Published: December 4, 2020
When deciding on a health coaching certification program, it’s important to consider where that certification is recognized and how it will fit into your overall career path.
At The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA), we are proud to deliver the gold standard in health coaching certification. We are the only program designed in collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and approved by The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC).
Graduates earn the designation “Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach,” or FMCHC, and receive a health coaching certificate. Because we are approved by NBHWC, our graduates may also sit for NBHWC’s Health & Wellness Coach (HWC) Certifying Exam to earn the credential of “National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach,” or NBC-HWC.
It doesn’t end there! Our award-winning program is approved and recognized by many national and global bodies, many of whom also accept our program for continuing education credits.
Explore the list below to learn more about the organizations that FMCA partners with, and what this means for additional certification opportunities and continuing education credits:
Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) has prepared over 350,000 fitness instructors and trainers in 73 countries since 1983 and released the first nationally standardized guidelines for fitness professionals. FMCA’s Health Coach Certification Program is approved by AFFA, an accredited approver accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Students who complete the program may currently receive 15 CEUs from AFAA for continuing education credit.
American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA)
FMCA’s Health Coach Certification Program is approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. FMCA is currently approved to award 25.5 contact hours. Approval for contact hours through the AHNA is based on an assessment of the educational merit of this program and does not constitute endorsement of the use of any specific modality in the care of clients.
Functional Medicine South Africa (FMSA)
Functional Medicine South Africa (FMSA) provides and partners with organizations to help bring cutting edge Functional Medicine education and up-to-date training to practitioners in South Africa, through a multitude of online events.
Functional Medicine Health Coach’s Association, South Africa (FMHCASA)
The Functional Medicine Health Coaches Association of South Africa (FMHCASA) is a professional body, and recognized by Functional Medicine South Africa (FMSA), dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of the role of Functional Medicine Health Coaching. All FMCA graduates are automatically approved to join FMHCASA with proof of graduation.
Health Coach Alliance Canada (HCA)
FMCA is an approved school by The Canadian Health Coach Alliance. The Canadian Health Coach Alliance unites thousands of Registered Health Coaches™ (RHC™), Registered Health & Nutrition Counsellors™ (RHNC™), and Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioners™ across North America. All FMCA graduates are automatically approved to join HCA with proof of graduation and will be awarded the “Registered Health Coach” (R.H.C.) title (“Licensed” will replace the word “registered” in areas where the title is not permitted). FMCA is on the list of continuing education providers on The Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition (CAIN) website.
Health Coach Association of Australia and New Zealand (HCANZA)
The Health Coach Association of Australia and New Zealand (HCANZA) recognizes Health & Wellness Coaches as an integral member of Collaborative Care Teams that are addressing the rise in chronic disease management from a patient or client-centred perspective.
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to professional coaching. ICF has approximately 41,500 members in 147 countries and territories. FMCA is accredited with ICF. Our Health Coach Certification Program is approved through 3/31/2021. 58 CE Credits for Core Competencies, 6 CE Credits for Resource Development.
Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) partners with other organizations, including academic medical centers, universities, technology organizations, and international partners, to accelerate the widespread adoption of Functional Medicine as the standard of care. FMCA’s health coaching program is the only program designed and delivered in collaboration with IFM.
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers a Certified Personal Training program and is a partner of the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and Premier Global in the United Kingdom. FMCA’s Health Coach Certification Program is approved for the course year. Students who complete the program may receive 1.8 CEUs from NASM for continuing education credit.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
FMCA’s Health Coach Certification program is approved with The National Association of Social Workers (NASW). It is a professional organization of social workers in the United States. NASW has about 120,000 members. The NASW provides guidance, research, up to date information, advocacy, and other resources for its members and for social workers in general. Students who complete the program may receive 18 contact hours from NASW for continuing education credits.
National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP)
The National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP) is dedicated to furthering the cause, education, and standards of the holistic nutrition industry. FMCA’s Health Coach Certification Program is approved to provide 30 Category 1 CEUs for Advanced Specialty Education.
National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC)
The National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) is leading the advancement of health & wellness coaching by establishing professional standards and collaborative partnerships.
NBHWC has collaborated with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) since 2016 to provide a robust board certification examination which has led to more than 3,000 National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches that hold the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential. The esteemed NBC-HWC credential represents training, education, and assessment standards, allowing for the profession to advance in all aspects of health care and wellness. Because FMCA’s Health Coach Certification program is approved by NBHWC, graduates may sit for NBHWC’s Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Exam to earn their NBC-HWC credential.
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic & Massage and Bodywork is an independent, private, nonprofit offering Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB®), the highest credential within the massage and bodywork profession. FMCA’s Health Coach Certification Program is currently accepted by NCBTMB for continuing education as follows: Home Study: 13 CEs/Self Care; Webinar: 16 CEs/Self Care.
UK Health Coaches Association (UKHCA)
The United Health Coaches Association (UKHCA) is the professional body dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of the role of health coaching as a credible and accessible model for preventing, and potentially reversing, chronic, lifestyle-related disease. FMCA’s Health Coach Certification Program is a recognized training program.
The health coaching movement is growing globally, and these international bodies will continue to play an important role in the growth and recognition of our field. Get the competitive advantage of a program that’s backed by these organizations when you train with FMCA.
Are you ready to follow your passion to become a certified health coach? Enrollment for our March 2021 class is now open! Learn more about our Health Coach Certification program here.
