How to Become a Health Coach: The Complete Guide for Aspiring Professionals

If you have ever felt called to help others live healthier lives, you’re not alone. More and more people are choosing careers in health coaching, and for good reason. As more folks look for support beyond the doctor’s office, health coaches are stepping up to fill that gap.

Whether you’re passionate about food, fitness, stress support, or all of the above, health coaching lets you turn that passion into a career.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a health coach, from what the job really looks like, to training programs, to building your own business.

Understanding the role of a health coach

Health coaches support people in making lasting changes to improve their well-being. They help clients set goals, stay motivated, and build healthy habits, one step at a time.

Many health coaches focus on areas like:

• Weight management
• Reducing stress
• Eating healthier
• Improving sleep
• Creating sustainable lifestyle changes

Some also work with clients who are managing ongoing health conditions. In these cases, coaches provide support alongside a client’s healthcare team.

How is a health coach different from other wellness pros?

Health coaches don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions. Instead, they guide and encourage people as they make choices that support their health.

Here’s how health coaches compare to other wellness professionals:

• Nutritionists often create meal plans and offer expert advice on food.
• Personal trainers focus on physical fitness and workout routines.
• Therapists are trained to treat mental health conditions.

While health coaches may discuss general topics like nutrition, exercise, or stress management, their primary role is to support behavior change, accountability, and goal-setting—without providing medical, psychological, or prescriptive care.

Who can become a health coach?

You don’t need a medical degree or a background in science to become a health coach. What matters most is your passion for helping others and your willingness to keep learning.

Some helpful qualities include:

• Being a good listener
• Showing empathy and encouragement
• Staying organized and reliable
• Having a strong interest in wellness

People are drawn to this work for different reasons. Some have overcome their own health struggles. Others want to share what they’ve learned with others. Both personal and professional experiences can make you a great coach.

Education and certification requirements

Health coaching is less regulated in many regions, meaning certification is typically not required to practice in most cases. However, obtaining certification from a recognized program can enhance credibility, demonstrate professional training, and may be preferred—or even required—by certain employers, clinics, or wellness programs.

Best health coaching certification programs

There are several well-known programs that train and certify health coaches. Here’s a quick look at some of the top ones:

National board for health & wellness coaching (NBHWC)

Considered the gold standard in the U.S., this board partners with approved schools and offers a certification exam.

• Format: Online or in-person through partner programs
• Length: Varies by school (usually 6–12 months)
• Note: You must graduate from an NBHWC-approved program to sit for their exam.

Institute for integrative nutrition (IIN)

A popular online program that covers nutrition, coaching skills, and lifestyle topics.

• Format: Online
• Length: About 6–12 months
• Focus: Holistic health, behavior change, and personal growth

Precision Nutrition

Great for those interested in fitness and nutrition coaching.

• Format: Online
• Length: Self-paced
• Focus: Science-based nutrition and habit coaching

Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA)

Partners with the Institute for Functional Medicine. Focuses on root-cause wellness and whole-person health.

• Format: Online
• Length: About 12 months
• Focus: Functional medicine and behavior change

Duke Integrative Medicine

Offers a respected integrative health coach program.

• Format: Mix of online and in-person learning
• Length: Around 9–12 months
• Focus: Mind-body connection, evidence-based coaching

ACE, NASM, and Other Fitness-Based Programs

Great for personal trainers or those with a fitness background who want to add coaching to their work.

• Format: Online
• Length: Usually 3–6 months
• Focus: Fitness, nutrition, and health behavior support

Choosing the right program for you

When picking a program, here are a few things to consider:

• Budget: Programs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Look for payment plans or early-bird pricing.
• Accreditation: If you want to sit for the NBHWC exam, make sure your program is approved.
• Specialization: Some programs focus on areas like functional medicine, fitness, or behavioral health. Choose what aligns with your interests and future goals.
• Learning Style: Prefer self-paced? Live classes? Hands-on practice? Find a format that works for your schedule and lifestyle.

