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Health coach education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a health coach. Health coaches usually study nursing, kinesiology, or psychology. 64% of health coaches hold a bachelor's degree, and 16% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 5,753 real health coach resumes to see exactly what health coach education sections show.
The most common colleges for health coaches are the Middle Tennessee State University and the Middle Tennessee State University.
There are also many online health coach courses to help get the education required to be a health coach.
There are certain health coach certifications that you should consider. These health coach certifications include Health Coach Certification and Certified Nutrition Coach (FNS).
What education do you need to become a health coach?
What degree do you need to be a health coach?
- Bachelor's, 64%
- Master's, 16%
- Associate, 11%
- Diploma, 2%
- Other Degrees, 7%
What should I major in to become a health coach?
- Nursing, 16%
- Kinesiology, 15%
- Psychology, 10%
- Business, 7%
- Other Majors, 52%
Most common colleges for health coaches
| Health coach common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Middle Tennessee State University | 12.01% |
| University of Phoenix | 8.83% |
| Arizona State University | 6.89% |
| Brigham Young University | 5.48% |
| University of Cincinnati | 5.30% |
Best majors for health coaches
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nursing | 15.9% |
| 2 | Kinesiology | 15.3% |
| 3 | Psychology | 10.0% |
| 4 | Business | 7.2% |
| 5 | Food And Nutrition | 6.5% |
Best colleges for health coaches
The best colleges for health coaches are Northwestern University, University of Southern California, and Northeastern University.
A health coach with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for health coaches. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become health coaches.
1. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN • Private
In-state tuition
$14,760
Enrollment
31,451
2. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Enrollment
34,564
3. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$8,987
Enrollment
18,946
5. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
6. Texas A&M University
College Station, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$11,870
Enrollment
53,194
7. University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$10,610
Enrollment
40,329
8. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,522
Enrollment
13,760
9. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
10. University of Washington
Seattle, WA • Private
In-state tuition
$11,207
Enrollment
30,905
20 best online courses for health coaches
Advertising disclosure
1. Health for All Through Primary Health Care
This course explores why primary health care is central for achieving Health for All. It provides examples of how primary health care has been instrumental in approaching this goal in selected populations and how the principles of primary health care can guide future policies and actions. Two of the most inspiring, least understood, and most often derided terms in global health discourse are “Health for All” and “Primary Health Care.” In this course, we will explore these terms in the context...
2. Global Health Policy
In this course, learners will become familiar with principles and theories of global health problems, and major challenges and controversies in improving global population health as well as practical applications of quantitative methods to analyze and interpret issues and challenges for policy. Topics will include health and foreign policy, health governance, acute disease surveillance, non-communicable diseases, burden of disease, universal health coverage, health systems strengthening, health...
3. Health Coaching Certification Holistic Wellness Health Coach
Health Coaching Practitioner Course Graduates Prepared Health Coaching Specialists in Holistic Wellness Health Coaching...
4. Vegan Nutrition Health Coach Certification
Become a Vegan Nutrition Certified Health Coach, Learn Vegan Cooking, Embrace a Holistic Approach to Food...
5. Health Systems Development: Introduction to Health Systems
This specialization is intended for people interested in health systems and how they function. Participants will learn about the global health systems landscape and the challenges and opportunities to achieve better health outcomes. This specialisation is divided into three courses which are offered as massive online open access courses (Courses 1-3), and a fourth course which is offered as part of the Online MPH degree (capstone). The Health Systems Development specialisation is geared toward...
6. Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action
Humans often fail to make rational decisions that affect their health. This course seeks to heighten understanding of the social and behavioral factors that contribute to health decisions and behaviors, with an ultimate goal of learning how to utilize these factors in improving public health efforts. Through a set of experiential learning exercises, students will learn to apply the science of health behavior change in their own lives. The course is appropriate for students interested in health...
7. Internationally Accredited Diploma in Health & Wellness
Learn about holistic health, wellness, key biomarkers, good sleep and ways to optimize your health...
8. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate
Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...
9. Health Coaching Conversations
Are you a healthcare practitioner or student in a healthcare field? Do you want to learn how to have more empowering conversations with your patients and support them to take control of their own health and wellbeing? Are you looking for a course to start learning these skills that also fits with your busy life? If so, this is the course for you! In this course, you will become much more familiar with some key health coaching principles and skills, and will be equipped to start applying these...
10. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...
11. Health and Nutrition Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Life Coaching: Create a Workout & Nutrition Plan Based on Your Clients' Fitness, Weight Loss, Dieting & Nutrition Goals...
12. Mental Health and Wellness Professional (MHW) Diploma Course
Discover a flexible and comprehensive way of understanding mental health as a Certified Mental Health Professional (MHP)...
13. Health Masterclass: How To Transform Your Health & Life
Master The 3 Surprising Steps That Can Finally Transform Your Health In The Next 30 Days...
14. Workplace Mental Health: A Manager's Ultimate Guide
How to manage mental health in the workplace to boost productivity and be the best boss!...
15. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
16. Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Course
Earn income doing what you LOVE - helping people - from the comfort of your home (beginner to advanced)...
17. Ketogenic Diet: Keto Nutrition Health Coach Certification
Keto Nutrition Certified Health Coach Specialized in the Ketogenic Diet, Ketosis (Keto) and Intermittent Fasting...
18. Mental Health and Neuroplasticity: Change your Brain
10 Alternatives to Medication to Improve Mental Health - Research backed treatments for Depression and Anxiety...
19. Mental Health First Aid Skills -
This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...
20. Women's Holistic Health Coach Teacher Training Course
Confidently guide women towards better mind and body health through yoga, coaching sessions and women's circles...
Top 10 most affordable universities for health coaches
The most affordable schools for health coaches are University of Florida, hunter college of the city university of new york, and california state university - long beach.
If the best universities for health coaches are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for health coaches.
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
2. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
3. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
4. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
5. California State University - Fullerton
Fullerton, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,886
Cost of attendance
17,645
6. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
7. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
8. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
9. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
10. Lehman College of the City University of New York
Bronx, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,210
Cost of attendance
14,359
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for health coaches
The hardest universities for health coaches to get into are Northwestern University, University of Southern California, and Northeastern University.
Some great schools for health coaches are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for health coaches based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
3. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
4. Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,443
5. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
6. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
Admissions rate
23%
SAT average
1,398
8. University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL • Private
Admissions rate
32%
SAT average
1,365
9. University of Rochester
Rochester, NY • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,422
10. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for health coaches
The easiest schools for health coaches to get into are Barry University, william paterson university of new jersey, and saint joseph's college of maine.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a health coach without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for health coaches.
1. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
2. William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
93%
SAT average
994
3. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,069
4. Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,059
5. Felician University
Lodi, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
999
6. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,044
7. AdventHealth University
Orlando, FL • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,016
8. Kean University
Union, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
991
9. Rochester University
Rochester Hills, MI • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,002
10. The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,035
Average health coach salary by education level
| Health coach education level | Health coach salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $45,508 |
| High School Diploma or Less | $33,550 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $39,288 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $34,434 |
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025