From Passion to Profession: Turning Your Interest in Wellbeing into a Career

Over the last decade, health and wellbeing have been at the forefront of public conversation. People are asking bigger questions, such as: ‘Why are so many people suffering from poor mental health?’ and ‘What really helps improve wellbeing?’.

This growing interest has seen an impressive surge in mental health professionals; in fact, in 2024, there were 152,280 full-time mental health staff in the workforce, a 6.7% rise from the previous year.

So, with growing recognition of poor mental health symptoms and more people being diagnosed, are health coaches still in demand? The answer is yes, absolutely!

More than 30% of the UK population lives with a long-term physical condition, and 4 million of these people also have a mental health issue.

Therefore, health coaches play a vital role in supporting those with ill health, helping them to make sustainable changes and empowering them to take charge of their wellbeing.

If you love helping people thrive, health coaching could be a rewarding career path. In this blog, I’ll explore why it’s a growing career, how to get started, and how an accredited online health coach training qualification could be your next career step.

Why Health Coaches Are in Demand

So, we know health coaches are in demand, but why exactly are they needed?

In recent years, there’s been a shift from reactive to proactive healthcare. The general public is more aware of the importance of taking care of their health and wellbeing. Now, most people have heard of the terms burnout, neurodivergence, and most mental health conditions.

As a result, people can recognise symptoms and seek professional help earlier, before things get out of control. Despite this positive shift, care systems like the NHS have been under significant pressure for years, causing long waiting lists and delayed care for those who need it most.

That’s why health coaches are so essential, as they can make a powerful difference by helping to prevent mental health issues in the first place before they turn into serious problems.

Where Can a Health Coach Work?

But where can a health coach work? An accredited health coach can be incredibly versatile and can support people in a wide variety of environments, including:

• NHS and care settings
• GPs and community health teams
• Private wellness practices
• Corporate wellbeing programmes
• Online or hybrid coaching sessions

Is Health Coaching a Good Career?

Call me biased, but I think health coaching is an incredible career! If you enjoy supporting others and helping them reach their goals, health coaching could be very fulfilling for you. And the growing demand for wellbeing professionals means now is a fantastic time to get started.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits:

Rewarding

As a health coach, you often get to support people in making meaningful changes to their physical and mental health. It’s a privilege to see individuals grow into the person they want to be, and being there for the journey is extremely gratifying!

Flexible

We’ve seen that health coaches can work in a range of settings, and if you decide to take the plunge and become a freelance health coach, the flexibility and freedom are extremely valuable. The benefit of creating your own work-life balance is a fantastic option for those who have family commitments or those who like to work at their own pace.

Opportunities

When you train to become an accredited health coach, your career opportunities will skyrocket. As we know, health coaches are in high demand, making the work plentiful, but also provides opportunities to climb the career ladder within the healthcare sector.

Who Can Be A Health Coach?

I’ll often have prospective health coaches ask me: ‘Do you think I can become a health coach?’ They’re usually worried they don’t have the right qualifications and experience, or that they’re not ‘perfect’ for the role.

So, are you empathetic, a good listener, and passionate about empowering others? Then yes, you can become a health coach! However, it’s essential that you become a health coach for the right reasons.

There’s a common misconception that being a health coach is ‘easy’, but it takes a lot of work and dedication, and that’s why it’s important that you join an accredited programme to earn your qualification.

The Importance of Accredited Health Coach Training

Joining an accredited health coach training qualification gives you the security that your training is credible and insured, meaning that at the end, you’ll be a qualified, professional health coach.

You can find out more about choosing the right health coaching course for you in my guide!

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to become a health coach is through online training. During your training, you’ll learn the health coaching principles, behavioural theories, motivational techniques, and practical application.

Despite being online, these training programmes are hubs filled with community and support from like-minded people who all share a common goal. You’ll also have real conversations and interactions with your tutor, who’s there to help you every step of the way.

Join My RSPH Level 3 Certificate in Health Coaching

I’ve been training and mentoring health coaches for over a decade, and having worked in Public Health during that time, I’ve seen firsthand that demand for professional health coaches isn’t slowing down!

If you’d like to take the next step in your career and become one of the many in-demand health coaches, you can enrol in my Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH)-accredited Level 3 Certificate in Health Coaching.

The RSPH is a leading provider of Public Health qualifications, meaning their training programmes are nationally recognised and trusted by professionals and individuals across the UK.

Depending on your commitments, budget, and learning style, I have three online options to choose from:

• The Independent Achiever Package: £790, ideal for self-motivated learners who want to earn a qualification with minimal fuss.
• The Aspiring Professional Package: £990, perfect for those looking for a head start alongside extra support and a tailored approach.
• The Health Coach Leader Package: £1,090, the best option for those who want to commit to a long-term career in health coaching and access exclusive benefits.

Is this something that feels meaningful to you? Get in touch to chat through the next steps in becoming a health coach.

Or you can log onto one of my free taster sessions of the RSPH Level 3 course, which can be accessed whenever and wherever you want! Come see the power of this training programme for yourself!