The desire to help others is a noble quest in many careers. With so much going on in our world today, it is easy for many of us to overlook self-care and health – which is where a life coach comes in hand. When it comes to how to become a life coach, there are many paths that you can take. However, a degree in alternative medicine or public health can help you stand out from the crowd.
The key to becoming a life coach is to have knowledge and experience in a field of study. There are also certifications that you can earn that can help boost your credibility. Earning a degree from Everglades University is a great way to have the required education to help others. Learn more about becoming a life coach and the necessary education and skills you’ll need to help others in the future.
Step 1: Earn a Degree
As a health life coach, it is vital to have an educational background that gives you the ability to help others. Not only does it expand your knowledge, but it also enables you to advise your clients with current studies and information. When potential clients decide which life coach to choose, many will look at credentials and experience.
Bachelor’s Degree in Alternative Medicine
Earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Alternative Medicine is one way to learn all about holistic health. This degree prepares students to speak to a wide range of natural alternative options for pain and long term health care. Here are some of the classes included in this degree from Everglades University that can help you as a life coach:
- Stress Reduction and Relaxation
- The Meaning of Health
- Naturopathy
- Dietary Influences on Health and Disease
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Health Psychology
- Herbology and Botany
- Manual Therapies: Massage, Reflexology, Acupressure
- Introduction to Homeopathy
- The Herbal Medicine Chest
- Body Awareness and Physical Movement
Students who choose the alternative medicine class options within this degree are well-suited to offering health suggestions to clients who desire a holistic and natural option to conventional medicine.
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Master’s Degree in Public Health
For those adult learners who want to pursue a graduate degree, you can also earn a Master’s degree in Public Health from Everglades University to boost your life coaching skills. Some sample courses in this degree include:
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Public Health Administration Practices
- Community Health Assessment
- Biostatistics
- Advanced Organizational Behavior
Not only will a master’s degree in this field of study help with credentials, but it allows you to understand the healthcare system itself and coach clients effectively.
Step 2: Gain Some Experience
Some may assume that you have to be an older adult when wondering how to become a life coach. It helps to have enough years of experience under your belt to understand everyday life and wellness problems. There are many ways to gain experience when it comes to health and how it affects people.
Personal Health Issues
Some of the best life coaches have experience because they have had health issues themselves. This type of experience could include a personal battle with a health condition or disease. These health life coaches can speak from experience because they have walked through the same issues that many clients face.
Worked with Others
Many health life coaches want to help others because they have seen the difference in alternative medicine. Any kind of experience you have had volunteering in a medical capacity or mission work is an excellent source of expertise. Some health life coaches have family members with chronic diseases or conditions that allow them to bring knowledge to others through their own experience.
Past Jobs in the Medical Field
Some people turn to life coaching after working for a while in a traditional healthcare environment. They have seen the importance of quality healthcare and understand that alternative medicine is a viable option for some patients. These professionals often know and understand the medical world’s ways and understand that holistic options could help treat patients. Some health life coaches who have worked in a medical setting have seen that patients do receive treatment but lack the discussion and coaching side of healthcare.
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Step 3: Build People Skills
Many healthcare professionals and students in alternative medicine may not have the best bedside manner. It is crucial as a health life coach to have the right mix of people skills. Not only should you be friendly and empathetic, but you should also be a great listener. Brainstorming and problem-solving skills are also an essential part of the job as a health life coach.
One of the essential parts of how to become a life coach is being trustworthy. Clients will share their health background and current ailments that may require discretion. It is vital that your clients feel safe with you and that you are friendly enough that they want to continue meeting with you as a health life coach.
Step 4: Start or Join a Business
Many health life coaches choose to start their business as a life coach. Earning a degree in alternative medicine from Everglades University is a great way to start a long and fulfilling career helping others. You can begin your classes in alternative medicine online and work around your schedule. Show your clients that you are educated and knowledgeable in the field of health as a life coach!
To learn more about earning a degree in alternative medicine from Everglades University, contact our admissions office today! We are excited to be part of your journey in how to become a life coach!