Health Coach Certification Programs: Insights from Our Team

We spoke to some of our health coaches to get their firsthand experiences with various health coach certification programs. Their insights offer a starting point for those looking to understand what a health coach does and how to become one. We truly believe in the power of health coaches and leverage it throughout our entire solution due to the profound benefits of behavior change.

What Does a Health Coach Do?

A health coach empowers individuals to achieve optimal health and well-being by guiding them through lifestyle changes. Focusing on holistic wellness—including physical, mental, and emotional health—health coaches use behavior change techniques, motivational interviewing, and personalized strategies to support clients in reaching their health goals.

How to Become a Health Coach

Embarking on a career as a health coach begins with obtaining the right credentials. Certification not only enhances your credibility but also equips you with the necessary skills to effectively support your clients.

Health Coach Certification Programs Experienced by Our Team

1. Dr. Sears Wellness Institute

• NBHWC Approved:
  • Basic Program: No
  • Master Health Coach Certification: Yes

About the Program:

• Basic Program: Offers foundational knowledge in nutrition tailored to specific demographics like adults, seniors, or pregnant women. While convenient and customizable, this tier doesn’t qualify you to sit for the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) exam and doesn’t delve deeply into behavior change methodology.
• Master Health Coach Certification: A rigorous and thorough program that prepares you to coach confidently, providing a firm understanding of behavior change principles.

Coach’s Experience:

“The Master program is solid and definitely worth the investment. It thoroughly prepares you for real-world coaching.” — Brandy Brock

2. YogaMedCo

• NBHWC Approved: Yes

About the Program:

Integrates yoga, meditation, and health coaching to promote holistic wellness. Offers flexible, self-paced learning alongside structured coursework and live sessions. Emphasizes mindfulness, stress reduction, and overall wellness strategies.

Coach’s Experience:

“With a background in yoga, I found this program unique. It taught me essential coaching methodologies while enabling me to guide clients through mindfulness techniques and stress management.” — Christine Mustac

3. Rowan University – Wellness Coaching Certificate of Graduate Study

• NBHWC Approved: Yes

About the Program:

Consists of four graduate-level online courses covering behavior change theory, wellness coaching principles, obesity and diabetes management, and wellness across the lifespan. The final course includes practical coaching sessions.

Coach’s Experience:

“The coursework is well-rounded, providing a strong foundation in behavior change theory and wellness coaching principles. The peer discussions on Zoom were invaluable for practicing coaching techniques. While it’s more expensive due to being a university program, the connections made are worth it.” — Rachel Muniz

4. Wellcoaches

• NBHWC Approved: Yes

About the Program:

Often referred to as “The Gold Standard” in health coaching certification. Open to anyone with an associate degree or 4,000 hours of work experience in any field. Includes interactive, real-time classes divided into modules and can be completed in six to 18 months.

Coaches’ Experiences:

“The hybrid model of live calls and homework assignments worked well for me. The live classes allowed for skill-building through mock sessions with classmates. It’s ideal for those who are self-motivated and can manage their time effectively.” — Toby Feldman

” The flexibility suited my schedule, and the live classes were instrumental in honing my coaching skills through practice sessions with peers.” — Lindsay De Stefano

5. Holistic Wellness & Life Coach

• NBHWC Approved: No (Approved by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners – AADP)

About the Program:

Provides comprehensive training in wellness, holistic health, nutrition, and natural healing. Targets 12 dimensions of wellness combined with proprietary coaching methodologies, blending the art of coaching with psychological techniques for lasting transformation.

Coach’s Experience:

“The multi-dimensional approach was enlightening. It addresses how the brain works to help clients achieve sustainable results.” — Eileen Franco

6. KGR Health and Wellness Academy

• NBHWC Approved: Yes

About the Program:

A 16-week virtual program taught by three board-certified coaches. Open to anyone passionate about health coaching, it focuses on the art and science of coaching with a “Learn by Doing” philosophy. Includes live coaching sessions and extensive practice opportunities.

