Health Coaching 101 Everything You Need to Know About Health Coaching & The Benefits of Becoming a Health Coach
Table of Contents 1.
What Is a Health Coach? a. b. c.
2.
The Growing Field of Health Coaching a. b. c.
3.
Where Do Health Coaches Work? Health Coaches Versus Other Nutrition Educators Why Become a Health Coach?
The Value of the Health Coaching Profession The Rise of Virtual Healthcare An Increased Understanding of Holistic Health
How to Become a Health Coach a. b. c. d.
Educational Requirements and Opportunities Choosing a Health Coach Training Program The IIN Difference The Competitive Edge
4.
Using Your Health Coach Certificate
5.
Kick-Start Your Future with IIN
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What Is a Health Coach? Health Coaches are supportive mentors and wellness authorities who help people feel their best. They can do this in a number of ways, including encouraging and guiding clients to explore food and lifestyle changes that help them meet their personal health and wellness goals. Flexibility is the name of the game in health coaching. Because health coaching is individualized to each client, learning to be flexible in how you provide your services is crucial. Healthy living isn’t one-size-fits-all but instead focuses on what we at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) call bio-individuality, the idea that everyone is unique, needs their own combination of things to thrive, and responds to different wellness and lifestyle approaches. Health Coaches work with clients to teach them how to fuel their bodies, live a holistic lifestyle, and find exactly what works for them. Coaches also emphasize holistic health beyond what’s on the plate. Another core concept at IIN is primary food, the idea that there are areas of your life that impact your short- and long-term health just as much as the food you eat, such as relationships, career, spirituality, physical activity, and environment.
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In other words, a Health Coach certificate can open endless doors to pursue versatile professional paths!
Where Do Health Coaches Work? What can you expect if you become a Health Coach? While your day-to-day responsibilities may vary widely, your coaching sessions will ultimately revolve around one thing: helping your clients achieve their unique health goals. This can mean exercise and physical activity, weight loss, stress management, holistic nutrition, chronic disease management, and much more. One of the great benefits of Integrative Nutrition’s health coaching education is the incredible diversity of career options that are available to you.
Graduates of our health coaching program have gone on to: • Become acclaimed authors • Start health and wellness businesses, such as food, beauty, or skincare products • Partner with doctors and physicians • Open juice bars and restaurants • Become registered dietitians or pursue continuing education in nursing or Traditional Chinese Medicine
Whether consulting with clients (one-on-one or in groups) in their own coaching business, working with a physician, or embarking on an entirely different wellness path, Health Coaches contribute to improving health outcomes and spreading the ripple effect of health and happiness.
Health Coaches Versus Other Nutrition Educators One of the most common questions we receive from prospective students is about the qualifications and scope of practice for professionals in the field of nutrition and wellness. Many people are familiar with the terms nutritionist and dietitian – professionals who help others develop healthier eating habits – but the details beyond that tend to get a little blurry. Here are the distinctions to help you get clear on each and decide which type of practitioner – Health Coach, dietitian, or nutritionist – you may want to become.
• Build their own private health coaching services
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Health Coach √ Works independently in their own business, alongside medical professionals, or in other wellness settings, such as gyms, spas, grocery stores, or yoga studios
√ Focuses on a holistic approach to health, exploring all areas of a client’s life that can impact their well-being, not just food
√ Utilizes goal setting and accountability-based coaching strategies
√ Can provide resources on different diet and supplement options but cannot prescribe
√ Not currently covered by insurance, though important work is underway to achieve this
√ Demonstrates the value of Health Coaches and their work to improve health outcomes
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Dietitian/Registered Dietitian (RD) √ Receives formal schooling in the biology of the human body, typically in the form of a bachelor’s degree in biology, nutrition, dietetics, or food science
√ Completes a supervised 6- to 12-month dietetic internship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
√ Has a state license and certification from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
√ Can create a nutrition care plan for patients, give guidance within traditional medical settings, and prescribe diets and supplements
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Nutritionist √ Receives an initial education in subjects like nutrition, food science, biology, or psychology, typically in the form of a bachelor’s degree
√ Passes the Certified Examination for Nutrition Specialists administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS)
√ Completes 1,000 hours of supervised work experience, which is required to obtain the BCNS certification
√ Works with patients/clients to educate them on healthy eating habits and address nutrition-related health concerns and can prescribe diets and supplements
√
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Why Become a Health Coach? Being healthy isn’t just about the number of miles you run or bowls of kale you eat. If you’re unhappy with your career, for example, your physical and mental well-being can suffer. At IIN, we believe a fulfilling career is an important component of the primary food that keeps us healthy! By becoming a Health Coach, you can help people improve their lives through empowering them to make informed health choices. Plus, you have the opportunity to earn a living with ultimate work-life balance! If you opt to work for yourself, here are some of the benefits:
Flexible Hours
Work-Life Balance
No Salary Cap
Work Remotely
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Do What You Love!
