How to Become A Health Coach In South Africa

A health coach is your personal health cheerleader, guide and partner. They help you implement lifestyle changes to improve your physical health.

What education does a health coach need?

Education for Health Coaches

Students interested in a health coach career should begin by completing a bachelor’s degree in a field-related discipline such as nutrition, counseling, fitness, psychology, wellness, nursing or health care.

Do I need a certification to become a health coach?

That said, the only thing truly required to become a successful and well-regarded health coach is to complete a health coaching program and then complete the steps that lead to certification. An online certification and health coach training program. An in-person program. A full-time program at a university or college

Do you need a degree to be a wellness coach?

To become a wellness coach, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree in in a related field and certification by Well coaches.

Job Description for Health Coaches

The main function of a health coaches is to help clients to cultivate a healthier lifestyle. Examples of specific duties may include:

Assessing a client’s current health condition

Developing health goals for a client

Providing counseling services

Documenting a client’s progress

Conducting behavioral health screenings

Establishing a client’s treatment plan

Education for Health Coaches

Students interested in a health coach career should begin by completing a bachelor’s degree in a field-related discipline such as nutrition, counseling, fitness, psychology, wellness, nursing or health care.

Although a bachelor degree is considered a professional standard, job candidates that hold a master’s degree or higher will likely benefit from preferential treatment during the hiring process. When choosing a degree program, students are encouraged to select one that integrates classroom instruction with experiential learning.

Health Coach Certification

A great way for health coaches to prove their professional skills and abilities is by becoming certified.

Credentialing associations such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC) administer examinations to individuals that want to attain the distinction of certified health coaches (CHCs). Some certification agencies require individuals to meet education and experience eligibility criteria to qualify for certification examinations.

Employment for Health Coaches

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 99,400 health educators and community health workers, including health coaches, employed nationwide in By 2022, this employment figure is projected to increase to 120,800, which expresses a 21% growth change.

These statistics indicate that these health occupations are growing faster than the average growth for all other occupations.

The top five industries of employment for health educators in 2012:

  • Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations

Ambulatory health care services

Government

Hospitals

Social assistance

How to Become A Health Coach In South Africa

4 Steps to Becoming a Health Coach:

Earn a Degree

Major health coach employers like health insurance firms, wellness centers and weight loss companies want health coaches to have undergraduate training. Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are awarded in health wellness coaching, health sciences and wellness coaching and health management. Some employers may prefer an educational or working background in nursing, dietary medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics or behavioral therapy.

Obtain a Certification

Choose an accredited certification program. Health coach certification accrediting agencies include the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Certification programs take three months to a year to complete. At the end of the training, students must pass the certification exam, a test comprised of about 150 questions.

Gain Work Experience

Research health coach employers, choosing a job in a growing environment like health insurance, hospitals and wellness centers. Specialties that health coaches pursue careers in are corrective exercise, sports, weight management and fitness nutrition.

Maintain Certification

Complete a minimum number of continuing health coach education study hours to maintain certification.

How can I make money as a health coach In South Africa?

How Will I Earn Money as a Health Coach?

Private Coaching. Coach your clients one-on-one.

Pantry Make-over.

Health Food Store Tours.

Group Coaching.

Group Workshops or Webinars.

Online Programs.

Take every opportunity to share what you’re up to.

Start with just one client.

Can I be a health coach without a degree In South Africa?

Technically, a college degree is not needed to become a Health Coach. However, most gyms and wellness centers will require certification from one of the nationally known organizations. They approve several programs, some focusing on fitness in the Health Coach/Personal Trainer model.

Are health coaches in demand In South Africa?

Yes! There’s an ever-increasing demand for health coaches, and the job outlook is bright. Previously drawing some skepticism, the health coaching market reached $6 billion in 2017, a 15 percent increase from 2014. The market is forecast to reach $7.85 billion by 2022, with 121,000 practicing coaches.

Is it worth becoming a Health Coach In South Africa?

Yes, if you want to positively impact others and make a career out of it. One of the most rewarding aspects of health coaching is positively impacting clients and helping them reach their goals. Health coaches, similar to athletic coaches or business coaches inspire, motivate and provide a level of accountability.

How long does it take to get a health coach certification?

Most certified health coach programs take three months to one year to complete. Many are done online using video lectures and exams, and some can be done at your own pace.

Does insurance cover health coaching In South Africa?

Most health insurance, however, does not currently cover health coaching, in which case patients can expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $110 or more per session. The National Consortium for Credentialing Health & Wellness Coaches has a list of approved training organizations.

Do I need a certification to become a health coach?

That said, the only thing truly required to become a successful and well-regarded health coach is to complete a health coaching program and then complete the steps that lead to certification. An online certification and health coach training program. An in-person program. A full-time program at a university or college.

Does a health coach need a business license In South Africa?

Whether or not a health coach needs a license or licenses will depend on what services you are providing and where you are operating your business from. Health coaches will need to research the requirements for businesses to obtain licensing on their state and local level.

Is a health coach the same as a nutritionist In South Africa?

There are no formal distinctions between these types of Health Coaches, unlike the distinct nutritionist titles, but many people choose to combine their Health Coach credentials with existing ones, such as a personal trainer becoming a Health Coach to better serve their personal training clients’ needs in and out of .