8 Places You Can Work as a Health Coach in the UK

Lyn Hatch

Head of Student Experience at HCA & Professional Health Coach

Curious about the career opportunities for

Health Coaches in the UK?

As more people recognise the importance of personalised, preventive, and integrated health approaches, the demand for qualified Health Coaches is skyrocketing with new job opportunities opening up across the UK and beyond on a daily basis. 

If you're considering a career as a Health Coach or looking to expand your current practice, you'll be pleased to know that opportunities abound across various sectors.

1. Private Healthcare Practices

Many private healthcare facilities are integrating Health Coaches into their services. These may include:

• Specialist clinics

• Private GP surgeries

• Wellness centres

• Integrative medicine clinics

Health Coaches work closely with clients in these settings to develop bespoke health and wellness plans. They focus on nutrition, stress management, weight loss, and overall lifestyle enhancement.

2. National Health Service (NHS)

The NHS recognises the vital role of Health Coaches in supporting individuals with diverse health concerns. Health Coaches can be found working in:

• Hospitals

• GP surgeries

• Community health centres

Here, they collaborate with healthcare professionals to offer personalised guidance to patients, address chronic conditions, improve lifestyle choices, and promote adherence to treatment plans. Health Coaches play a crucial role in bridging the gap between doctors and patients, especially given the ongoing decline in GP numbers across the UK. They educate and advise individuals on maintaining good health and preventing chronic conditions.

When HCA students successfully complete the first pillar of the HCA Level 5 Diploma in Health & Wellness Coaching, they earn a PCI (Personalised Care Institute) Qualification. This accreditation opens doors to work within the NHS as a Health Coach, aligning with the NHS's Personalised Care Initiative. Holding the PCI badge also adds credibility with potential clients and collaborators, enhancing career prospects within and beyond the healthcare system.

3. Corporate Wellness

As companies increasingly prioritise employee wellbeing, Health Coaches are becoming integral to workplace wellness initiatives. In corporate settings, Health Coaches:

• Design and implement wellness programmes

• Conduct health assessments

• Facilitate health and wellness workshops

• Provide one-to-one coaching sessions

These efforts aim to promote employee wellbeing, alleviate workplace stress, and enhance productivity.

4. Public Health Initiatives

Government agencies and local authorities in the UK often enlist Health Coaches to support public health initiatives. This can involve:

• Working in community health programmes

• Addressing health disparities

• Improving access to healthcare resources

• Promoting healthier living within underserved populations

  
  

5. Educational Institutions

Schools, colleges, and universities recognise the importance of wellbeing for students and staff. Health Coaches in educational settings offer expertise in:

• Stress management

• Mental health awareness

• Promoting healthy lifestyle choices

They may conduct workshops, lectures, or one-on-one coaching sessions to support the wellbeing of students and educators.

6. Private Health Coaching Practices

Many Health Coaches choose to establish their own private practices. This allows them to offer personalised services to clients seeking guidance in areas such as:

• Weight management

• Nutrition

• Fitness

• Stress reduction

Operating independently enables Health Coaches to create strong client-coach relationships and deliver individualised support tailored to each client's unique needs.

7. Fitness and Wellness Centres

Health Coaches are increasingly found in fitness centres, gyms, and wellness spas. In these environments, they:

• Complement physical training with nutritional advice

• Offer holistic wellness plans

• Provide support for lifestyle changes

8. Food and Nutrition Industry

Health Coaches are making inroads in the food and nutrition industry. They may work with:

• Health food stores

• Organic food producers

• Meal delivery services

In these roles, Health Coaches can influence product development, provide nutritional guidance, and help shape healthier food options for consumers.

Setting out on your Health Coaching career

The diverse range of opportunities available to Health Coaches reflects the growing recognition of their vital role in promoting health and wellbeing. 

Do you feel inspired to make a difference as a Health Coach?

Choose HCA for your diploma, and get more:

The HCA training programme combines elements of an online nutrition course with hands-on Health Coach training, ensuring you're well-equipped to support clients in various settings. This health and wellness course provides the necessary skills and prepares you for Health Coach certification, a crucial step in establishing credibility in the field.

Got a question?

Talk to our team at HCA

Is Health Coaching for you?

How can you fit the qualification around your current job?

How much money can you earn as a Health coach?

What accreditations do you get?

Book a chat with our team and find out about Health Coaching, and the world of changing lives that can be waiting for you.