As people take responsibility for their own health, a wellness coordinator in health science can help them along their journey towards naturally good health. Wellness coordinators educate, coach and inspire individuals, group and communities to become healthier. Here are some examples of organizations that hire wellness coordinators, the types of programs administered by them and the academic credentials held by most in the profession.
Places of Employment for Wellness Coordinators
While wellness coordinators can serve as advisors to individuals who are serious about making healthy lifestyle changes, these health management professionals are usually employed by government organizations, hospitals and clinics, and universities. For example, fitness and wellness are critical to the operations of the Department of Defense, and they often employ fitness instructors, nutritionists and wellness coordinators to help military members meet body mass and fitness standards for service. Hospitals, clinics and assisted living establishments also hire wellness coordinators to assist clients with improved eating habits, physical fitness and pain management. Wellness coordinators can also be seen on college and university campuses helping students, faculty and staff members maintain healthy bodies and minds through seminars on good nutrition and programs promoting physical activity. Wellness coordinators can either be self-employed or work at wellness centers via negotiated contracts.
Examples of Wellness Programs for Individuals and Groups
Wellness coordinators who work for wellness centers or who are self-employed often work with clients individually to customize programs that address specific health concerns. These health care professionals spend time with clients researching their issues, generating health plans of action, educating individuals about needed improvements and encouraging them to meet their goals. Other programs created by wellness coordinators for large group or community clients have a wider scope than those for individual clients. At large corporations wellness coordinators work in concert with benefits managers to help employees maintain and improve their health through programs that provide incentives for employees to work out and eat better. For instance, some programs allow employees a longer lunch period to use a gym or participate in a workout session during the work day. Other programs like, Bike to Work Day program, simply involves encouraging employees to bike to work and accept a $20 monthly award that is administered by participating companies and funded through a federal tax credit program. Employers usually provide things like shower facilities, bike parking and ride home options during poor weather. These programs offer win-win outcomes for all stakeholders. Employees gain the tools that they need to manage their health, their families are subsequently happier and employers often reap long-term benefits of lower shared medical care costs when employees follow wellness programs.
Education and Training for Wellness Coordinators
An undergraduate degree in kinesiology, exercise science, health education and health promotion or related programs is usually the minimum required academic credential needed for most wellness coordinators, but many hold advanced health and wellness related degrees. These health maintenance professionals also pursue continuing education and training and earn additional credentials like Certified Wellness Practitioner or Certified Wellness Coach.
Related Resource: Nutrition Science
Conclusion
Living a healthy lifestyle is admirable, but dedicating one’s work to helping others achieve a life full of health and happiness is truly rewarding. A wellness coordinator in health science has the potential to not only touch the lives of individuals and groups who directly participate in their wellness programs, but they positively impact their families as well.
