How to Become a Nurse Health Coach
Written by:
Wilson College
• Jun 11, 2025
Nurses provide high-quality care by helping patients manage chronic conditions, recover from illnesses, and prevent future health problems. They build strong connections with patients as they deliver medical treatment, emotional support, and guidance that can change lives. Building on this foundation, nurses looking into becoming a nurse health coach can combine their clinical expertise with effective coaching skills to further empower patients.
Nurses seeking to advance their careers in roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse administrator often do so by earning specialized certifications or pursuing advanced degrees. Another path that nurses are opting for is nurse health coaching. Research published in the medical journal Patient Education and Counseling shows that health coaching boosts self-efficacy, enhances quality of life, and reduces depression in patients with chronic conditions.
For registered nurses who want to leverage their deep patient care expertise while embracing a holistic approach to both physical and emotional well-being, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree offers a pathway that can help them on their journey.
What Does a Nurse Health Coach Do?
A nurse coach is a registered nurse with specialized education in coaching methods and behavioral change strategies. They help their clients set measurable health goals, including in the areas of weight management, physical fitness, and stress reduction.
Nurse coaches work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics and corporate environments, to help clients adopt healthier lifestyle choices. Instead of providing medical advice or treating medical conditions, nurse coaches use their clinical expertise to educate and guide clients in adopting wellness practices.
During an initial consultation, a nurse coach discusses the client’s health concerns. They identify challenges and help establish realistic objectives. This structured approach encourages clients to engage in practical strategies for enhancing their well-being and making sustainable lifestyle changes.
The role of the nurse coach extends beyond traditional clinical practice. It allows registered nurses to apply their expertise in innovative ways that emphasize personalized, holistic care. By integrating strong communication and relationship skills with their medical background, nurse coaches build long-term relationships that support better health outcomes.
Steps to Become a Nurse Health Coach
The path to becoming a nurse health coach may vary based on factors such as an individual’s educational background, work experience, certification requirements, and career objectives, as well as the demands of their local healthcare market. However, the three steps below are generally essential for anyone looking to become a nurse health coach.
Step 1: Enroll in an Advanced Degree Program
Being a registered nurse is a prerequisite for becoming a nurse coach. After establishing a foundation in nursing, pursuing an advanced degree—for example, an MSN—can open the door to leadership roles and specialized fields, such as nurse health coaching. Through specialized education in health coaching, nurse coaches can facilitate discussions with their clients about personal health and collaborate with them about their wellness goals.
Step 2: Gain Experience
To gain work experience, individuals can pursue entry-level nurse health coach positions at local healthcare facilities or explore related roles in health psychology or patient advocacy. Patient advocates , for example, help ensure that patients receive optimal care and empower them to make informed healthcare decisions—key skills in nurse health coaching. Even if direct opportunities in health coaching aren’t available, working as a registered nurse builds essential skills and strengthens a resume for future applications.
Step 3: Get Certified
Certification is not only required in most nurse health coaching roles, but also enhances a candidate’s credentials. For example, the Board Certified Nurse Coach (NC-BC) credential requires 60 contact hours over three years, 60 hours of supervised coaching experience with validation, and active full-time nursing practice. Practice requirements can vary by degree level—for example, two years for a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse or 4,000 part-time hours within five years.
Other options include holistic nursing certifications, such as Holistic Nurse Board Certified (HN-BC), Holistic Nurse Baccalaureate Board Certified (HNB-BC), Advanced Holistic Nurse Board Certified (AHN-BC) and Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse Board Certified (APHN-BC). These require active holistic nursing practice for at least one year full time (or 2,000 part-time hours within five years) and 48 contact hours of continuing education in holistic nursing or related courses over two years. For the AHN-BC and APHN-BC credentials, a master’s degree or higher is required.
Nurse Health Coach Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 6 in 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease—4 in 10 have two or more chronic diseases. Many of these conditions are linked to risk behaviors, including smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use. This situation drives a growing need for nurse health coaches, who help patients adopt healthier lifestyles and manage chronic conditions.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that related fields are projected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, compared with the overall job growth rate for all occupations. Health education specialists earned a median annual salary of $62,860 as of May 2023, according to the BLS. Additionally, nurse health coaches can start their own private practices.
Guide Individuals to Improve Their Health and Well-Being
Becoming a nurse health coach presents a valuable opportunity for registered nurses to expand their careers. By pursuing additional education, gaining practical experience, and earning specialized certifications, nurses can transition into roles that address the rising demand for chronic disease management and wellness promotion.
The MSN program at Wilson College Online offers two distinct tracks to suit various career goals. The Education track prepares nurses to serve as clinical instructors, professors, or staff educators and provides the coursework needed to pursue nurse practitioner certification after graduation. Alternatively, the Leadership and Management track supports administrative advancement in nursing, healthcare business, allied health, and quality assurance.
To explore these paths and discover the benefits of an advanced nursing education in pursuit of becoming a nurse health coach, learn more about Wilson’s MSN program today.
Recommended Readings
What Is a Nurse Navigator? Career and Salary Overview
Why Earn an Advanced Degree in Nursing?
Sources:
American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation, Resources
ANA Nursing, Is Nurse Coaching Right for You?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About Chronic Diseases
Indeed, How to Become a Nurse Health Coach (Plus Primary Duties)
National Society of Health Coaches, Become a Board Certified Nurse Coach (NC-BC)
National Society of Health Coaches, What Does a Board Certified Nurse Coach Do?
National Society of Health Coaches, What Is a Nurse Health Coach & How to Become One
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health Education Specialists
