Health Coach Job Description

Health coaching is the method of guiding a person in addressing health issues and the need to improve health. This helps a person to lead a healthy lifestyle by making behavioral and lifestyle changes. A health coach is a professional who provides coaching or counseling services to patients or any one who is interested to build a healthy life. Health coach responsibilities are carried out by guiding people how to live a healthier, more balanced life using nutrition and lifestyle choice. Such a person helps to overcome health-related issues and provide support systems to overcome those obstacles.

People are experiencing immense changes in their lifestyle and work patterns along with the growing fast paced world. This has certainly taken a toll on the physical and mental well being of all. In such a situation, we all need to take good care of our health to live a happy and disease-free life. A health coach can guide us to adopt daily preventive measures like maintaining proper diet, nutrition, exercise, meditation, etc. These professionals help to improve our quality of life and prevent us from possible chronic, lifestyle or life threatening diseases. He/she may also be known as a 'wellness coach' and may work for hospitals, clinics, or provide personalized services.

A health coach must possess strong motivational power and a thorough knowledge of health and fitness aspects. The scope of health coach professionals are increasing. Because of increasing lifestyle and other diseases, the contribution of a health coach is being considered useful. If you want to move ahead in your career as a health coach, your position will surely be valued.

For resume help, see our Health Coach Resume

Responsibilities of a Health Coach

Provide effective solutions and suggestions on health and fitness issues
Work closely with the customer health and wellness team in meeting the organization's health management goals
Provide face to face employee support and education
Counsel and advise patients or healthy people to improve the overall health condition
Understand the prevailing health conditions and diagnose the required problems
Identify the need for behavioral change to improve health status, reduce health risks and improve quality of life
Offer possible solutions and sometimes medication to address health issues
Examine and record the vital signs like body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, weight, height, etc., accurately
Involve in motivational interviewing and engagement strategies
Apply knowledge of medicine, diet, nutrition or relevant methods to suggest solutions
Suggest exercises, diet charts, meditation or mental stress reducing techniques to clients
Deal with the client with a positive and empathetic attitude to make them feel comfortable

Essential Skills Required

Excellent knowledge in health, nutrition and fitness issues
Knowledge of health related diseases and remedial measures
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong motivational and convincing power
Ability to counsel clients of all ages and problems
Solid experience in variety of clinical techniques and medical field
Immense ability to develop a health plan
A well organized and pleasing personality
Knowledge of latest trends in health care
A pleasing personality with self-confidence

Education and Experience

A health coach must have a bachelor's degree in public health, exercise physiology, nursing, dietary or a related field. Apart from this, a minimum experience of two to three years in health promotion, wellness, or health education is required. Certifications in health coaching from an accredited professional or institute is also preferred.

Salary Details

The salary of a health coach ranges between $30,000-$50,000 a year, depending on experience and qualifications of the candidate; plus the size and nature of the work place. A health coach may either work for an organization or provide personalized services. Some of them also work on an hourly basis or visitation basis.

The article above describes the general health coach responsibilities and requirements that may be required of the individual in this position. Apart from these, a health coach must exhibit the core values of commitment, dedication, care and honesty in this profession. A person, thus, can serve the health care industry and make it a rewarding and satisfying career choice.

See Also

Athletic Coach Responsibilities