The health and wellness coaching market is experiencing significant growth with recent research showing it’s becoming a $7.6 billion industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms this trend, projecting a faster than average job growth rate of 4% between 2024 and 2034.
While it’s a career that’s accessible to many, advanced education helps professionals gain a competitive edge in this dynamic, increasingly crowded field. The online Master of Science in Nutrition with a Specialization in Applied Nutrition program from Lamar University equips aspiring wellness coaches, dieticians, nutritionists and health educators with the comprehensive knowledge and training needed to effectively counsel and educate individuals and groups about health and nutrition.
The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) has set a clear bar for its certification exam. Candidates need to have at least an associate degree or 4,000 hours of professional experience to qualify. These minimums are a starting point for the profession, but they don’t always lead to the most sought-after or higher-paying roles. An advanced degree positions professionals for a broad range of opportunities for career advancement.
The Financial and Professional Advantages of a Master’s Degree
Earning a master’s degree is an investment that pays off both financially and professionally in any industry. Master’s degree holders often earn an annual salary of $15,000 to $20,000 more than colleagues with only a bachelor’s degree.
Aside from the financial benefit, an advanced degree tells employers and clients that a professional is serious about their work and better prepared to lead. The advanced education of a master’s program can shorten the path to a professional career, preparing professionals for leadership roles and potentially higher earnings sooner.
A master’s degree also opens doors to career opportunities that reach beyond standard one-on-one coaching. Professionals with advanced degrees qualify for full-time or part-time roles within organizations where they may design and oversee corporate wellness programs.
The healthcare field is another area of growth for trained wellness professionals thanks to the American Medical Association’s (AMA) establishment of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes that recognize health and well-being coaching. While these codes are currently used to track data, their very existence points to a professional move toward full inclusion in the medical system. This recognition strengthens a coach’s position as a respected member of a healthcare team.
For those who are more business-minded, Lamar University’s master’s degree can prepare them for management roles in health services, which has a median salary of $117,960. An advanced degree can also provide the credibility needed to build a successful private practice.
Become a Health and Wellness Leader With an M.S. from Lamar University
Lamar University’s online Master of Science in Nutrition with a Specialization in Applied Nutrition program provides a strong foundation for students looking to advance in nutrition-related fields. Graduates qualify for in-demand roles in a wide range of settings including hospitals, schools, government agencies and corporations.
Courses such as Nutrition Through the Life Cycle, Nutrition Education & Counseling and Menu and Production Management prepare students to excel as personal trainers, dieticians, nutrition and wellness coaches and food services managers. The program’s flexible online format enables students to continue working while they study, and its competitive tuition makes this respected master’s degree accessible and affordable. Students who opt for an accelerated path can complete the program in as few as 12 months, enabling them to start their professional career sooner.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online Master of Science in Nutrition with a Specialization in Applied Nutrition program.
