The health coaching industry is rapidly evolving, requiring a high standard of professional competence. If you’re considering enrolling in a health coaching course and want to find the best option, look for accreditation from the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). NBHWC-approved programs meet rigorous national standards for curriculum design, faculty expertise, and student success outcomes.
But there are several options out there that are NBHWC accredited. How do you find and choose the best NBHWC-approved program for you?
This article compares five of the most popular NBHWC-approved programs, including AFPA’s Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program.
The Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program is well-known for its convenient course structure, affordability, and faculty credentials. This program is designed by NBHWC-certified coaches who stay up-to-date with the required competencies, and it provides comprehensive training that aligns with industry requirements.
For those looking to advance their coaching careers with a certification, AFPA provides robust training that equips students with the skills necessary for jobs in the health and wellness industry. With its commitment to quality education and flexible learning structure, AFPA has established itself as a leader in providing quality nutrition, health coaching, and fitness certification courses.
Understanding NBHWC Accreditation
It’s crucial to consider NBHWC accreditation when choosing a health coaching program. This accreditation guarantees a quality education within the coaching industry. But what does it involve, and why is it important? Let’s explore national board certification from NBHWC and its significance as you consider your health coaching career journey.
What Is NBHWC Accreditation?
The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) accredits health coaching programs that meet strict standards of education and practice. An NBHWC-accredited program undergoes thorough evaluation to ensure it provides comprehensive and effective training for aspiring coaches.
This accreditation indicates that a program adheres to the highest standards in the health coaching industry. When choosing an NBHWC-accredited program, students are assured that they will receive an education that equips them with skills to offer evidence-based, client-centered health and wellness coaching.
Why Is NBHWC Accreditation Important?
Quality Assurance: A program accredited by NBHWC ensures high-level training. The curriculum has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by a recognized authority in the health and wellness sector.
Industry Recognition: This accreditation gives weight to your certification within the industry. It shows that you have received training from a program that meets nationally acknowledged standards.
Preparation for Certification: Graduating from an NBHWC-accredited program prepares you for the Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Examination (HWCCE). The NBHWC exam is offered in partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Passing this exam grants you the distinguished title of a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).
Criteria for Evaluation
Certain criteria were employed to evaluate each NBHWC-accredited program listed below to ensure a comprehensive comparison. This approach allows for consistent review and comparison, giving readers clear insights into what makes each program unique. The selected criteria are:
Curriculum Quality: An effective health coaching program should possess a rich curriculum that thoroughly covers all necessary areas of knowledge and skills. This includes understanding nutrition, exercise, behavior change techniques, professional coaching skills, and more.
Faculty Expertise: The qualifications and expertise of faculty members play a significant role in the quality of education a program provides. Faculty with extensive experience in the field can offer invaluable insights and practical knowledge to students.
Program Structure: A well-structured program caters to various learning styles and schedules. It should offer flexibility without compromising the depth and breadth of learning outcomes. AFPA stands out due to its convenient structure, which also applies to many of its other programs and continuing education.
Pricing: Cost is an important factor for many students when selecting a program. Pricing should align with the quality of education, resources provided, and potential return on investment.
Top 5 NBHWC-Approved Programs
Let’s explore the most popular online options for NBHWC-approved wellness coach training.
AFPA Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program
Quick Stats
Price: $2848 (current sale pricing), $3548 (regular pricing)
Duration: 6 months for the asynchronous part, up to 12 weeks for the live portion
Potential Advantages:
Highly competitive pricing
Holistic curriculum
100% online curriculum
Asynchronous and live coaching programs bundled together at one price
Dynamic learning platform
Practical skills assessments
Case studies and interactive scenarios
Mock coaching sessions
Client handouts and sample PDF forms
Rolling admission into the asynchronous portion and multiple options for live cohort enrollment
NBHWC certified program
150-question NBHWC practice certification exam included
Potential Disadvantages:
Six-month time frame for completion
The AFPA Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program stands out among NBHWC-accredited programs for several reasons:
Comprehensive Curriculum
The program boasts a comprehensive curriculum, covering a wide range of lessons essential to health and wellness coaching. These include:
Foundational health theories: The AFPA Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program covers the foundational health theories crucial for understanding health and wellness coaching principles.
Behavior change strategies: Understanding how to facilitate behavior change effectively is key to being a successful health and wellness coach. This program provides comprehensive training on behavior change strategies, including motivational interviewing, goal-setting techniques, and overcoming barriers to change.
