If you're looking for a well-rounded health coaching course that sets you up for success in just 20 weeks, mbg's HCC is perfect for you. A NBHWC-approved training program, this course provides a robust view of holistic health. It's designed to prepare graduates for health coaching careers through a combination of 75 hours of flexible instruction, office hours, interactive feedback sessions, and practical assessments featuring personal feedback from instructors. Lifetime access to program materials is included. Students call the virtual course with live and recorded elements supportive, enriching, and welcoming. Pair it with mbg's Functional Nutrition Training (which comes free with your HCC enrollment) to further expand your knowledge in the fields of health and nutrition.

Why we chose it:

mbg has spent over a decade working with the foremost experts in the health space—and when you sign up for HCC, you get direct access to them.

Our faculty includes Mark Hyman, M.D., Kelly LeVeque, Maya Feller MS, RD, CDN, and 17 of the other top medical and wellness experts in the world. The breadth of information they share across all facets of health—from sleep to hormone balance—is unparalleled by other programs. Once you sign up, you have unlimited access to their lesson plans, as well as the opportunity to consult with some teachers directly. mbg's private alumni community also makes this program an unmatched value for anyone looking to make a name for themselves in the health space and start a fulfilling career helping others.

Who should try it: Someone looking to go into health coaching (or a related field) armed with a holistic health perspective. Someone looking to learn the skills and practical knowledge needed to pass the NBHWC board exam in 20 weeks, through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous virtual training.

Who should skip it: Someone looking for an in-person program, a completely synchronous program, or a program that does not take a holistic approach to health coaching.

Review from a recent graduate:

"The course really emphasized the nature of being a health coach; I feel prepared to help people advance on their health and wellness journey. The support team was excellent and you never feel alone. The one-on-one faculty feedback experience during Practical Skill Assessments is professionally conducted and invaluable." — Cari, 2022 HCC graduate

The Health Coach Institute sets you up with the knowledge to enhance your brand and share your skills, making it a top pick for anyone who wants to build their own health coaching service after they've completed training. NBHWC-approved, this program offers a simple Health Coach option, as well as a Coach Mastery course to take your learning to the next level. The latter puts you in contact with people who have previously completed the course for added community support.

Why we chose it:

Beyond a solid foundation of health knowledge, we appreciate that this program teaches the ins and outs of building a business—something many of us did not learn in school. Another special perk of this program is its emphasis on relating to clients and helping them commit to habit change.

Who should try it: Someone entrepreneurial who is looking to start and build their own health coaching practice after graduation.

Who should skip it: Someone who is not interested in private health coaching. Someone who is looking for an in-person program.

Geared towards personal trainers, American Council on Exercise (ACE)’s Health Coach Certification starts at just $780 and takes between three and four months to earn your certification. Focused on the role that exercise plays in a healthy life, the program offers three different levels at varying price points, making it even more accessible to different income levels. The program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), but not NBHWC. The NCCA is a less specialized accreditation that certified individuals in a range of professions including personal trainers, nurses, respiratory therapists, counselors, and emergency technicians.

Why we chose it:

If you're interested in becoming an exercise professional, this program is designed to teach you the ins and outs of how movement promotes health. Beyond that, it also features valuable job training, with 71% of graduates saying becoming ACE Certified helped them make more money according to a survey by Indeed.com.

Who should try it: Someone looking to learn the health basics needed to become a personal trainer.

Who should skip it: Someone looking for an in-person program, a program that has a community component, or a program that is more focused on general health knowledge.

If your focus within health coaching lies more in nutrition science, Precision Nutrition's Level 1 course will give you a comprehensive base of information. The virtual course is self-paced (you get all the resources upfront when you sign up). While the program is not accredited, it has been recognized and approved for continuing education units by various organizations including ACE, NASM, and more.

Why we chose it:

This introductory online certification is geared towards those interested in going into nutrition coaching and who prefer to learn at their own pace. It also ladders up to more advanced programs like PN Level 2, which is an approved NBHWC program.

Who should try it: Someone who is looking to practice nutrition-focused coaching.

Who should skip it: Someone looking for an in-person program, a program that has a community component, or an accredited program.

Created by a pioneer in the health and wellness space, IIN was the first health coaching program available. This gives IIN one advantage over competitors: It offers a widespread alumni network, which can be helpful after graduating from the NBHWC-approved program. They also offer six- or 12-month options. However, the course is expensive and requires extensive weekly coursework to ensure you finish the six-month program on time. It's also worth noting they were acquired by a Minnesota-based Private Equity firm in 2018.