We spend the majority of our adult lives at work, so finding a career you love can have a major impact on your overall happiness. If you’re passionate about healthy living, there are a wide variety of career options that could enable you to combine your hobby with full-time work.
Of course, a health-focused career doesn’t just give you access to a job you enjoy. Valued at more than $4.2 trillion, the health and wellness industry is growing at a rapid pace. As increased demand for health-related products and services continues to increase, choosing a healthy career could ensure frequent job opportunities and lucrative salary packages. If you’re eager to learn more, take a look at a sample of the career options on offer:
1. Nutritionist
Being a nutritionist gives you the opportunity to work directly with clients, either face-to-face, in group sessions or virtually. People often consult a nutritionist when they’re struggling to find a healthy eating regime that works for them. Alternatively, they may seek advice from a nutritionist if they suspect they’re experiencing food intolerances or displaying related symptoms.
As many people have an unhealthy relationship with food, being a nutritionist can be a rewarding job. Giving people the tools they need to create the basis of a healthy lifestyle and educating clients about nutrition allows you to share your passion for well-being and helps people to achieve their goals.
However, the term ‘nutritionist’ is used differently across the country, so you’ll need to consider this when you’re shaping your career path. While some states don’t offer specific licensure, others require certification and licensure before you can practice as a Certified Licensed Nutritionist (CNS).
2. Family Nurse Practitioner
If you’re aiming to work in the healthcare sector, becoming a Nurse Practitioner can be a great career option. Furthermore, specializing in family healthcare gives you the opportunity to work with a wide variety of patients. In fact, some nurse practitioners treat infants, teenagers, adults and seniors, so it’s not uncommon for them to see their patients grow and go on to have families of their own.
While you’ll need to qualify as a Registered Nurse (RN) before you can become a Family Nurse Practitioner, there are a wide variety of career routes to consider. One of the fastest ways to become a Family Nurse Practitioner is to enroll on an accredited DNP FNP online program. This allows you to undertake a Doctor of Nursing Practice qualification while working as an RN and gives you the flexibility to further your career while continuing to work full-time.
For people who are passionate about health and well-being, working in the healthcare sector can be the pinnacle of a lifelong dream. Being able to diagnose, treat and educate patients as a Family Nurse Practitioner will give you the chance to deliver exemplary patient care and become a force for good in your community.
3. Personal Trainer
For avid fitness enthusiasts or regular gym-goers, a career as a personal trainer could be the ideal option. There are various certification programs available, although you may want to consider a degree in sports science or physical therapy too.
Working as a personal trainer is a flexible career, particularly if you choose to be self-employed. You’ll be able to choose your own hours and build your own business, which is ideal if you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit. However, there is the option to work full-time as an employee for gyms, fitness centers and health clubs, which you may prefer if job security is a top priority.
With so many benefits associated with working out with a personal trainer, it’s easy to see why they’re in such high demand. What’s more – the virtual revolution means you can incorporate new tech into your training sessions. From conducting live training sessions via the internet to using fitness trackers to help clients achieve their goals, there are numerous ways you can create your own USP and build a personal training brand.
4. Wellness Coach
As the name implies, being a wellness coach encapsulates various elements of the health and wellness industry. Depending on your interests, you may choose to specialize in particular areas, such as yoga and mindfulness or nutrition and fitness. Similarly, you can adapt your services depending on how the industry develops, so there’s plenty of room for change.
Wellness coaches often work with clients one-to-one, but a significant number of coaches also provide corporate wellness services. As commercial organizations seek to cultivate healthy working environments, you’ll find there is plenty of demand for corporate wellness coaches across the country.
There are no specific qualifications that you need to operate as a wellness coach, but you may require certifications for particular services. If you want to offer nutritional advice as a wellness coach, for example, you may need to obtain the relevant certification and license first. Similarly, if you plan to offer yoga instruction, for example, you may want to complete a relevant certification to enhance your credentials.
Carving Out a Career in the Health and Wellness Industry
The health and wellness industry grew at nearly twice the rate of global economic growth in 2015-2017, and it’s likely to continue breaking records in upcoming years. Many experts are already predicting that there will be an increased demand for health and wellness services as we begin to recover from the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. As people re-commit to prioritizing their emotional and physical well-being in a post-COVID era, there will be a high demand for related products and services.
For professionals working in the industry, this indicates a plethora of job opportunities and means it could be a great time to establish a career in the sector. Not only will you be able to build a successful business or secure your dream job, but you’ll also play a crucial role in helping people to rebuild their lives after a turbulent and traumatic period. From personal trainers and nutritionists to nurses and healthcare educators, carving out a healthy career could be one of the best decisions you ever make.
