Health Coaching IIN Guide

Health
Coaching
101
Everything You Need to Know About
Health Coaching & The Benefits
of Becoming a Health Coach
Table of Contents
1. What Is a Health Coach?
a. Where Do Health Coaches Work?
b. Health Coaches Versus Other Nutrition Educators
c. Why Become a Health Coach?
2. The Growing Field of Health Coaching
a. The Value of the Health Coaching Profession
b. The Rise of Virtual Healthcare
c. An Increased Understanding of Holistic Health
3. How to Become a Health Coach
a. Educational Requirements and Opportunities
b. Choosing a Health Coach Training Program
c. The IIN Difference
d. The Competitive Edge
4. Using Your Health Coach Certificate
5. Kick-Start Your Future with IIN
Kick-start your future with IIN by giving us a call today:
U.S.: (844) 443-4494 International: +1 (212) 730-5433
What Is a
Health Coach?
Health Coaches are supportive mentors and wellness authorities
who help people feel their best. They can do this in a number of
ways, including encouraging and guiding clients to explore food
and lifestyle changes that help them meet their personal health
and wellness goals.
Flexibility is the name of the game in health coaching.
Because health coaching is individualized to each client,
learning to be flexible in how you provide your services is crucial.
Healthy living isn’t one-size-fits-all but instead focuses on what
we at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) call bio-individuality,
the idea that everyone is unique, needs their own combination
of things to thrive, and responds to different wellness and
lifestyle approaches. Health Coaches work with clients to teach
them how to fuel their bodies, live a holistic lifestyle, and find
exactly what works for them.
Coaches also emphasize holistic health beyond what’s on
the plate. Another core concept at IIN is primary food, the idea that
there are areas of your life that impact your short- and long-term
health just as much as the food you eat, such as relationships, career,
spirituality, physical activity, and environment.
Where Do Health Coaches Work? In other words, a Health Coach certificate can open endless doors
to pursue versatile professional paths!
What can you expect if you become a Health Coach? While your
day-to-day responsibilities may vary widely, your coaching Whether consulting with clients (one-on-one or in groups) in their
sessions will ultimately revolve around one thing: helping your own coaching business, working with a physician, or embarking
clients achieve their unique health goals. This can mean exercise on an entirely different wellness path, Health Coaches contribute
and physical activity, weight loss, stress management, holistic to improving health outcomes and spreading the ripple effect of
nutrition, chronic disease management, and much more. health and happiness.
One of the great benefits of Integrative Nutrition’s health coaching
education is the incredible diversity of career options that are Health Coaches Versus Other
available to you.
Nutrition Educators
One of the most common questions we receive from prospective
Graduates of our health coaching program students is about the qualifications and scope of practice for pro-
have gone on to: fessionals in the field of nutrition and wellness. Many people are
familiar with the terms nutritionist and dietitian – professionals
• Become acclaimed authors
who help others develop healthier eating habits – but the details
• Start health and wellness businesses, such as food, beyond that tend to get a little blurry.
beauty, or skincare products
• Partner with doctors and physicians Here are the distinctions to help you get clear on each and decide
• Open juice bars and restaurants which type of practitioner – Health Coach, dietitian, or nutritionist
– you may want to become.
• Become registered dietitians or pursue continuing
education in nursing or Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Build their own private health coaching services
Health Coach
√ Works independently in their own business, alongside medical professionals, or in other wellness settings, such as gyms,
spas, grocery stores, or yoga studios
√ Focuses on a holistic approach to health, exploring all areas of a client’s life that can impact their well-being, not just food
√ Utilizes goal setting and accountability-based coaching strategies
√ Can provide resources on different diet and supplement options but cannot prescribe
√ Not currently covered by insurance, though important work is underway to achieve this
√ Demonstrates the value of Health Coaches and their work to improve health outcomes
Dietitian/Registered Dietitian (RD)
√ Receives formal schooling in the biology of the human body, typically in the form of a bachelor’s degree in biology,
nutrition, dietetics, or food science
√ Completes a supervised 6- to 12-month dietetic internship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in
Nutrition and Dietetics
√ Has a state license and certification from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
√ Can create a nutrition care plan for patients, give guidance within traditional medical settings, and prescribe diets and
supplements
Nutritionist
√ Receives an initial education in subjects like nutrition, food science, biology, or psychology, typically in the form of a
bachelor’s degree
√ Passes the Certified Examination for Nutrition Specialists administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition
Specialists (BCNS)
√ Completes 1,000 hours of supervised work experience, which is required to obtain the BCNS certification
√ Works with patients/clients to educate them on healthy eating habits and address nutrition-related health concerns and
can prescribe diets and supplements
√
Why Become a Health Coach?
