Becoming a Health Coach is a tremendously rewarding profession that opens up a wide range of career prospects and opportunities. You can build your own coaching practice, create health-related products, join a healthcare team, or become an influential content creator (or all of the above!).

And even more importantly, it enables you to change others’ lives (and your own). Any Health Coach will tell you that there’s no more satisfying and gratifying feeling in the world.

Considering a career as a Health Coach, but not quite sure if it’s the right path for you? Ask yourself these important questions, carefully curated by IIN Certified Health Coach and Nourish to Flourish creator Yohanna Mannelqvist.

“The Institute for Integrative Nutrition gave me the tools to turn my own experiences into wisdom and help others who might be going through similar struggles,” Mannelqvist says. “It felt like more than a career — it felt like a calling.”

Is it your calling, too? These questions will help you decide.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming a Health Coach

1. What’s my motivation to become a Health Coach?

Motivation is everything in a career like health coaching. For me, it started with my own healing journey — I saw how nourishing my holistic health changed not just my body, but also my mindset, relationships, and overall outlook on life. I wanted to support other women in similar situations. If you’re exploring this path, ask yourself: What’s driving me? Is it a passion for helping people? A personal health journey? A desire to make an impact?

Your motivation is your fuel, especially when things get challenging. When I remind myself why I started, it strengthens my connection to my clients and keeps me grounded in the purpose of this work. Having clarity about your "why" ensures that you’ll show up authentically and wholeheartedly for the people you’re guiding.

2. Do I have a genuine desire to help others improve their well-being?

Health coaching isn’t really about giving advice — it’s about walking alongside your clients as they create changes in their lives. You’re their cheerleader, guide, and sometimes the voice of tough love. I can say from experience that there’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone light up after achieving changes in their lives that they once thought were impossible.

If you feel energized by the idea of helping others overcome challenges and find their potential, this career will feel like a perfect fit. But if that doesn’t excite you, it’s worth reconsidering. Clients can sense when you’re invested in their process — it builds trust and keeps them motivated. For me, their wins feel like my own, and that’s what keeps my work fulfilling and meaningful.

Read More: Fortune Recommends IIN As a Top Health Coaching School

3. Do I have the patience and empathy needed to support others on their journeys?

Patience, active listening, and compassion lay the foundation of coaching. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and every client has their own timeline. Some clients will hit the ground running, while others need time, support, and encouragement to take their first step. I’ve learned that holding space for people to grow — at their own pace — is one of the most valuable things I can do as a coach.

Compassion is so important. It’s about meeting clients where they are and understanding their struggles without judgment. If you can approach coaching with kindness and flexibility, you’ll create a space where clients feel safe to heal and grow, and that’s when the magic happens.

4. Am I willing to start and grow my own business, or do I prefer working for someone else?

Health coaching offers flexibility, but it also requires you to decide how you want to work. Are you excited by the idea of running your own practice? Or do you prefer the stability of working for an established organization? For me, the freedom to create my own schedule and build something uniquely mine was a huge draw, but I also realized how much responsibility comes with it.

Running a business means wearing many hats — marketing, managing finances, and finding clients. It can be overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If entrepreneurship excites you, health coaching offers endless possibilities. But if you’d rather focus purely on coaching, finding employment with a company or partnering with other professionals might be a better fit. There’s no wrong answer; it comes down to what aligns best with your strengths and preferences.

5. Can I invest the time to get a certification and build a career?

Completing the certification program and building a practice doesn’t happen overnight. For me, the decision to invest in training was about believing in the long-term value of what I could create. I was actually able to recover the tuition fee with just a couple of clients after graduating, so it’s truly a great investment in your future — and in your health! You can also choose to study while staying at your current job, which helps maintain financial security, and gradually build your coaching business over time. This approach makes the leap less daunting and gives you time to adjust to your new role as a coach!

6. What is my unique perspective or personal story, and how can it inspire others?

Your story is your superpower. It’s what makes you relatable and real to your clients. When I first started, I worried about sharing my personal struggles. But I quickly realized that those experiences were what drew clients to me — they felt seen and understood. Think about the challenges you’ve overcome or the lessons you’ve learned. Maybe you’ve struggled with work-life balance, transformed your relationship with food, or navigated a health issue. Sharing these pieces of yourself builds trust and helps clients see what’s possible for them. Your story doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be authentic.

7. Am I ready to commit to ongoing personal development and professional growth?

Health coaching isn’t a one-and-done kind of career — it’s an ongoing journey of learning and growth. For me, that’s one of the best parts. Staying curious, attending workshops, and diving into new research keeps my work exciting and relevant. It also helps me grow as a person, which directly benefits my clients. If you’re open to continuous learning, you’ll thrive in this field. But it’s not just about professional development — it’s about personal development, too. Clients look to you as an example, and your willingness to evolve inspires them to do the same. This career invites you to constantly stretch yourself, which is what makes the work so rewarding.

8. How do I feel about marketing myself and building a client base?

Marketing can feel intimidating, but it’s a necessary part of growing your coaching practice. For me, it took a mindset shift: I stopped thinking of it as “selling,” and started seeing it as “sharing.” When you believe in what you’re offering, marketing becomes a way to connect with the people who need your help. It’s important to reflect on how comfortable you are with this aspect of the work. If the idea of promoting yourself feels overwhelming, know that it’s a skill you can build over time. I’ve learned that being authentic and sharing my story resonates most with potential clients. Marketing is just an extension of the connection and trust you’ll build as a coach.

Read More: How I Overcame My Fears and Launched a Business Anyway

9. What areas of health and wellness am I most passionate about?

Health coaching is a broad field, and finding your niche can make your work more focused and fulfilling. For me, women’s well-being was always my passion. Helping females find balance and authenticity in their lives felt natural and meaningful. When you focus on what lights you up, it shows, and clients are drawn to that energy. Don’t get perfectionistic about it — your focus can change over time! Think about the topics you could talk about for hours without getting tired. Is it nutrition? Stress management? Women’s health? Your passion will guide your expertise and help you connect with the right clients. A clear focus makes your practice more impactful and allows you to truly enjoy the work you do.

10. Am I prepared to practice what I preach and live a lifestyle that aligns with my coaching philosophy?

As a Health Coach, you’re not just guiding others — you’re also modeling the lifestyle that you’re encouraging your clients to adopt. While perfection isn’t a goal, a willingness to embody the principles of health and wellness that you teach is essential. Clients often look to their coach for inspiration, and your authenticity will build trust and credibility. For me, embracing this mindset has been transformative. It’s not about being flawless; it’s about staying mindful and consistent with my own self-care. When I show up as someone who prioritizes balance, it reinforces my connection with clients and makes the coaching process feel more genuine. Ask yourself: Am I ready to make my own well-being a priority and continue growing alongside my clients?

Start your career today by enrolling in the industry-leading Health Coach Training Program, which includes interactive modules, coaching mentorship, and instructor support. If you want to experience what this transformative certification program is like before you enroll, try our interactive Sample Class.