If you’re considering becoming a health coach, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to get accredited by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). The NBHWC is the gold standard for health coach certifications, and getting accredited by them can set you apart from other coaches and provide immense value for your career.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key benefits of getting your health coach certification through the NBHWC. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced coach looking to take your career to the next level, NBHWC accreditation can help you achieve your goals.
The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching was formed in 2016 to establish rigorous standards for the growing field of health and wellness coaching. To receive accreditation from the NBHWC, coach training programs must meet specific curriculum requirements outlined by the NBHWC. These requirements were developed by a team of experts to reflect the latest evidence-based practices in health coaching.
This means that NBHWC-accredited programs undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure they equip coaches with the knowledge and skills needed to serve clients effectively. By only accrediting programs that meet their high standards, the NBHWC works to advance the health coaching profession.
Earning an NBHWC-accredited certification demonstrates to potential clients and employers that you have received comprehensive, high-quality training. When you have those three letters (NBHWC) after your name, it signals that you have invested the time and effort into developing expertise.
Research shows that credentials and accreditations increase people’s trust in service providers. In one survey study, 96% of respondents said third-party certification gave them more confidence in their financial advisor’s qualifications. The same holds true for health coaches – having the NBHWC stamp of approval can give you instant credibility.
The NBHWC credential also shows you have mastered the key competencies needed to guide clients toward healthier lifestyles. These include behavior change theory, motivational interviewing, nutrition foundations, coaching structure, practice ethics, and more. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to help clients overcome obstacles and adopt sustainable lifestyle changes.
The learning doesn’t stop once you’ve completed an NBHWC-accredited program. The NBHWC provides continuing education opportunities and resources to help accredited coaches continue developing their abilities.
You can maintain your NBHWC credential through continuing education credits on topics like positive psychology, mindfulness, corporate wellness, and others. The NBHWC also hosts annual conferences featuring the latest research and best practices in health coaching. Investing in continuous skills development is key for effective coaching.
There are also many benefits that come with NBHWC membership once accredited. You’ll get access to templates, forms, newsletters, discounts, and other valuable resources for your coaching practice. Ongoing learning and community support can help you take your coaching to the next level.
Earning NBHWC accreditation can open doors to more career opportunities. Many employers specifically seek out NBHWC-credentialed providers to offer health coaching services. Top companies, hospitals, insurance providers, and wellness brands look for coaches accredited by the industry’s leading organization.
Having the NBHWC credential on your resume can give you a competitive edge in the job market. One survey found that 96% of employers felt a professional certification would help a job candidate’s chances at getting hired. The credential shows you have the expertise that employers value.
You may also find more opportunities to build your own independent coaching business. Client referrals may increase when you have the backing of NBHWC accreditation behind your services. Clients often prioritize working with a credentialed provider for credibility reasons.
All NBHWC-accredited coaches must adhere to the organization’s Code of Ethics. This enforces standardized ethical and professional practices within the field. As a credentialed coach, you’ll be expected to uphold values like client welfare, integrity, competence, fairness, and more.
Standardized ethical guidelines protect clients and guide coaches in delivering safe, effective services. It also ensures professionals are held accountable through an ethics review process. Following established protocols gives clients more confidence in your services.
The NBHWC also provides outlines for structure and processes, like intake forms, informed consent, session notes, evaluation methods, and termination procedures. Having standards for client engagements creates consistency across accredited practices. This leads to better client experiences.
The NBHWC has collaborated with other coaching organizations worldwide to align competencies and develop reciprocal credential agreements. This gives NBHWC accreditation recognition across borders.
For coaches who want to work internationally or virtually with global clients, having a globally recognized credential is key. The NBHWC has worked to ensure its accredited providers meet standards aligned with those in Europe, Asia, Australia, and other regions. No matter where your clients are located, the NBHWC credential will be valued.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, the top reason to get accredited through the NBHWC is simple – it’s rapidly becoming the mark of excellence in health coaching. Clients and employers look for the NBHWC credential because it reflects rigor, expertise, ethics, and dedication to the field.
Investing the time and effort into an NBHWC-accredited program pays dividends through more career opportunities, greater credibility with clients, and confidence in your training. As the field advances, NBHWC accreditation will only increase in prestige and value.
So if you’re serious about starting or advancing a professional health coaching career, getting NBHWC-certified should be a top priority. The initial investment will continue to pay off for many years to come.
Earning accreditation through the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching provides immense value for health coaches at any stage of their career. The rigorous curriculum standards, credibility, career opportunities, ethics guidelines, and global recognition give NBHWC-certified coaches a strong competitive edge.
If you’re ready to demonstrate your expertise to clients and employers, the next step is finding an accredited training program that fits your schedule and learning needs. Once you achieve the NBHWC credentials, you’ll have instant prestige that can accelerate your coaching success.