Being healthy isn’t just about the number of miles you run or bowls of kale you eat. If you’re unhappy with your career, for example,
your physical and mental well-being can suffer. At IIN, we believe a fulfilling career is an important component of the primary food
that keeps us healthy! By becoming a Health Coach, you can help people improve their lives through empowering them to make
informed health choices.
Plus, you have the opportunity to earn a living with ultimate work-life balance! If you opt to work for yourself, here are some of the
benefits:
Flexible Hours Work-Life Balance No Salary Cap Work Remotely Do What You Love!
The Growing Field
of Health Coaching
When IIN was founded nearly 30 years ago, the concept of
health coaching was new and unknown. Recognizing the
need for a more integrative approach to health, IIN’s founder,
Joshua Rosenthal, laid the foundation for the health coaching
market by giving consumers the opportunity to not only work
with a Health Coach as part of their healthcare team but
become one themselves.
IIN recognized the critical need for an overhaul to the health-
care system – a health revolution. Preventable chronic lifestyle
conditions are on the rise despite the increasing understanding
of the impacts of diet and lifestyle on our health. Healthcare
costs continue to rise. Meanwhile, doctors spend less time
with patients to understand their full health histories and are
ill-equipped to deal with the increased prevalence of
nutrition- and lifestyle-related conditions.
The role of a Health Coach was born out of the necessity to
bridge the gap between patients and healthcare – providing
individualized support and a more holistic understanding of
how to nourish our bodies and minds.
Simply put, the world needs more Health Coaches!
The World Is Ready for More Health Coaches
Obesity prevalence
The health coaching industry is Employment of health
continues to rise, as do rates
estimated to be worth $7 billion.1 educators and community
of obesity-related chronic
health workers (including
conditions, like heart disease,
Health Coaches) is projected to
stroke, type 2 diabetes, and
grow 13% from 2019 to 2029.2
certain types of cancer.3
Sources:
1. Research and Markets
2. United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
4. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our physical, mental, and 5. United States Census Bureau Household
Pulse Survey
emotional health. Life expectancy has dropped by over a year in the United
States, and 42% of respondents from a December 2020 study said they were
experiencing anxiety or depression, up from 11% the previous year.4,5
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the devastating impact
of the coronavirus on those with chronic conditions. This has
prompted many people to take a closer look at how they are caring
Studies have demonstrated that:
for their physical and mental health.
√ Health coaching can significantly improve diabetes (blood
There is a clear need for Health Coaches who are experts in sugar) control in patients when combined with standard
holistic health and can support those looking to boost emotional primary care.1
well-being, improve immunity, and prevent chronic conditions. √ Health coaching can improve control of hyperlipidemia
Health Coaches are equipped to coach clients in private (metabolic disease risk factor) in patients when combined
practices but are also found more prevalently in traditional with standard primary care.1
healthcare settings.
√ Health Coaches can support patients in making decisions
and implementing changes to improve their health due in
The Value of the Health Coaching Profession part to the coach-patient relationship formed.1
√ Health coaching is clinically effective in the modification of
As the industry has grown, so has the value and credibility of the multiple risk factors in healthy people as well as those with
health coaching profession. Just as nutritionists and dietitians certain chronic conditions.2
forged their way to become go-to experts and practitioners in diet
and nutrition, Health Coaches are similarly establishing an industry Sources:
with gold-standard practices and requirements. 1. Annals of Family Medicine
2. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Doctors, physicians, and researchers are increasingly finding the
value of adding Health Coaches to their practices in their analysis
of the outcomes of health coaching interventions.
The Rise of Virtual Healthcare Increased acceptance of the telehealth and telemedicine model
– for both healthcare providers and patients – has opened many
doors for Health Coaches to apply their services virtually, such as
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services were not
through physician offices’ portals or various apps offering virtual
the norm nor seen as an equivalent to in-person healthcare
health coaching.
services, and insurance providers were not willing to match
compensation for virtual care. A report by the CDC early in In her IIN blog post, dual-certified Health Coach Julie A. Cerrato, PhD,
the pandemic noted that expanding telehealth services would explains, “Virtual-care clinics with staffed Health Coaches are now an
allow for easier and safer access to care. essential part of the solution for connectivity between patient and provid-
er. Encouraging this integrative approach will offer telehealth an
In the past year, telehealth and telemedicine services were
unlimited reach to individuals seeking minute to minute wellness
widely adopted by many types of providers. Many doctors
support and to quickly serve as the beacon guiding us toward the next
now require a telehealth visit before an in-person visit, and
innovation in healthcare.”
many mental health professionals have taken their practices
completely virtual whether engaging via video or telephone.