Coaching process explanations: The program provides step-by-step explanations of the coaching process, ensuring that students have a clear understanding of how to structure coaching sessions, establish rapport with clients, set goals, and track progress. This helps coaches confidently guide their clients toward achieving their desired health outcomes.
Sample coaching sessions: To enhance learning and practical application, the asynchronous portion of the program includes numerous recorded coaching sessions. These sessions are examples of effective coaching techniques and provide students a valuable opportunity to observe experienced coaches in action.
Core-to-advanced coaching techniques: AFPA’s program equips students with a wide range of coaching techniques. From active listening and powerful questioning to motivational interviewing techniques, students gain a diverse toolkit of strategies to support their clients’ health and wellness journeys.
In-depth health module: As part of the program, students will delve into an in-depth health module that covers the fundamentals of human health, nutrition wellness, stress management, and illness. This module provides essential knowledge to help coaches understand the holistic nature of health and effectively support their clients in achieving optimal well-being.
To support you in applying the skills, you will have numerous opportunities for testing your knowledge through the following:
Interactive exercises and knowledge checks: These are interactive activities designed to help students apply their knowledge and test their understanding of the material. They may include quizzes, exercises, or simulations that allow students to practice their skills and assess their progress.
Interactive scenarios: These are simulated situations or scenarios that students can interact with. They provide a realistic and immersive learning experience where students can apply their coaching techniques and problem-solving skills in a safe environment.
Case studies: Case studies are real-life examples that highlight specific coaching challenges or situations. They allow students to analyze and understand the complexities of working with clients in various contexts. By examining these case studies, students can develop critical thinking skills and learn how to apply their coaching techniques effectively.
Downloadable tools: To support your practice, you’ll gain access to a wide range of handouts and sample PDFs that can be customized to use with future clients.
Students will gain a deep understanding of the physical aspects of health and the psychological and emotional factors that influence well-being. They will be equipped with the skills to work directly with clients. This holistic approach prepares graduates to address the diverse needs of their clients effectively.
Experienced Faculty
At AFPA, we believe in learning from those who have real-world experience. That’s why the core faculty consists of practicing health coaches who are NBHWC-certified. Supporting faculty members are experts in nutrition and holistic health. Their expertise bridges the gap between theory and practice, giving students valuable insights into the industry.
Structured Flexibility
We understand that adult learners have busy schedules. That’s why our program offers a mix of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning opportunities. This allows students to study at their convenience while still meeting accreditation requirements.
One significant advantage of the AFPA program is that, unlike some other programs, AFPA has bundled the synchronous and asynchronous courses together under one price as the Master Health and Wellness Coach program.
Alternatively, you can enroll in each component separately if that suits your preferences better.
Competitive Pricing
Investing in education is important, but it shouldn’t break the bank. Our Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program is priced competitively compared to other accredited programs. We believe in providing high-quality education at an affordable price so that our students can access the knowledge and skills they need without financial burden.
As mentioned above, one significant advantage of our program is that the Master Health and Wellness Coach program offers both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities under one price tag. This structured flexibility allows students to organize their time and finances effectively while still meeting accreditation requirements to sit for the national board exam.
Measurable Success
We believe that our graduates are some of the best and most prepared health coaches, not just for the NBHWC exam but for applying their skills when working with clients. Their success stories and testimonials attest to the effectiveness of our program in equipping them with the necessary knowledge and practical experience to positively impact people’s lives.
By choosing AFPA’s Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program, you’re setting yourself up for a fulfilling career as a coach who can make a difference in the lives of others. We also understand that selecting a niche and creating a valuable online training program can be essential for success in this field. We have resources to guide you through these processes, ensuring you have the necessary tools to build a thriving coaching practice.
IIN Health Coach Training Program
Quick Stats
Price: $4990 total ($2995 for the Health Coach Training Program + $1995 for the NBHWC Coaching Intensive Practicum)
Duration: 1 year + practicum (time not specified, but must enroll within one year of completing the training program)
Potential Advantages:
Taught 100% online
Available in English and Spanish
NBHWC certified program
Potential Disadvantages:
Coaching program is sold separately from the practicum
Enrollment in an additional course, sold separately, to be eligible for the NBHWC certification, making this an expensive option
The IIN Health Coach Training Program is a leading program in health coaching education. It is known for its comprehensive curriculum and experienced faculty who are experts in their fields. The program aims to empower students with a holistic approach to wellness, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to support their clients in achieving their health goals.