The Growing Field of Health Coaching When IIN was founded nearly 30 years ago, the concept of health coaching was new and unknown. Recognizing the need for a more integrative approach to health, IIN’s founder, Joshua Rosenthal, laid the foundation for the health coaching market by giving consumers the opportunity to not only work with a Health Coach as part of their healthcare team but become one themselves. IIN recognized the critical need for an overhaul to the healthcare system – a health revolution. Preventable chronic lifestyle conditions are on the rise despite the increasing understanding of the impacts of diet and lifestyle on our health. Healthcare costs continue to rise. Meanwhile, doctors spend less time with patients to understand their full health histories and are ill-equipped to deal with the increased prevalence of nutrition- and lifestyle-related conditions. The role of a Health Coach was born out of the necessity to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare – providing individualized support and a more holistic understanding of how to nourish our bodies and minds. Simply put, the world needs more Health Coaches!
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The World Is Ready for More Health Coaches
The health coaching industry is estimated to be worth $7 billion.1
Employment of health educators and community health workers (including Health Coaches) is projected to grow 13% from 2019 to 2029.2
Obesity prevalence continues to rise, as do rates of obesity-related chronic conditions, like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.3
Sources: 1. Research and Markets 2. United States Bureau of Labor Statistics 3. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our physical, mental, and emotional health. Life expectancy has dropped by over a year in the United States, and 42% of respondents from a December 2020 study said they were experiencing anxiety or depression, up from 11% the previous year.4,5
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4. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 5. United States Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the devastating impact of the coronavirus on those with chronic conditions. This has prompted many people to take a closer look at how they are caring for their physical and mental health. There is a clear need for Health Coaches who are experts in holistic health and can support those looking to boost emotional well-being, improve immunity, and prevent chronic conditions. Health Coaches are equipped to coach clients in private practices but are also found more prevalently in traditional healthcare settings.
The Value of the Health Coaching Profession As the industry has grown, so has the value and credibility of the health coaching profession. Just as nutritionists and dietitians forged their way to become go-to experts and practitioners in diet and nutrition, Health Coaches are similarly establishing an industry with gold-standard practices and requirements.
Studies have demonstrated that: √ Health coaching can significantly improve diabetes (blood sugar) control in patients when combined with standard primary care.1 √ Health coaching can improve control of hyperlipidemia (metabolic disease risk factor) in patients when combined with standard primary care.1 √ Health Coaches can support patients in making decisions and implementing changes to improve their health due in part to the coach-patient relationship formed.1 √ Health coaching is clinically effective in the modification of multiple risk factors in healthy people as well as those with certain chronic conditions.2 Sources: 1. Annals of Family Medicine 2. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Doctors, physicians, and researchers are increasingly finding the value of adding Health Coaches to their practices in their analysis of the outcomes of health coaching interventions.
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The Rise of Virtual Healthcare Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services were not the norm nor seen as an equivalent to in-person healthcare services, and insurance providers were not willing to match compensation for virtual care. A report by the CDC early in the pandemic noted that expanding telehealth services would allow for easier and safer access to care. In the past year, telehealth and telemedicine services were widely adopted by many types of providers. Many doctors now require a telehealth visit before an in-person visit, and many mental health professionals have taken their practices completely virtual whether engaging via video or telephone. A recent study from the Springer Irish Journal of Medical Science concluded, “Telemedicine should be adopted as a proactive measure to improve medical care and should not only be seen as a temporary fix in times of emergency; rather, it is a convenient, safe, scalable, effective, and green method of providing medical care.”
