Steps To Becoming A Certified Health Coach
Just as the cost of health begins to rise, Americans are trying their best to hire experienced, certified health coaches. The main function of these health coaches is to administer wellness programs for the employees in the workplaces. Interestingly, according to the latest research conducted in 2015, about 51 percent of the employers having a workforce of 50 or more employees have created a workplace wellness program. In fact, there are more than 500 vendors who are selling similar programs and due to this the workplace wellness is expected to become a SIX BILLION DOLLAR industry!
The health care experts who wish to become health coaches mostly hold a graduate or under graduate degree in the applicable discipline, typically nutritional education, sports medicine, kinesiology, etc. Apart from earning the degree, the aspiring certified health coaches also need to get sufficient experience in the related field through various internships, job positions and volunteerism. Along with this, to show off the credibility, there are many individuals who tend to become certified professionals in this field.
Job Description of a Certified Health Coach
There are several activities that health coaches need to perform, but the most important one is to help individuals adapt a healthy lifestyle. Some of the other jobs the health coaches perform include assessing the client’s present health condition along with developing a healthy goal condition for the client. Along with these, health coaches also need to offer counseling services to the clients and document client’s progress. Some of the other activities include conducting behavioral screening for clients, forming client’s treatment plan as well as educating other health coaches.
Individuals who are interested in building a career as health coaches need to complete their graduation in disciplines such as psychology, nursing, health care, etc. Even though holding a bachelor’s degree is technically enough, getting a masters degree or higher will get preferential treatment during the hiring processes. However, when choosing degree programs, it is important to choose a subject that combines experimental learning and classroom learning.
What Credentialing Body Certifies Health Coaches?
The most well-known and highly respected certifying organization for health coaches is the American Council on Exercise, more commonly referred to as ACE Certification. They are a national organization offering educational and career guidance, exam preparation, and professional networking to ensure the Certified Health Coach always has access to the newest research and best practices guidelines.