Health coach licensing, laws, and regulations

In most U.S. states, health coaches do not need a license to practice. Health coaching remains an unlicensed profession in many areas, which means there are no direct laws governing the practice. However, some states have passed laws that protect the rights of unlicensed wellness professionals, including health coaches, as long as they stay within their scope of practice.

Because state laws can change, it’s important to check for updates in your area before launching your business or offering services.

Scope of practice: What health coaches can and can’t legally do

Every profession has a defined “scope of practice”—in other words, what’s legally allowed within your role.

Health coaches can:

• Support clients in setting and working toward wellness goals.
• Educate clients on general principles of healthy lifestyle habits (movement, stress reduction, sleep hygiene).
• Provide motivation, accountability, and behavior change support.
• Share publicly available, evidence-based information on nutrition and self-care.
• Encourage clients to collaborate with licensed healthcare providers.

Health coaches cannot:

• Diagnose, treat, or cure any medical or mental health condition.
• Prescribe medications, supplements, or therapeutic diets.
• Recommend or adjust medical treatments.
• Act in place of a licensed physician, registered dietitian, or mental health provider.

To stay within your legal scope, avoid using language that suggests treatment or medical authority. Focus instead on guiding behavior change and supporting clients in making informed, sustainable lifestyle choices.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes only and may vary depending on your local laws and licensing regulations. Coaches should consult with legal counsel or professional associations to understand the scope of practice in their jurisdiction.

How to avoid legal pitfalls

One of the most common legal risks in health coaching is unintentionally crossing into the territory of licensed medical care. To protect both yourself and your clients, health coaches should follow these general best practices:

• Clearly communicate that your services are educational and not a substitute for medical care.
• Avoid offering specific treatment protocols or nutrition plans for diagnosed health conditions.
• Refer clients to licensed healthcare professionals when issues fall outside your scope.
• Use non-clinical language such as “support,” “guide,” “educate,” and “empower” instead of clinical terms like “treat,” “prescribe,” or “heal”.

When in doubt, it’s safest to refer out rather than risk overstepping your professional boundaries. These are general guidelines and may not reflect laws in all regions. Consult a legal professional for advice specific to your location.

Understanding HIPAA and client confidentiality

If you operate within a healthcare system or serve as a business associate to a covered entity (such as a clinic or licensed provider), you may be required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA regulations are designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information.

Even if HIPAA does not apply to your business, maintaining client confidentiality remains a best practice. Consider the following steps to help safeguard sensitive information:

• Obtain written consent before collecting, storing, or sharing personal information
• Store client records in a secure, encrypted system
• Avoid using unsecured platforms (like text or standard email) for sensitive communication
• When applicable, use platforms that state they meet HIPAA-compliant security standards for video calls, scheduling, or messaging

Prioritizing client privacy helps build trust and reflects professionalism—whether or not HIPAA legally applies. Health coaches should consult legal counsel to understand their privacy obligations under HIPAA or other applicable laws.

Liability insurance considerations

While not legally required in most cases, liability insurance is highly recommended for health coaches. Having coverage may help protect you in the event of a client complaint or legal claim related to your services.

When exploring insurance options, consider policies that offer the following:

• General liability, which may cover accidents or injuries that occur during in-person sessions.
• Professional liability, which may cover claims related to your coaching services or guidance.

Many professional coaching organizations and certification programs offer access to discounted insurance plans. While not a substitute for legal protection, this type of coverage can offer peace of mind as you grow your practice. Coaches should consult with a qualified insurance professional to determine appropriate coverage for their practice.

Building your skills and gaining experience

Health coaching is about more than just knowing what’s “healthy.” It’s about helping people make real, lasting changes in their lives. That takes a mix of communication, coaching tools, and foundational wellness knowledge.