Increased acceptance of the telehealth and telemedicine model – for both healthcare providers and patients – has opened many doors for Health Coaches to apply their services virtually, such as through physician offices’ portals or various apps offering virtual health coaching. In her IIN blog post, dual-certified Health Coach Julie A. Cerrato, PhD, explains, “Virtual-care clinics with staffed Health Coaches are now an essential part of the solution for connectivity between patient and provider. Encouraging this integrative approach will offer telehealth an unlimited reach to individuals seeking minute to minute wellness support and to quickly serve as the beacon guiding us toward the next innovation in healthcare.”
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An Increased Understanding of Holistic Health IIN has long touted the benefits of looking at health holistically. While food is an incredibly important part of the picture, it’s not the whole picture. You can eat all the veggies and whole grains you want, but if you’re not also nourishing yourself in other ways, such as through quality relationships, a fulfilling career, or a nurturing environment, you won’t be able to reach your full health potential. Growing awareness of behavioral and mental well-being, in addition to physical well-being, is projected to have a huge effect on the health and wellness market, meaning Health Coaches will have a wider potential-client base! The desire to manage both physical and mental well-being is acute following the COVID-19 pandemic, and IIN is exploring some of these relevant major wellness trends, including: • Reducing or eliminating the consumption of alcohol • Investing in technology and products for better sleep • Optimizing combined home and work spaces for ultimate efficiency and health Health Coaches help clients look at the full spectrum of their health, which means empowering clients to explore the root cause of their issues, whether gut dysfunction is stemming from anxiety or brain fog is rooted in poor diet. Everything in our health is connected, and Health Coaches have the skills to help their clients connect the dots.
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How to Become a Health Coach Now that you know exactly what a Health Coach does and the incredible value you would bring not only to your community but also to your own well-being, let’s dive into what’s next! Health coaching is more than a niche in healthcare – it’s a powerful movement for change that is creating a better world. The field of health and wellness is rapidly expanding as people focus more on their own health and well-being and seek out all the information available on these subjects. If you find yourself passionate about living your best, healthiest life and enjoy helping others do the same, becoming a Health Coach could be the right path for you. There are many facets to being a Health Coach, and it can feel overwhelming to look at the big picture. By breaking it down, getting started on joining the field of health coaching can be both rewarding and simple!
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Educational Requirements and Opportunities People interested in pursuing a career in health and wellness typically enroll in degree programs that focus on a particular area, like nutrition, food science, biology, nursing, or physical therapy. The courses studied in a particular degree program help lay a solid foundation for any future courses or certifications you complete. While earning a bachelor’s or higher education degree will be helpful on your journey, many programs do not require a degree to enroll. If you have an interest in health and wellness and love connecting with others about it, any degree can lead to a career in health coaching! IIN’s only academic requirement is a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. If you have a need for career change, passion for health and wellness, desire for a transformative personal experience, and the determination to make a difference in the world, you’ll find success within our program.
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Choosing a Health Coach Training Program Finding the right health coaching program for you is the best way to begin your journey. There are several factors to consider when researching and selecting a health coaching program:
Time Most health coaching programs range from six months to one year, though some can take significantly more or less time. While completing coursework quickly sounds great, you should consider whether you’ll get the well-rounded, complete education you deserve to set you up for success after graduating. IIN offers two programs: Our one-year program allows students to balance their health education with their previous obligations, like family or a full-time job. Our six-month accelerated program contains the exact same information and training but allows students to complete the program in half the time.
Cost The cost of health coach training programs varies widely depending on the duration, type of training and support, whether it’s in person or online, study materials provided, and much more. Find what works for you and your budget by asking about available payment options.
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Community Community is everything. Having people to rely on and connect with is important for not only developing connections in the coaching world post-graduation but maximizing the education you’re getting! For example, IIN’s Coaching Circle calls are intimate, interactive sessions led by an experienced IIN Health Coach where you’ll learn how to apply what you’re learning in real time. Further collaborative efforts, like coordinating study sessions and check-ins with classmates, help keep everyone on track and excited about the future.
Post-Graduation Support The health and wellness industry can be difficult to navigate on your own. But with support from the program you completed, it can be easier. When selecting a program, ask about how they support graduates in their careers, any tools they offer once you’ve graduated, such as continued opportunities for education, or even eligibility to join associations for continued professional and personal development. IIN offers the IINBiz platform, providing graduates with ready-to-use marketing materials so they can spend more time doing what they love – helping clients! IIN also offers students and graduates options to pursue higher education, continuing education, and certification through our strategic partnerships.