A recent study from the Springer Irish Journal of Medical Science
concluded, “Telemedicine should be adopted as a proactive
measure to improve medical care and should not only be seen
as a temporary fix in times of emergency; rather, it is a convenient,
safe, scalable, effective, and green method of providing
medical care.”
An Increased Understanding of
Holistic Health
IIN has long touted the benefits of looking at health holistically.
While food is an incredibly important part of the picture, it’s
not the whole picture. You can eat all the veggies and whole
grains you want, but if you’re not also nourishing yourself in
other ways, such as through quality relationships, a fulfilling
career, or a nurturing environment, you won’t be able to reach
your full health potential.
Growing awareness of behavioral and mental well-being, in
addition to physical well-being, is projected to have a huge
effect on the health and wellness market, meaning Health
Coaches will have a wider potential-client base! The desire to
manage both physical and mental well-being is acute following
the COVID-19 pandemic, and IIN is exploring some of these
relevant major wellness trends, including:
• Reducing or eliminating the consumption of alcohol
• Investing in technology and products for better sleep
• Optimizing combined home and work spaces for ultimate
efficiency and health
Health Coaches help clients look at the full spectrum of their
health, which means empowering clients to explore the root
cause of their issues, whether gut dysfunction is stemming
from anxiety or brain fog is rooted in poor diet.
Everything in our health is connected, and Health Coaches
have the skills to help their clients connect the dots.
How to Become
a Health Coach
Now that you know exactly what a Health Coach does and
the incredible value you would bring not only to your community
but also to your own well-being, let’s dive into what’s next!
Health coaching is more than a niche in healthcare – it’s
a powerful movement for change that is creating a better
world. The field of health and wellness is rapidly expanding
as people focus more on their own health and well-being and
seek out all the information available on these subjects. If you
find yourself passionate about living your best, healthiest life
and enjoy helping others do the same, becoming a Health
Coach could be the right path for you.
There are many facets to being a Health Coach, and it can
feel overwhelming to look at the big picture. By breaking it
down, getting started on joining the field of health coaching
can be both rewarding and simple!
Educational Requirements
and Opportunities
People interested in pursuing a career in health and wellness
typically enroll in degree programs that focus on a particular
area, like nutrition, food science, biology, nursing, or physical
therapy. The courses studied in a particular degree program
help lay a solid foundation for any future courses or certifications
you complete.
While earning a bachelor’s or higher education degree will
be helpful on your journey, many programs do not require a
degree to enroll. If you have an interest in health and wellness
and love connecting with others about it, any degree can lead
to a career in health coaching!
IIN’s only academic requirement is a high school diploma,
GED, or equivalent. If you have a need for career change,
passion for health and wellness, desire for a transformative
personal experience, and the determination to make a difference
in the world, you’ll find success within our program.
Choosing a Health Coach Training Program
Finding the right health coaching program for you is the best way to begin your journey. There are several factors to consider when
researching and selecting a health coaching program:
Time
Most health coaching programs range from six months to one year, though some can take significantly
more or less time. While completing coursework quickly sounds great, you should consider whether you’ll
get the well-rounded, complete education you deserve to set you up for success after graduating.
IIN offers two programs: Our one-year program allows students to balance their health education with their
previous obligations, like family or a full-time job. Our six-month accelerated program contains the exact
same information and training but allows students to complete the program in half the time.
Cost
The cost of health coach training programs varies widely depending on the duration, type of training
and support, whether it’s in person or online, study materials provided, and much more. Find what
works for you and your budget by asking about available payment options.
Community
Community is everything. Having people to rely on and connect with is important for not only developing
connections in the coaching world post-graduation but maximizing the education you’re getting!
For example, IIN’s Coaching Circle calls are intimate, interactive sessions led by an experienced IIN Health
Coach where you’ll learn how to apply what you’re learning in real time. Further collaborative efforts, like
coordinating study sessions and check-ins with classmates, help keep everyone on track and excited about
the future.
Post-Graduation Support
The health and wellness industry can be difficult to navigate on your own. But with support from the program
you completed, it can be easier. When selecting a program, ask about how they support graduates in their
careers, any tools they offer once you’ve graduated, such as continued opportunities for education, or even
eligibility to join associations for continued professional and personal development.