Here are some key skills effective health coaches may benefit from:

• Motivational interviewing: This is a coaching technique that helps clients explore their goals and feel confident about making changes. It focuses on asking open-ended questions, listening without judgment, and helping clients discover their own motivation.
• Behavior change strategies: Understanding how habits are formed—and how to shift them—is at the heart of coaching. You’ll learn tools to support clients through stages of change, setbacks, and wins.
• Active listening and empathy: Great coaches listen more than they talk. Clients feel supported when they know they’ve been heard. Practicing empathy and non-judgment helps build trust.
• Basic wellness knowledge: While you won’t diagnose or treat, it’s important to understand the basics of nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, and other lifestyle factors that affect health.
• Business and marketing skills: If you plan to work independently, you’ll need to know how to attract clients, manage a schedule, create programs, and market your services effectively.

These are all skills you can learn and keep improving as you grow your career.

How to gain practical experience

Experience builds confidence. Many training programs include hands-on practice, but there are other ways to continue developing your skills:

• Internships and mentorships: Some certification programs offer internship options or pair you with a mentor coach. This gives you real-world exposure to how coaching works in different settings.
• Case studies and client simulations: Many training programs include case-based learning. This helps you practice coaching skills in realistic scenarios before working with real clients.
• Practice with friends, family, or volunteer clients: Offering free or discounted sessions is a great way to build experience. You can refine your approach, learn what works, and gather testimonials as you prepare for paying clients.

Building your confidence and skill set takes time, but every conversation helps you grow.

Career paths and job opportunities

Health coaching is a flexible and growing field. Whether you want to work for a company or build your own business, there are many ways to create a meaningful career.

Some common work settings include:

• Private practice: Many health coaches choose to work for themselves. This allows you to set your own hours, create your own programs, and work directly with clients one-on-one or in groups.
• Corporate wellness programs: Companies are investing more in employee wellness. Health coaches may lead workshops, offer individual coaching, or support company-wide health initiatives.
• Functional medicine and integrative health clinics: These clinics often include health coaches as part of a care team. You might support clients alongside doctors, dietitians, and therapists.
• Fitness centers, spas, and wellness retreats: Some health coaches work in gyms, yoga studios, or holistic retreats—offering lifestyle support to clients already focused on wellness.
• Telehealth and online coaching: Remote coaching is on the rise. Many coaches work with clients across the country (or even globally) using video calls, apps, and online platforms.

This flexibility makes health coaching a good fit for people looking for creative, meaningful, and varied work.

How much do health coaches make?

Health coach salaries in the U.S. can differ widely based on factors such as experience, geographic location, education, industry trends, and the size of the organization. 

As of March 2025, the average annual salary for a health coach is approximately $61,500, according to Salary.com. Most professionals in this field earn between $51,900 and $69,100 per year, with the broader range extending from around $43,160 to $76,019.

Additional income opportunities

If you’re building your own business, you may also explore passive income options—these are offerings that can continue to earn money over time, even when you’re not coaching live.

Some ideas include:

• Creating online courses or wellness challenges
• Offering group coaching programs or workshops
• Starting a membership program with monthly content and support
• Writing an eBook or launching a paid newsletter

These income streams can support your business growth and help you reach more people over time.

Starting your own health coaching business

If you’re dreaming of running your own practice, health coaching offers the flexibility to build a career that fits your lifestyle and values. Whether you want to coach full-time or start as a side business, here’s how to set yourself up for success.

How to set up a health coaching practice

Before you begin working with clients, you’ll need to establish the business side of your practice.

Here are a few key steps:

• Choose your business structure: Common options include a sole proprietorship, LLC (limited liability company), or S-corp. Many coaches start as sole proprietors and shift to an LLC as their business grows. An accountant or small business advisor can help you choose what’s right for you.
• Register your business and get licensed: Depending on your state or city, you may need a basic business license to operate legally. Check your local government website for requirements.
• Get liability insurance: Even if you’re confident in your services, it’s smart to carry professional liability insurance. This helps protect you in case a client raises concerns or files a claim.
• Create client forms and contracts: Prepare basic documents like intake forms, health history questionnaires, and coaching agreements. These help set expectations and ensure both you and your client are on the same page.