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In IIN’s dynamic and innovative Health Coach Training Program, get your certificate in our one-year English, one-year Spanish-supported (intermediate English required), or six-month accelerated (English or Spanish-supported) programs. All learning materials are online in our Learning Center, so you can learn on any device, anywhere in the world, wherever you have an Internet connection! We give you the flexibility to learn according to your schedule with a variety of program options.
By the end of the Health Coach Training Program, a Health Coach will be able to: √ Curate their own approach to health and wellness through experimentation with course information, theories, and concepts
The IIN Difference IIN is unlike any other nutrition program in the world. Many students who come to us expect we’ll divulge the secrets of the ideal diet, and while we do teach over 100 dietary theories in our comprehensive curriculum, our students walk away with so much more upon graduation. The truth is you can’t truly approach nutrition without acknowledging the role it plays in an overall healthy lifestyle, along with other factors that contribute to health and happiness. That’s why IIN teaches holistic health. We guide students to explore the connection between what they eat and how they live so the end result is a balanced individual who knows how to nourish their unique body and thrive in all ways – and understands how to share this crucial knowledge with others!
√ Develop the coaching skills necessary to not only help others explore their individual needs and reach their goals but also coach themselves to great health in body and mind √ Engage in a conscious, ongoing commitment to health and well-being with the confidence and passion to create the life they’ve always dreamed of √ Contribute to the global health movement and IIN’s mission of spreading the ripple effect of health and happiness around the world, one Health Coach at a time
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The Competitive Edge While certification is not required to call yourself a Health Coach, it does allow Health Coaches to maintain a competitive edge in their field as it demonstrates their dedication to the practice and competency in the profession. As the health coaching profession moves toward increased regulation, certification may become required to practice as a Health Coach.
What sets IIN apart from other health coaching schools? √ We’re licensed by the New York State Department of Education as a vocational school, which means you can feel confident about the validity of your education. Our curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure our students receive the most accurate, up-to-date information. √ We’re recognized by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) as an approved program provider, providing graduates with a pathway to board certification as well as help board-certified Health Coaches earned required continuing education credits through our additional program offerings.
√ We advocate for the health coaching profession through our governmental policy work, spreading awareness of the value and hard work of Health Coaches both in private practice and public health. Our advocacy in the United States is sure to ripple across the globe as the United States begins to officially recognize Health Coaches as formal healthcare practitioners.
√ After graduation, IIN graduates are eligible to pursue higher education through strategic partnerships with colleges and universities. Our graduates are also eligible for membership through affiliated organizations that provide ample opportunities for professional and personal development.
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Using Your Health Coach Certificate With an IIN Health Coach certificate, the opportunities for career and personal growth are limitless! We’ve talked a lot about health coaching in a traditional sense, but many people who receive an IIN education also go on to become authors, chefs, podcast hosts, teachers, product developers, and much more. If health coaching one-on-one isn’t for you, our partnerships with colleges and universities offer you the ability to apply your IIN education toward a higher education degree, whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree. A health coaching education with IIN can propel you into your wellness field of choice, and perhaps even accelerate your education timeline, depending on how many credits you’re able to transfer to participating institutions. We’re also affiliated with organizations around the world that offer IIN graduates membership eligibility and come with their own host of benefits. We understand the desire to stand out in a health and wellness industry that is growing at a rapid pace, so in addition to offering the world-renowned Health Coach Training Program, we give our students and graduates the chance to further refine their niches in wellness with our Specialty and Advanced Courses. From learning how to optimize your gut health to becoming an expert in detoxing, you can add specialties to your health coaching practice or any other career you decide to pursue.
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Kick-Start Your Future with IIN
Now you know the value of an IIN education and why Health Coaches are taking the wellness world by storm. Take the next step and talk to an admissions representative eager to hear more about why you’re looking to start your transformative journey with IIN. They’re also IIN graduates, so they’ll be able to answer any lingering questions you may have about the Health Coach Training Program.
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We’ll be here when you’re ready to start living the life you’ve always dreamed of. Here’s to your health!