Coach’s Experience:

“The hands-on approach was instrumental in building my confidence and skills. The live sessions and observable coaching practices were particularly beneficial.” — Pam Faccone

7. ACE Health Coach Pro Advanced Training Program

• NBHWC Approved: Yes

About the Program:

Offered by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), this program includes Behavior Change Specialist Training, mentorship, and live skills assessment of recorded coaching sessions. Provides 40 hours of live sessions with one-on-one practice and feedback opportunities.

Coach’s Experience:

“As a fitness professional, this program deepened my understanding of motivational interviewing and provided live skill training and practice. The mentorship and feedback were invaluable.” — Anita Alba

8. ACE Approved YMCA Foundations of Strength and Conditioning Certification

• NBHWC Approved: No

About the Program:

Aimed at fitness professionals and exercise physiologists, this training focuses on strength and conditioning for athletes, emphasizing injury prevention. Offers specific information beneficial for those with fitness and medical backgrounds.

9. University of Delaware – Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching

• NBHWC Approved: Yes

About the Program:

An in-person program requiring a health-related undergraduate degree. Includes courses on chronic disease management and a practicum. Aims to develop coaching skills that help clients clarify health goals, implement sustainable behaviors, and reduce the impact of chronic conditions.

Coach’s Experience:

“The in-person classes allowed for direct interaction with instructors and peers. The practicum provided real-world coaching experience, which was crucial for my development.” — Brittany Kowalski

Why Health Coaching Matters

Health coaching plays a pivotal role in today’s wellness landscape. With chronic diseases on the rise and lifestyle factors significantly impacting health outcomes, health coaches serve as essential guides in promoting sustainable behavior change. They empower clients to take control of their health, navigate obstacles, and achieve lasting well-being.

By focusing on individualized strategies and leveraging evidence-based methodologies, health coaches can make a profound difference in the lives of their clients. The importance of health coaching extends beyond individual transformations; it contributes to healthier communities and can reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems.

Explore More NBHWC Approved Programs

While we’ve shared experiences from our team, there are numerous other NBHWC-approved programs available. To explore the full list and find a program that best fits your needs, visit the NBHWC Approved Training Programs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right health coach certification program is a pivotal step in your career. Consider factors like accreditation, curriculum focus, learning format, and how well the program aligns with your background and career goals. This list isn’t exhaustive but offers a starting point based on real experiences to help guide your decision.

If you’re part of a health coaching team looking to enhance your impact and create behavior change at scale, we’re here to support you. Explore our resources or contact us to learn how our solutions can empower your coaching efforts. By partnering with us, health coaching teams can focus on what they do best—facilitating meaningful change—while we handle the operational complexities. Together, we can amplify the impact of health coaching and drive positive health outcomes on a larger scale.

How Habit Stacking Works

Habit stacking is a technique that involves linking a desired new behavior to an existing, well-established routine. By doing so, you increase the likelihood of sticking with the new habit and achieving lasting behavior change.

Our brains are wired to form habits. When we repeatedly perform a behavior in a specific context, our brain creates a neural pathway that makes it easier to repeat that behavior in the future. Habit stacking leverages this natural tendency by associating a new habit with an existing, well-established routine.

The Benefits of Habit Stacking

• Increased Consistency: By linking a new habit to an existing routine, you’re more likely to perform it consistently.
• Reduced Effort: Once a habit becomes automatic, it requires less mental effort to perform.
• Improved Motivation: Habit stacking can help you stay motivated by making it easier to see progress.