IIN offers the IINBiz platform, providing graduates with ready-to-use marketing materials so they can spend
more time doing what they love – helping clients!
IIN also offers students and graduates options to pursue higher education, continuing education, and
certification through our strategic partnerships.
In IIN’s dynamic and innovative Health Coach Training
Program, get your certificate in our one-year English,
one-year Spanish-supported (intermediate English required), or
six-month accelerated (English or Spanish-supported) programs.
All learning materials are online in our Learning Center, so you
can learn on any device, anywhere in the world, wherever you
have an Internet connection! We give you the flexibility to learn
according to your schedule with a variety of program options.
By the end of the Health Coach Training
Program, a Health Coach will be able to:
√ Curate their own approach to health and wellness
The IIN Difference through experimentation with course information,
theories, and concepts
IIN is unlike any other nutrition program in the world. Many students √ Develop the coaching skills necessary to not only help
who come to us expect we’ll divulge the secrets of the ideal others explore their individual needs and reach their
goals but also coach themselves to great health in body
diet, and while we do teach over 100 dietary theories in our
and mind
comprehensive curriculum, our students walk away with so much
more upon graduation. √ Engage in a conscious, ongoing commitment to health
and well-being with the confidence and passion to
The truth is you can’t truly approach nutrition without acknowledging create the life they’ve always dreamed of
the role it plays in an overall healthy lifestyle, along with other √ Contribute to the global health movement and IIN’s
factors that contribute to health and happiness. That’s why IIN mission of spreading the ripple effect of health and
teaches holistic health. We guide students to explore the connection happiness around the world, one Health Coach at a time
between what they eat and how they live so the end result is a
balanced individual who knows how to nourish their unique body
and thrive in all ways – and understands how to share this crucial
knowledge with others!
The Competitive Edge
While certification is not required to call yourself a Health Coach, it does allow Health Coaches to maintain a competitive edge in
their field as it demonstrates their dedication to the practice and competency in the profession. As the health coaching profession
moves toward increased regulation, certification may become required to practice as a Health Coach.
What sets IIN apart from other health coaching schools?
√ We’re licensed by the New York State Department of Education as a vocational school, which means you can feel
confident about the validity of your education. Our curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure our students receive the most
accurate, up-to-date information.
√ We’re recognized by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) as an approved program provider,
providing graduates with a pathway to board certification as well as help board-certified Health Coaches earned required
continuing education credits through our additional program offerings.
√ We advocate for the health coaching profession through our governmental policy work, spreading awareness of the value
and hard work of Health Coaches both in private practice and public health. Our advocacy in the United States is sure to
ripple across the globe as the United States begins to officially recognize Health Coaches as formal healthcare practitioners.
√ After graduation, IIN graduates are eligible to pursue higher education through strategic partnerships with colleges
and universities. Our graduates are also eligible for membership through affiliated organizations that provide ample
opportunities for professional and personal development.
Using Your Health
Coach Certificate
With an IIN Health Coach certificate, the opportunities for career and
personal growth are limitless! We’ve talked a lot about health coaching
in a traditional sense, but many people who receive an IIN education
also go on to become authors, chefs, podcast hosts, teachers, product
developers, and much more.
If health coaching one-on-one isn’t for you, our partnerships with colleges
and universities offer you the ability to apply your IIN education toward
a higher education degree, whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s,
master’s, or doctorate degree. A health coaching education with IIN can
propel you into your wellness field of choice, and perhaps even accelerate
your education timeline, depending on how many credits you’re able
to transfer to participating institutions. We’re also affiliated with
organizations around the world that offer IIN graduates membership
eligibility and come with their own host of benefits.
We understand the desire to stand out in a health and wellness industry that is
growing at a rapid pace, so in addition to offering the world-renowned Health
Coach Training Program, we give our students and graduates the
chance to further refine their niches in wellness with our Specialty and
Advanced Courses. From learning how to optimize your gut health to
becoming an expert in detoxing, you can add specialties to your health
coaching practice or any other career you decide to pursue.
Kick-Start Your
Now you know the value of an IIN education and why Health Coaches are
taking the wellness world by storm.
Future with IIN Take the next step and talk to an admissions representative eager to hear
more about why you’re looking to start your transformative journey with
IIN. They’re also IIN graduates, so they’ll be able to answer any lingering
questions you may have about the Health Coach Training Program.
Give us a call:
United States: (844) 443-4494 International: +1 (212) 730-5433
We’ll be here when you’re ready to start living the life you’ve always
dreamed of. Here’s to your health!

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