthier and happier.
If you are thinking about becoming a health coach, then you will need to get certified.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about getting a health coaching certification; including what it is, the benefits of pursuing it, who should get certified, and how to go about getting certified.
What is Health and Wellness Coaching Certification?
Health & wellness coaching certification is the process of becoming a certified health and wellness coach. This usually involves completing an accredited coaching program and passing an exam.
Health coaches work with clients to help them make lifestyle and behavior changes that improve their health. They may also provide support and guidance on topics such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and weight loss.
With the variety of coaching certification programs available, take time to evaluate which one will suit you best. Some certificates can be earned online while others include in-person courses. Many also require an internship or externship for completion.
The length of time it takes to complete a program varies depending on the program you choose. Some programs can be completed in as little as six weeks while others may take up to two years.
Benefits of Pursuing A Coaching Certificate
There are many benefits of pursuing coaching certification in the health niche.
One of the benefits is that it will help you build the knowledge and skills necessary to help people live healthier lives.
With the lockdown, the pandemic and so many other health threats, you are providing real value. Let’s look more closely at these benefits:
1. Build the essential knowledge and skills:
One of the main benefits of pursuing health coaching certification is that it will help you build the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective health coach. The certification process will provide you with an opportunity to learn about different health topics, such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle change.
2. Networking:
Another benefit of pursuing health coaching certification is that it will allow you to network with other health coaches and professionals in the field. This networking can be beneficial because it will allow you to learn from others who have experience in the field. In addition, networking can also lead to job opportunities.
3. Makes you more marketable to potential employers:
Finally, having a health coaching certification will make you more marketable to potential employers. Many employers are looking for health coaches who have completed a certified training program. Having a health coaching certification will show employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective health coach.
What more can you do with a health coaching certification?
According to the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC), health coaches help clients “set and achieve health-related goals” (1).
To become a health coach, you must first complete a health coaching certification program. Once you have completed a health coaching certification program, you will be able to work with clients to help them set and achieve health-related goals.
Who Should Get Certified?
Anyone who wants to become a professional health coach should pursue certification.
Generally speaking, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited training program and passed the corresponding exam.
However, even if you do not plan on working as a professional health coach, pursuing certification can still be beneficial.
It will help you build the skills necessary to better coach yourself and those close to you on making lifestyle changes.
How Do You Go About Getting Certified?
If you are interested in becoming certified, the first step is to research different coach training programs available. Once you have found a few programs that interest you, reach out to them and request more information. Once you have decided on a program, follow the steps required by that specific program to get certified.
Let’s look at a more practical step-by-step guide to achieving this.
How to choose the right health coaching certification program for you
1. Do your research:
The first step in choosing the right health coaching certification program for you is to do your research.
With so many different health coaching certification programs available, you must take the time to research each one.
When doing your research, pay attention to things like the cost of the program, the length of the program, and the curriculum.
2. Find a few health coaching certification programs that interest you:
Once you have done your research, narrow down your choices to a few health coaching certification programs that interest you.
3. Request more information from the health coaching certification programs:
Once you have found a few health coaching certification programs that interest you, reach out to them and request more information.
This step is important because it will allow you to learn more about each program and decide if it is the right fit for you.
4. Compare the different health coaching certification programs:
After you have gathered information from each health coaching certification program, it is time to compare them.
When comparing the different programs, pay attention to things like cost, length, and curriculum.
5. Choose the health coaching certification program that is right for you:
Once you have compared the different health coaching certification programs, it is time to choose the one that is right for you.
When making your decision, consider things like your budget, the length of the program, and the curriculum.
6. Complete the health coaching certification program:
Once you have chosen the health coaching certification program that is right for you, it is time to complete the program.
Depending on the program you choose, this may involve taking classes, passing exams, and/or completing a practicum.
7. Get certified:
Once you have completed the health coaching certification program, you will be eligible to take the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) exam.
Upon passing the NBHWC exam, you will be officially certified as a health coach.
8. Pursue continuing education:
Even after you have become certified, it is important to pursue continuing education. You do this by building experience in classes, as well as taking mentorship classes.
By pursuing continuing education, you will be able to stay up-to-date on the latest health coaching techniques and technologies.
The health coaching certification process can seem daunting, but if you take the time to research different programs and find one that fits your needs, you will be on your way to becoming a certified health coach
Final Thoughts
If you want to become a professional health coach or just learn more about how to live a healthier life, then pursuing health coaching certification is a great option for you!
It will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of health coaching while also allowing you to meet other like-minded individuals.
So what are you waiting for? Start researching different coaching certification programs today to find the best one for you. The best health coaching certification program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful coach, so make sure to choose wisely!