You’ve decided that you want to be a health coach so what’s the first step? You’re going to need to be certified.
You Google “Health Coaching School” or “Health Coaching Course” and it fills the first page on google…
But what’s what? Which program should you choose? What do you actually NEED to become a coach and change the lives of others? 😳 🤔 🤷🏼♀️
The truth is that Health Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all career choice, and there are lots of different options available to suit you and the work you want to move into.
You’ll find weight loss coaches, autoimmune disease coaches, fitness coaches, and so many more areas of coaching.
Don’t get scared or stressed just yet! This is a good thing.
This will enable you to niche down, get specific with your area of expertise, and really help those people.
After all, there’s seven and a half billion people in the world. There’s more than enough in each category of Health Coaching to keep hundreds of thousands of Health Coaches busy!!
Looking for the best Health Coaching School?
A question that I get asked all the time is, “What are the best Health Coaching schools to get started at?” 🤓
So I’ve put together a list of 6 Health Coaching Schools that I would recommend…
1. Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP)
A holistic certification based on the work of Dr. Stephen Cabral.
This program is made up of two levels; Level 1 and Level 2. You can complete Level 1 on its own, or choose to continue on to Level 2.
In Level 1, you’ll learn diet protocols, stress reduction practices, toxin removal, detox protocols and more.
Level 2 covers in-depth functional testing and protocols, including food sensitivity testing, gut testing, hormone balancing protocols, and so much more.
Cost: $1,997 USD for Level 1, or $3,997 USD for Level 1 and 2. Payment plan options are also available starting from $397/month.
Time to complete: The courses are self-paced, and take an average of 3-6 months to complete each level. It’s recommended that you allow 3 hours per week to complete the curriculum. There is no time limit to complete the certification.
Website: https://www.integrativehealthpractitioner.org?x=ajd
2. Well College Global
Well College Global offers a certification that is recognised in 39 different countries for insurance and registration, with the option to use their certification as a pathway to completing a degree as well.
The certification is studied online, and has in excess of 25 different short courses ranging from Nutrition to Psychology to Coaching - and cover Fitness and Continuing Education courses as well. This allows you to tailor your studies to suit you, and specialise in the area of coaching that you’re most passionate about.
The team are supportive, very responsive and overall it is a very well run course. The content is great, up to date and very applicable for working as a coach - meaning, unlike many other online courses, you are taught the skills required to “coach”, not just nutrition theory.
Cost: Approx $2,600 AUD in total (option to pay for each class individually to spread out the cost)
Time to Complete: Allows you 18 months to complete - with the ability to have it done much faster too, at your own pace.
Website: https://www.wellcollegeglobal.com/
3. Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)
A globally-recognised certification, with graduates practicing in over 150 countries around the world. IIN believes there is no one way of eating that works for everyone, and this is the core principle of the Integrative Nutrition curriculum. Students explore the pros and cons of over 100 dietary theories to help each individual find their optimal way of eating.
Completing the IIN Certification also enables you to go on to complete a related Degree, should you wish.
Cost: $6,795 USD in total. Pay-in-full discounts and payment plan options are also available as low as $199/month.
Time to complete: The program does have a start date (a new start date weekly) for enrolment with options for both an accelerated program where you will allow 10-15 hours per week to complete for a total of 6 months or the standard program where you will need to allow 5-8 hrs per week for a total of 48 weeks. Once enrolled you are able to work at your own pace and within your own hours to complete the course.
Important Note: As a Graduate and Ambassador, you can secure yourself a spot - and receive a discount on your tuition - by mentioning my Amanda Daley’s Ambassador Scholarship.
Website: https://www.integrativenutrition.com/
4. Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA)
An online functional nutrition certification with the option for diploma certification in Australia.
The program teaches you specific tools for managing clients and assessing the body’s nutritional deficiencies using the body’s innate intelligence, thoughtfully prepared whole foods, and lifestyle factors.
It includes a mix of live training with instructors, and self-paced online learning.
The program has a start date for enrolment but access to your course material is 24/7.
Cost: $5,999 USD for the online-only course, or $8,800 AUD for the Australian diploma program, with payment plans available.
Time to complete: This is a 10 month course, which must be completed within the 10-month time frame in order to qualify for certification.
Australian Website: https://ntaaustralia.com.au/
US Website: https://nutritionaltherapy.com/
5. The Health Coach Institute (HCI)
The Health Coach Institute has taught over 10,000 students in 30 different countries, and prides themselves on delivering a course that is self-paced, easy-to-digest (so delivered in small bite-sized chunks) and fun!! There is a large focus on changing habits more so than anything, and while nutrition is taught, the belief of HCI is that is not where the transformation is made - this is a dual health and life coaching certification.
HCI also offers 6 personal coaching calls with an experienced coach to help set you up for success.
There are 4 main modules which include Nutrition, Coaching, Personal Growth and Simple Marketing & Systems.
You’re also able to put what you’ve learned into practice with their Weekly Skills Lab and apply what you’re learning in a safe (and private) environment so you hone your coaching skills and feel complete confidence when working with paying clients.
The Cost: $6,950 USD with payment plans available.
Time to complete: The program takes 6 months to complete with approximately 5-10 hrs per week if you watch all of the videos and attend all of the Q&A Calls.
Website: https://www.healthcoachinstitute.com
6. Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
Dr Sears Wellness Institute prides themselves on a holistic, science-based Health Coach training — aiming to educate you on the four pillars of health: Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition.
Certification is recognised in 70 countries with qualified instructors there to assist you 24/7.
With this Certification you have the ability to customise your program and specialise in a specific area of Health Coaching. Dr Sears also provides continuing education courses as well that you can complete as an add-on after you’re certified if you wish to continue educating yourself.
Cost: The prices range from $945 USD for a basic Health Coaching certificate to $3,845 USD for a Master certificate.
The program does have a start date for enrolment but access to your course material is 24/7.
Time to complete: This is dependent on which course you decide to go with.
You’ve got 6 weeks to complete the basic certification, and 26-33 weeks for the Master certification. There are a few options regarding time to complete Master certification, and this is based on personal preference. You will have the ability to choose this before you join the program.
Website: https://www.drsearswellnessinstitute.org/health-coach-certification/
What to consider when choosing a Health Coaching School:
Are you going to walk away with the skills and confidence to coach people with real-life challenges?
Are the staff and teachers that you have access to for assistance and guidance qualified in the subjects that you are taking part in?
Are the hours of study flexible, and will they suit your lifestyle?
Is the material used for your learning evidence-based, and referencing up-to-date information and studies?
Is there flexibility so you can choose the elective subjects that suit your passions, and the area of expertise that you would like to move into?
Will you walk away with an accreditation and ability to gain insurance?
There you have it! The ins-and-outs of how to become a Health Coach.
Don’t forget - that’s just step ONE of your journey.
Once you’re certified, you’ll need to get yourself out there, so that you can practice your newly-learned skills.
If you would like some advice on getting started in business, feel free to reach out to Amanda directly…
And we can work through the best strategy to take your Health Coaching business from zero clients to $5k months in no time!!
Want a proven business plan and marketing strategies that will help you grow your profitable Health Coaching practice?
(…even if you’re still studying, brand new in business, or have never had a client!)
The UPswing Mastermind is the ultimate business experience for new Health Coaches who want to get consistent clients and income, and learn the roadmap to making $5k months.