Health Coaching Pathways: From Access to Level 6

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Health Coaching – A Whole-Health Approach

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Health Coaching is an evidence-based, person-centred process that helps people make sustainable lifestyle and behaviour changes. It bridges the gap between knowing and doing, empowering clients to take ownership of their health, develop motivation, and achieve lasting results.

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At Active Health Group, our training follows the UK & International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA) Professional Standards for Education and Training in Whole-Health & Wellbeing Coaching. These standards define safe, effective, and ethical practice for the modern health coach.

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What Health Coaches Do

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A Health Coach supports clients to explore what truly matters to them across all areas of life—physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Through deep listening, questioning, and collaboration, coaches help clients set meaningful goals and create positive, self-directed change.

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Health Coaches do not diagnose or prescribe. Instead, they work alongside clients—and often other professionals—to improve overall wellbeing, resilience, and self-management.

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The Whole-Health Model

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The UKIHCA’s Whole-Health framework recognises that our biology, psychology, relationships, environment, and sense of purpose are deeply connected. Health Coaches are trained to:

Use evidence-based coaching and behaviour-change techniques.

Understand the impact of lifestyle, environment, and mindset on health.

Support clients with trauma-sensitive, inclusive, and ethical practice.

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Graduates of UKIHCA-approved courses are eligible for UKIHCA membership and registration as a UKIHCA Registered Health Coach, demonstrating competence and adherence to national professional standards.

The Future of Health Coaching

As health systems shift towards prevention and lifestyle medicine, Health Coaches are becoming an essential part of how individuals and communities create lasting wellbeing.

Active Health Group is proud to deliver UKIHCA-aligned training that prepares our graduates to lead this movement with skill, integrity, and compassion.

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Level 3 Certificate in the Foundations of Health Coaching – (AHG & TQUK Accredited Access Course)
Designed as the perfect starting point for your health coaching journey, this Access course provides the knowledge, confidence, and foundation skills needed to progress into higher-level qualifications. You’ll explore the core principles of health coaching, communication, and behaviour change, developing an understanding of how coaching supports personalised care and wellbeing within community and healthcare settings.

Accreditation: Active Health Group (AHG) – mapped against the Personalised Care Institute (PCI) and TQUK frameworks

Format: 100% online – flexible study to fit your schedule within 6 months.

Outcome: Gain essential skills and understanding to begin your pathway into professional health coaching

Progression: Required for entry into Level 5 Integrative Health & Nutrition Coaching, and Level 6 Health Coaching and Clinical Nutrition programmes.

Learn more about the Level 3 Health Coaching Access Course

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Level 3 Certificate in Health Coaching (RSPH Accredited)
Perfect for beginners or those changing career, this foundation health coaching course develops essential coaching skills, behaviour change techniques, and personalised care approaches aligned with NHS and Personalised Care Institute Improvement (PCI) standards.  It is ideal for those wishing to apply for work within the NHS, GP Practices, and Community settings.

Accreditation: Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH)

Format: 100% online – flexible study to fit your schedule

Outcome: Work as an entry-level health coach or progress to Level 5

Progression: Direct entry into Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Health and Nutrition Coaching, and Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Health Coaching and Clinical Nutrition.

Learn more about Level 3 Health Coaching »

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Level 5  Certificate in Coaching Health and Wellbeing (Lifestyle & Holistic Wellbeing)
Designed for those who want to focus on holistic wellbeing, lifestyle balance, and mindset coaching without in-depth clinical nutrition science.

Accreditation: Level 5 qualification – eligible for UKIHCA affiliate membership

Study Time: 183 accredited hours – complete in up to 12 months

Focus Areas: Stress management, emotional wellbeing, behaviour change, group coaching, holistic health, and client engagement

Ideal For: Coaches, therapists, and wellbeing professionals wanting to expand their services

Learn more about Level 5 Health and Wellness Coaching »

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​Level 5 Integrative Health & Nutrition Coaching (Advanced Diploma - UKIHCA)
Our flagship UKIHCA-approved Level 5 coaching course combines advanced health coaching skills with in-depth nutrition training.

Accreditation: UKIHCA approved – leads to full UKIHCA membership (120 hours live learning required)

Study Load: 670 hours total qualification time (TQT) – typically completed in 12–18 months.  Maximum duration 18 months.

Core Content: Anatomy & physiology, pathology, nutrition, gut health, behaviour change, motivational interviewing, NLP, trauma-informed practice, and business skills

Career Outcome: Work at a professional level as a Health & Nutrition Coach with full professional recognition. 

Learn more about Level 5 Integrative Health & Nutrition Coaching »

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Level 6 Health Coaching & Clinical Nutrition (Diploma – FNTP and UKIHCA)
The most comprehensive programme in our pathway, combining the Level 5 Integrative Health & Nutrition Coaching qualification with Clinical Nutrition training.

Accreditation: Level 6 Advanced Diploma – recognised by the Federation of Nutritional Therapy Practitioners (FNTP) and accepted for full UKIHCA membership  (150 hours live learning required)

Practical Training: Clinical workshops and coaching sessions completed on Zoom.

Advanced Skills: Clinical nutritional protocols, functional health assessment, and complex case management

Outcome: Graduates are dual-qualified as a Health Coach and Clinical Nutrition Practitioner, ready for independent practice in private, clinical, or corporate wellbeing settings.​

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Learn more about Level 6 Health Coaching and Clinical Nutrition »

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