Don’t forget to include clear disclaimers explaining that your coaching is not medical care or a substitute for professional healthcare.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or healthcare advice. Readers should consult with a qualified attorney, accountant, or licensed professional to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations when setting up a health coaching practice.

Finding your niche and target audience

While some coaches offer general wellness support, many find success by focusing on a specific niche. This helps you stand out and attract the right clients.

Popular specialties include:

• Gut health
• Hormone balance
• Stress and burnout recovery
• Women’s health
• Weight management
• Mind-body connection
• Sleep and energy

Start by thinking about what lights you up, and who you want to help most. A clear niche allows you to speak directly to your ideal client and build deeper expertise over time.

Pricing your services

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pricing, but here are some common models.

• Hourly rates: Many new coaches charge between $75–$125 per session, depending on their experience and market.
• Packages: Offering a bundle of sessions (like 6 or 12) encourages long-term commitment and better results.
• Membership or subscription models: These provide ongoing support at a monthly rate, which can help with a steady income.

When setting your rates, consider your time, training, and what similar coaches in your niche are charging. Be sure your pricing reflects the value you bring to your clients.

Marketing and attracting clients

Marketing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Think of it as sharing your message with the people who need you.

Here are a few ways to grow your visibility and build trust.

• Build an online presence: A simple website with clear services, testimonials, and a way to contact you goes a long way. Social media can also help connect with potential clients.
• Use content marketing: Sharing helpful tips through blogs, videos, or even a podcast shows your expertise and builds credibility.
• Collaborate and network: Partner with other wellness pros—like nutritionists, personal trainers, or therapists—for referrals and cross-promotion.
• Focus on client relationships: Ask happy clients for reviews and referrals. Stay in touch with past clients through email or check-ins. Word-of-mouth remains one of the best ways to grow.

Tools and resources for health coaches

Having the right tools can make running your coaching practice smoother, more professional, and more enjoyable. From client management to continuing education, here are some go-to resources to help support your success.

Best software for health coaches

The right tools can save time and help you run your business smoothly.

• Client management: Practice Better, Healthie, and TrueCoach make it easy to manage client notes, scheduling, billing, and messaging, all in one place.
• Scheduling and billing: Calendly, Acuity, or HoneyBook let clients book sessions and handle payments online.
• Online courses and communities: Teachable, Kajabi, or Thinkific are great for building digital programs. Circle or Mighty Networks help you build private communities for group coaching or support groups.

Books and continuing education

Learning never stops in health coaching. Here are some top resources.

Must-read books

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Motivational Interviewing by Miller & Rollnick
• Wellness Coaching for Lasting Lifestyle Change by Michael Arloski

Advanced training options

Explore courses in functional nutrition, hormone health, or trauma-informed coaching. Many programs offer CEUs (continuing education units).

Stay current

To stay current as a health coach, it’s important to keep up with the latest research, best practices, and legal guidelines in the wellness industry. Regularly review trusted sources for scientific updates, and stay connected with professional organizations such as the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). 

Attending webinars, workshops, and conferences can help you refine your skills and stay aligned with evolving standards. Subscribing to industry newsletters and engaging in coaching communities also ensures you remain informed and equipped to provide the best possible support to your clients.

Key takeaways

• Health coaches help clients make lasting lifestyle changes, focusing on behavior change rather than diagnosing or treating conditions.
• Certification, while not legally required, enhances credibility, builds trust, and opens more career opportunities.
• Health coaching offers flexible career paths, including private practice, corporate wellness, functional medicine clinics, and online coaching.
• Strong communication, motivational interviewing, and behavior change strategies are essential skills for success.
• Building a health coaching business involves choosing a niche, setting clear pricing, marketing effectively, and using the right tools to manage clients and grow professionally.