Program Structure and Format
The IIN program combines live and self-paced learning modules, providing flexibility without compromising quality. Live sessions are an integral part of the program, allowing for real-time interaction and feedback between students and instructors. This enhances the learning experience and fosters a sense of community among participants.
Curriculum Coverage
IIN’s curriculum covers a wide range of essential topics for effective health coaching. Some of the key areas include:
Understanding dietary theories and their impact on health
Learning coaching techniques to motivate and inspire clients
Acquiring business skills to establish and grow a thriving coaching practice
Exploring lifestyle management strategies for overall well-being
Faculty Expertise
The faculty at IIN consists of professionals from various backgrounds, including nutrition, psychology, and coaching. Their collective expertise brings depth and diversity to the learning experience, exposing students to different perspectives within the field.
Pricing and Value
In terms of pricing, the IIN Health Coach Training Program offers competitive rates compared to similar programs. The program’s cost reflects the resources and support provided to students, including access to online materials, personalized mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Functional Medicine Coaching Academy Health Coach Certification
Quick Stats
Price: $9779
Duration: 1 year
Potential Advantages:
Unique functional medicine approach
Can be combined with physician training
NBHWC certified program
Potential Disadvantages:
Time intensive – 10 to 12 hours a week for a year
Among the most expensive program options
The FMCA Health Coach Certification Program is designed to equip future health coaches with the skills and knowledge to work with functional medicine professionals. With a curriculum that integrates functional medicine, nutrition, psychology, and the science of behavior change, this program can effectively prepare its graduates to navigate the complex landscape of health and wellness.
Program Structure and Format
The FMCA program offers a blend of recorded webinars, live training sessions, and interactive assignments. The structure is designed to accommodate the busy lives of its students, requiring 10-12 hours per week of coursework, complemented by three 2-hour live sessions each month.
Curriculum Coverage
FMCA’s curriculum includes a deep dive into key areas, including:
How to coach clients and educate others on topics like digestion, immune health, and cardiometabolic functioning
Utilizes the study of positive emotions and character strengths to enhance client goals and healing
Emphasizes the principle that food is medicine and exploring the connection between emotions and eating behaviors
Incorporates techniques like abdominal breathing, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices
Focuses on engaging clients effectively to foster self-discovery and meaningful behavior change
Faculty Expertise
The program prides itself on a faculty composed of world-renowned leaders from diverse professional backgrounds, including Michael Arloski, PhD, and Mark Hyman, MD. These educators bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, enriching the learning experience and bringing functional medicine health coaching to life.
Pricing and Value
The Functional Medicine Health Coach Certification Program costs $9,779 if paid in full. Alternatively, there is a payment plan option of 12 monthly installments of $839.92, totaling $10,079 including a financing fee. This investment includes access to the FMCA Career Navigator™, which is designed to help students create and launch their coaching careers without additional costs.
The program offers aspiring health coaches a comprehensive training platform, blending science, nutrition, psychology, and business acumen. Graduates are well-prepared to excel in the health and wellness industry. While the price may be a consideration for some, the value delivered through expert instruction, a robust curriculum, and career support makes a compelling case for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of functional medicine and health coaching.
Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Health Coach Certification
Quick Stats
Price: $4,788
Duration: 6 months
Potential Advantages:
Peer support with cohort model
Advanced curriculum with a deep nutritional science focus
One-on-one coaching guidance
Structured Schedule: Clear 6-month plan
Potential Disadvantages:
Limited enrollment at only twice a year
Advanced focus, not geared toward beginners
Fixed pace
The Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Health Coach Certification is an advanced program designed to elevate your coaching skills to the next level. Building upon the solid foundation provided by the widely recognized Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification, this program offers a deeper dive into the science and practice of health coaching.
Program Structure and Format
This advanced certification is structured to enhance knowledge and skills in health coaching. It features interactive learning experiences such as lessons, case studies, and practical assignments. A distinctive element of this program is its personalized mentorship, which provides one-on-one guidance from leading coaches to support your professional growth and practical application of your learning.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The curriculum delves into advanced nutritional science, coaching psychology, and the intricacies of behavior change. It’s designed to equip coaches with the tools needed to address complex client challenges, including advanced strategies for metabolic regulation and understanding psychological factors affecting dietary habits.