How to Implement Habit Stacking

1. Identify a Target Habit: Clearly define the new habit you want to establish. Don’t be ambiguous and use terms like I want to exercise, instead say I want to strength train 2x per weekday (Monday and Friday) and walk at least 30 minutes on Tuesday through Thursday.
2. Choose a Trigger Habit: Select an existing, well-established routine to link your new habit to. Your habit must have a clearly defined trigger (I go to the gym after I eat breakfast).
3. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable and specific goals for your new habit.
4. Practice Habit Stacking: Consistently perform your new habit immediately after your trigger habit.
5. Consistency: If you can’t complete your new habit fully it is still imperative that you at least complete some of it. If you have a time conflict rather than skip your usual 30 minutes per day of language study do five minutes to reinforce the habit. Once you start skipping your habit entirely it will become easier and easier to break it.
6. Monitor Progress: Track your progress and celebrate your successes.

Tips for Successful Habit Stacking

• Start Small: Begin with a small, manageable habit to increase your chances of success.
• Be Consistent: Stick to your routine as much as possible, even on days when you don’t feel motivated.
• Be Patient: Building new habits takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you experience setbacks.

The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

While habit stacking is a powerful tool on its own, combining it with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can enhance its effectiveness. CBT is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By addressing underlying thought patterns and beliefs, CBT can help individuals overcome challenges and stay motivated on their behavior change journey.

CBT Techniques for Habit Formation

• Identifying Cognitive Biases: CBT can help you identify negative thought patterns that might hinder your progress.
• Challenging Negative Thoughts: By challenging negative thoughts, you can replace them with more positive and realistic ones.
• Setting Realistic Goals: CBT can assist you in setting achievable and specific goals for your new habit.
• Developing Coping Strategies: CBT can teach you effective strategies to manage challenges and setbacks.

By combining habit stacking with CBT, you can create a powerful approach to behavior change. With consistent effort and the right strategies, you can successfully incorporate new habits into your daily life and improve your overall well-being.

Potential Challenges in Habit Stacking

Here are some common pitfalls people may face when trying to implement habit stacking:

1. Lack of Motivation:

• Solution: Find intrinsic rewards associated with the new habit. For example, if you’re trying to exercise more, focus on how it makes you feel physically and mentally better.

2. Overwhelming Goals:

• Solution: Start small and gradually increase the intensity or duration of your new habit. Your new habit is a long-term plan, and your goals need not be overly aggressive as you begin.

3. Inconsistent Routine:

• Solution: Identify triggers that are consistent in your daily life, such as brushing your teeth or eating breakfast.

4. Lack of Support:

• Solution: Share your goals with friends or family members who can offer encouragement and accountability. Consider joining a support group or online community if applicable for your new habit.

5. Travel:

• Solution: Be flexible and adapt your habits to accommodate changes in your schedule. For temporary changes (vacation, business travel) you can practice an abbreviated version of your normal habit.

6. Overthinking:

• Solution: Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment. Avoid dwelling on past failures or future uncertainties.

7. Resistance to Change:

• Solution: Acknowledge that behavior change can be challenging and celebrate small victories along the way. Remember that progress is often gradual.

By anticipating and addressing these potential challenges, you can increase your chances of successfully implementing habit stacking and achieving your goals. The future you envision is waiting.

What is Group Coaching? 

Group health and wellness coaching is a facilitated, synchronous process for small groups (fewer than 12 participants) led by a certified health coach. The aim is to leverage the collective experience and wisdom of the group to help each member achieve their health and wellness goals, while providing a supportive and stable environment. 

Each participant receives equitable attention throughout the sessions. The coach, an expert in coaching and group dynamics with foundational health knowledge, focuses less on providing educational content (less than 20% of the time) and more on facilitating the group process. They do not offer significant support or therapy. 

Sessions may include instruction in individual skills development, such as mind/body practices and journaling, and the use of self-assessment tools. Coaches equip participants with the skills to find their own answers. By modeling behaviors like encouragement, affirmation, focusing on positive progress, maintaining a nonjudgmental stance, building rapport, and reflective listening, coaches help group members learn these skills as well. 

Coaches trust the group process and recognize that participants are their own best resource for experience and expertise. Groups can be tailored to specific audiences or be more general in focus, covering a wide range of health topics. 

What Are Four Things Coaches Need to Consider Before Leading Group Coaching? 

