Frequently Asked Questions
Health & Wellness Coaching Certification

What is a health & wellness coach?

Health and wellness coaches are part wellness authority, part supportive mentor, and part behavior change specialist. They partner with clients who are seeking to enhance their well-being through self-directed, lasting changes in alignment with their values. Health coaches often work with clients to implement individualized food and lifestyle changes that meet the client’s unique needs and health goals. In the course of their work, health and wellness coaches display unconditional positive regard for their clients and a belief in clients’ capacity for change. They honor that each client is an expert on their own life, ensuring that all interactions are respectful and non-judgmental.

Health Coaches provide their services in a few ways. They may provide one-on-one or group sessions offered through their own private coaching business or in collaboration with doctors and other wellness providers. Their role includes but is not limited to:

• Providing a positive relationship that empowers the client to make lasting changes for better health and well-being
• Offering clients support, accountability, collaboration, education, and resources
• Translating a practitioner’s plan of care into a plan of action
• Assisting with dietary changes, food plans, and physical activity protocols
• To learn more about FMCA’s Functional Medicine Health Coach Certification Program, download our Info Packet.

Do I need a medical background to become a health coach?

While prior training in another healthcare discipline can be helpful, you do not need a background in healthcare in order to become a health coach. Successful health coaches come from a wide range of backgrounds, including business, marketing, life coaching, nursing, nutrition, yoga and fitness, massage therapy, art, design, education, and caregiving.

Do I need a college degree to become a health coach?

A college degree is not necessary to become a health coach. The only requirements are an interest in the connection between food, behavior, and health, and the passion to help clients grow, feel supported, and make lasting lifestyle changes.

What’s the difference between a health coach and a nutritionist or dietitian?

Nutritionists and dietitians receive different training than health coaches do, and thus they are qualified to provide different services. Unlike health coaches, they evaluate the health of their clients and create food plans based on their findings. Nutritionists and dietitians first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, followed by an internship or practice program, after which they may sit for a national examination and practice as an R.D., or Registered Dietitian. They are experts in food and diet and are considered healthcare practitioners.

A nutritionist or dietitian may choose to add a health coaching certification to their credentialing to strengthen their behavior change skills, build competency in new approaches to health, and add value to their practice. Additionally, health coaches may work alongside nutritionists or dietitians to help motivate clients and guide them through dietary changes using positive psychology and coaching tools and techniques.

What’s the difference between a health coach and a therapist?

A therapist is a licensed mental health professional who helps clients improve their lives, develop better cognitive and emotional skills, reduce symptoms of mental illness, and cope with various challenges.

A therapist may choose to add a health coaching certification to their credentialing to strengthen their behavior change skills, build competency in new approaches to health, and add value to their practice. Additionally, health coaches may work alongside therapists to assist clients in implementing protocols or recommendations that impact emotions, thoughts, and beliefs using positive psychology techniques. Health coaches also use mind-body techniques and tools like abdominal breathing, guided imagery, and meditation to help clients manage stress and generate healing.

What is positive psychology?

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play.

Why is positive psychology important in health coaching?

Using positive psychology coaching techniques can help clients achieve their goals, build resiliency, manage mood, tap into Character Strengths , and strengthen internal motivation to support behavioral change.

We recommend checking out the Basics of Positive Psychology Specialty Course here if you’d like to learn more.

What will a health coaching certification allow me to do?

Your health coaching certification opens up many paths: you may start your own business and see individuals or groups in a private setting, and/or hold sessions virtually via video coaching. You may choose to work in a medical or corporate environment, such as a hospital, insurance company, physicians’ office, corporate offices, day spa, wellness center, or school. Or you may incorporate the skills you acquire into your existing healthcare or non-healthcare profession.

Many of our alumni establish their own coaching business or partner with practitioners, or a combination of both. Your options will depend on your background, interests, location, and what’s accessible to you online.

How do I choose the best Health Coach Certification Program? What criteria are important?

When choosing the best program for your goals and needs, consider these factors:

• Is the program approved by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)?
• What is the curriculum composed of?
• Who are the faculty members providing the training?
• What support is offered after graduation?
• Is the program approved for continuing education?
• Does the community align with my values?
• What career paths can I take when I’ve completed the program?

Here are our 10 Questions You Should Be Asking as you go through the process of choosing the best health coach training program.

What are the benefits of working with a health coach?

Health Coaches empower their clients to take charge of their health, meet and exceed their wellness goals, and create lasting change. Coaches provide accountability and a personalized approach, and they help the client tap into their motivation and overcome roadblocks in order to continue moving forward. Many health coaching clients report improved quality of life, physical health improvements, improved emotional well-being, and feeling less stressed.

What does a health coach certification from The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) mean?

Your health coach certification through FMCA signifies that you have the skills and knowledge required to partner with clients and collaborate with practitioners as a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC). It means you have successfully completed an academically rigorous program in the principles of Functional Medicine and nutrition, positive psychology, mind-body medicine, and the art of coaching. FMCA graduates may also choose to sit for the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) examination in order to become a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach. Your FMCA certification is a globally-recognized coaching credential.