You’re passionate about health and people. You’ve made positive changes in your life that have given you a whole new outlook. It makes sense then that you want to pursue a career as a health and wellness coach to help others make similar improvements in their lives.
According to data from the Global Wellness Institute, the industry is worth a whopping $4.5 trillion and is expected to grow by 6.4 percent annually. If you want a piece of that pie, then becoming a health coach is the way to do it. But first, you need to go through the certification process.
So, how much does it cost to become a health coach? This guide explores the answer to that question in depth.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Health Coach – Programs and Pricing
Wellness coach certification costs vary widely with lower-end programs providing curriculums at a nominal fee; this is usually in the ballpark of $50.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are the higher-end programs that run in the three-figure range and up. These are typically specialized programs that focus on different niches and may require more coursework than their lower-end counterparts.
The delivery format for different programs also varies, and this plays a crucial role in how much they cost. For instance, you could enroll for classes at a traditional brick and mortar institution. Alternatively, you could get coach certification online through digital classes or teleconferencing. Online programs tend to cost less and are infinitely more convenient.
Other programs are more advanced and often require an individual to have an already-established coaching practice or a medical background of some kind. These are pricier than entry-level certification programs.
You Get What You Pay For
With so many wellness certification programs online, how can you tell which one is right for you?
Cheaper is always more expensive, so expect to get what you pay for. The cost of a certification program is usually a direct reflection of its length.
A two-day certification program costs significantly less than a six-month course. While both will get you certified, the quality of each is what separates the wheat from the chaff.
For one thing, you cannot compare the skills you pick up in a two-day course to those that you learn in a six-month program. The latter will likely dive deep into the nitty-gritty of health coaching, how to set up a thriving coaching business, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that befall many practicing health and wellness coaches.
You can also judge the quality of a program based on the academic and professional affiliations it has. The rule of thumb is to invest in those that are backed by reputable accrediting bodies. That way, you can be sure that it has high-quality coursework and provides top-notch professional support.
If the Deal Is Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
When it comes to wellness coach certification cost considerations, you need to be wary of deals that purport to save you tons of money up-front. These could cost you more than you bargained for later on.
While the whole point of signing up for a health coach training program is to learn about health and wellness, you need information about the most effective coaching techniques to use on your clients, and the best practices that will see your business soar to new heights.
You need to be equipped with the right tools to market your business and increase its bottom line, seek sustainable partnerships and networks that will enhance the longevity of your business, and know how to deal with clients who don’t seem to be making any headway when it comes to their health goals.
So you’d rather pay a little more for a program whose curriculum encompasses all these different facets, than save money on a course that only teaches you about health and wellness.
You have to consider the value you get from learning about health and wellness coaching at a granular level and what that means for your practice in the long run. A great program needs to take a “holistic” approach to health coach training.
Consider the Return on Investment
Paying for a quality certification program isn’t just money going down the drain. It’s an investment in your future that will pay off in the long run. Granted, you shouldn’t have to break the bank to do it, you shouldn’t cheap-out on it either.
Investing in your education is never a waste of money. You’re investing in yourself. The ROI, once you get your business off the ground, will be worth it in the end.
You also need to consider your “why”. While money is certainly a great motivator, it shouldn’t be the primary reason for getting into health coaching.
If you’re embarking on this new adventure, it needs to be because of your passion for health and wellness and the strong desire you have to help people improve the quality of lives they’re living. As you grow in the field, you’ll begin to see the financial benefits of helping others, and you’ll recoup your education investment in no time.
If you can’t pay for the certification upfront, most programs offer flexible payment plans that allow you to foot the amount in affordable installments.
Breaking Down the Cost
Any wellness coach certification cost ultimately boils down to the individual components of the course. The first of these is the health education/nutrition certification.
If you’re thinking of pursuing a degree in Nutrition Sciences, for instance, the average out-of-state cost would be around $42,000 a year. This would bring the total to approximately $168,000 for the four-year duration of the course.
A Masters in Nutritional Science costs up to $65,000 per year. An online degree program focused on nutrition education can average anywhere between $9,000 and $20,000 for anyone aspiring to become a coach.
The next component is the coaching certification. A health coach is more than just a walking library of wellness knowledge. They need to learn valuable coaching skills, which are a necessary part of fostering a healthy client-coach relationship. Coaching training programs usually range between $6,000 and $9,000.
Finally, you need to consider the training required to run a successful coaching business. This involves learning how to build sustainable business models, marketing strategies, business administration, etc. Online university business courses cost between $1000 and $1200 on average.
This means that the cheapest options for each of the three certifications will set you back a total of $16,000 if you decide to go that route. However, there’s a more cost-effective alternative.
Training programs like the one offered at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition combine all three components into one, at a fraction of the cost. The IIN Health Coach Certification Program, for instance, costs $6,795. So, instead of enrolling in different courses for individual certifications, it’s better to get an all-in-one certification that has everything you need to become an accredited wellness coach.
Quality Above Everything Else
How much does it cost to become a health coach? It depends on what your ultimate goal is. There’s a program out there that fits every budget. What you need to be asking instead is whether you’re getting the best value for your money.
Wellness coach certification costs aside; you need to find a program that offers the knowledge and skills necessary to become a world-class health coach. Focus on quality programs and make use of all the resources they offer. The ROI will be worth it in the end.
Remember that there is a big chance that the cheaper option will be more expensive in the end. Usually, it all boils down to your personal goals and individual components of the course.
Thinking of becoming a holistic health and wellness coach? Check out our blog to find out how you can do it too!