The Current and Future State of Health Coaching
Overview About the Author

The Current and Future State of Health Coaching

Get the inside scoop on the current landscape and future opportunities in the evolving field of health and wellness coaching. Take home specific strategies and a recipe for success to elevate your professional work.

Jessica Matthews

Dr. Jessica Matthews, DBH, MS, NBC-HWC, E-RYT 500 is assistant professor, program director and creator of the Master of Kinesiology in Integrative Wellness and Point Loma Nazarene University. An award-winning educator she has developed and implemented graduate degree programs as well as comprehensive 200-and 500-hour yoga teacher training programs at the college level in addition to teaching a variety of graduate courses in areas such as mind-body medicine and integrative health and wellness coaching. A sought-after and trusted media resource, Dr. Matthews regularly contributes as a wellness expert to numerous publications and media outlets, including, but not limited to, CNN, The Washington Post, Women's Health, Men's Fitness, The New York Times, and NPR. A recognized leader and mentor in the field, she named the 2017 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year for her superior instructional abilities and positive influence within her local community and the global health and fitness industry. An educator and entrepreneur, Dr. Matthews is founder and president of Integrative Wellness Education Inc., in which she delivers keynote speeches, lectures, and workshops at conferences and companies worldwide, including courses in the areas of health coaching, behavior change, mindfulness, and professional development in the field of health and wellness. One of the first national board certified health and wellness coaches (NBC-HWC) in the country, Dr. Matthews serves as Director of Integrative Health Coaching at UC San Diego Centers for Integrative Health with the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health. She also serves as senior advisor for behavioral health coaching for the American Council on Exercise (ACE), developing educational health and wellness content to include serving as the lead author and editor of The Professional's Guide to Health and Wellness Coaching (2019), and Stretching to Stay Young (Althea Press). An ACE-certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and health coach as well as an experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT500), Dr. Matthews holds a bachelors degree in physical education teacher education from Coastal Carolina University where she graduated at the top of her class as well as a masters degree in physical education from Canisius College where she was named to the inaugural Griffs Under 40, a list of notable alumni under the age of 40 who are recognized innovators in their respective fields. She also holds a doctorate in behavioral health with a focus on clinical integrated care from Arizona State University.
Become a member

Learning Objectives


  1. Explain the role and the scope of practice of health and wellness coaches.
  2. Evaluate professional certifications and educational programs in the field of health and wellness coaching.
  3. Synthesize the current evidence base for health and wellness coaching.
  4. Differentiate between health coaching and utilizing a “coach approach.”
  5. Examine current and future professional opportunities for health and wellness coaches in the field of lifestyle medicine.
  6. Discuss practical considerations for continued education and professional collaboration for health, wellness and exercise professionals.


Course Procedure

  1. Enroll in the course.
  2. View the course content.
  3. Take the test. (You must score 80% to pass. If you do not pass, you may retake the test.)
  4. Print your certificate of completion.

Course Content

  • Session Handout
  • The Current and Future State of Health Coaching
  • The Current and Future State of Health Coaching

Available Course Credits

ACTION0.1
ACSM1
AFPA1
AFAA1
BCRPA1
CHEK1
FAI/ISSA1
IFPA1
NASM0.1
NAFTA1
NAFC0.1
NCEP1
NCCPT1
NCSF0.5
NESTA0.1
NETA1
NFPT0.2
NIEW0.1
NSPA1