  1. End-to-End Participant Experience 

Creating a seamless end-to-end participant experience in group coaching is crucial for several reasons. A smooth experience keeps participants engaged and motivated throughout the coaching process. When participants feel that every aspect of the program is well-organized and cohesive, they are more likely to stay committed and actively participate. Consistent experiences across all touchpoints help build trust and reliability. A seamless experience leads to higher satisfaction levels. Satisfied participants are more likely to continue with the program, recommend it to others, and return for future sessions. 

When the coaching process is well-structured, participants can focus more on learning and applying new skills rather than dealing with logistical issues. This enhances the overall effectiveness of the coaching. By focusing on creating a seamless end-to-end experience, health coaches can ensure that their participants receive the maximum benefit from the program, leading to better outcomes and a more positive coaching environment. 

  2. Administrative Burden (or lack thereof) 

Health coaches may underestimate the amount of time that goes into facilitating group health coaching. This can be especially important when determining the price (and therefore hourly breakdown of pay) for the program. There is much more than just the time in the group container itself. 

What health coaches need to consider is the time needed to prepare for each group session, to close out each group session (i.e. time for questions at the end, logging any data such as attendance), answering inbound messages from participants in between sessions, marketing the program, creating the curriculum, researching locations/technology, and possible discovery calls/meetings to see if the group is a good fit for the participant goals. Most of the time dedicated to group coaching occurs outside of the group container. 

  3. Health Outcomes vs Health Behaviors 

The difference between health outcomes and health behaviors lies in their definitions and roles in health and wellness. Health outcomes refer to the results or consequences of health behaviors and other factors on an individual’s health. Health outcomes can include measures such as life expectancy, incidence of chronic diseases, mental health status, and overall well-being. Essentially, health outcomes are the end results that reflect the state of an individual’s health. Health behaviors refer to the actions individuals take that affect their health. These behaviors can be either health-promoting (e.g., regular exercise, healthy eating, not smoking) or health-deteriorating (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet). Health behaviors are the choices and habits that influence one’s overall health. In summary, health behaviors are the actions taken to influence health, while health outcomes are the results of those actions and other contributing factors. Improving health behaviors can lead to better health outcomes. 

While it is important to measure pre and post health outcomes to measure and display the effectiveness of a program, health behaviors can unfortunately be neglected in pre and post assessments. In conjunction with biometrics, it is highly recommended to distribute a pre and post lifestyle questionnaire as well. A lifestyle questionnaire can measure a participant’s health behaviors are various pillars of wellness. It is helpful to measure multiple pillars, not just the direct ones that are addressed in the program. For example, one may be working on sleep. As they improve their sleep, they may find organically that they have more energy and are exercising more too and not reaching for sugary snacks for an afternoon pick-me-up. There is a beautiful ripple effect that takes place when working on our health and wellness. 

  4. Engage Beyond the Group Container 

We have heard “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. Many coaches may even say this as they set the rules of engagement for their group. But what if what happens in the group, doesn’t have to stay in the group container? Keeping all things confidential and HIPAA compliant, what if coaches increased reliability and accountability in between group coaching sessions? What if we created an opportunity for the participants to interact with each other outside of the group session? 

These what if questions have profound positive answers. We would have more engagement, increased social support, and enhanced outcomes and behavior change. Finding a platform that enables a coach to send HIPAA compliant check-in texts and e-mails is vital. Finding one that also enables group challenge leaderboards, social handles, and the like help tickle various participant motivational preferences. 

In Conclusion 

Group health and wellness coaching involves a certified health coach facilitating small group sessions to help participants achieve their health goals by leveraging collective wisdom and focusing on skill development and group dynamics rather than providing direct education. Coaches need to home in on an engaging participant experience, how to decrease administrative burden, report on change in health outcomes and health behaviors, as well as provide opportunities for engagement outside of the group session. With these attributes as a foundation and a platform to enable these functions, coaches can build successful group coaching programs.