Faculty Expertise
The program has an exceptional faculty of leading health, nutrition, and psychology experts. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, ensuring participants receive an education rooted in the latest scientific research and best practices in health coaching. Their commitment to excellence and passion for teaching is evident in how they engage with students, making complex topics accessible and actionable.
Pricing and Value
The investment in the Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Health Coach Certification, priced at $4788, is reflected in its comprehensive curriculum, expert mentorship, and faculty support. The program’s pricing is designed to match its high value, providing participants with an exceptional learning experience that equips them for success in the competitive field of health coaching.
MindBodyGreen Health Coach Training Program
Quick Stats
Price: $5,999
Duration: 20 weeks
Potential Advantages:
Holistic curriculum that incorporates yoga and meditation for well-rounded wellness coaching
Blended learning format that combines live lessons, online videos, and real-time practice
Access to a wellness library of MindBodyGreen content
Cohort learning that offers peer support
Potential Disadvantages:
At $5,999, it may be out of reach for some budget
Emphasis on yoga and meditation that may not suit all coaching needs
Cohort-based learning might limit flexibility for some learners
The MindBodyGreen Health Coach Training Program offers a unique approach to health coaching by integrating mind-body modalities into their practice. This program stands out for its emphasis on holistic well-being, yoga, and meditation, woven throughout the curriculum. It makes it an attractive choice for those who want to incorporate these elements into their coaching.
Program Structure and Format
The MindBodyGreen program’s structure is designed to cater to different learning styles. It offers a mix of recorded lectures, live webinars, interactive quizzes, and hands-on assignments. The program’s format allows students to effectively balance their studies with other life commitments.
Curriculum Coverage
One of the significant strengths of the MindBodyGreen program is its comprehensive curriculum coverage. This includes:
Topics ranging from nutritional science and behavioral change techniques to yoga instruction and mindfulness practices
Holistic approach that integrates diverse healing modalities and practices
Faculty Expertise
The faculty at MindBodyGreen brings together experts from various fields, such as nutrition, psychology, fitness, and alternative healing therapies. Their knowledge and experience significantly enrich the learning experience for students. With access to such a wide range of expertise, students have a broad toolkit that prepares them to handle diverse client needs effectively.
Pricing and Value
MindBodyGreen’s pricing structure reflects the unique value offered by its curriculum. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the expansive curriculum coverage and expert faculty could justify the investment.
Choosing the RIght NBHWC-Approved Program for You
Choosing the right NBHWC-accredited program is crucial to your journey as a health coach. A key part of this decision-making process involves an in-depth consideration of personal preferences and career goals.
Personal Preferences
It’s essential to choose a program that aligns with your learning style. Here are some factors to think about:
Are you more comfortable with self-paced learning, or do you prefer a structured schedule?
Is a virtual format your preference, or do you value in-person interaction? While we don’t cover in-person formats in this article, some university programs do offer in-person classes.
Career Goals
The goal of becoming a certified health coach varies among individuals. Here are a couple examples:
Some aspire to start their own coaching practice.
Others, such as nutritionists, fitness trainers, nurses, or healthcare professionals, aim to integrate health coaching into their existing professional roles.
The ideal program should cater to these specific career objectives. It’s important to note that not all programs are created equal. While they may share the same NBHWC accreditation, differences exist in terms of:
Curriculum coverage
Faculty expertise
Program structure
Pricing options
Student success rates
These factors should be considered along with your personal preferences and career goals. The right program for you will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge and propel you toward achieving your career goals.
Main Takeaways
Embarking on a health coaching journey with an NBHWC-accredited program opens the door to expansive opportunities. This decision has the power to shape your career path and allow you to impact countless lives.
The AFPA Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program excels in curriculum coverage, faculty expertise, program structure, pricing, and student success stories. Its convenience, affordability, and faculty team of NBHWC-certified coaches make it an unparalleled choice.
However, acknowledging that everyone’s requirements are unique is critical. Other programs, such as the IIN Health Coach Training Program, Precision Nutrition Certification, and MindBodyGreen Health Coach Training Program, offer distinct strengths that may align with specific aspirations.
Now that some important factors have been presented, the stage is set for you to decide. It is vital to consider all aspects carefully before choosing the right program. The objective is clear: to select a high-quality NBHWC-approved program that best aligns with personal preferences and career goals.
This decision indicates a dedication to personal growth and development, as well as the well-being of those you will coach in the future. Review your options and make your choice with confidence!
