For those who are looking for a career that will encourage and allow them to stay healthy in the workplace, there are a number of different careers to choose from within healthcare. Possible healthy careers include fitness coaching, health education specialists and health trainers.
Health Trainers
The health trainer focuses on helping individuals to develop healthier lifestyles and behaviors in the community. They also offer practical support and may encourage people to drink sensibly, take part in exercise or stop smoking. A health trainer needs to be able to motivate others and provide information in the correct format to individuals. Entry requirements will differ between posts, although many will require some experience of paid or voluntary work with community groups.
Fitness Coaches/Personal Trainers
There are many different types of fitness coach roles available, from assisting high-caliber athletes to running group fitness sessions or working as a personal trainer. The role involves assessment and development of tailored programs for individuals. A coach may also liaise with a variety of medical professionals in order to develop programs for those suffering from medical problems that prevent them from carrying out ‘normal’ exercise routines. Most fitness coaches have a degree qualification and numerous professional coaching qualifications.
Massage Therapists
Massage therapy is no longer the domain of health clubs, instead, it is offered in businesses, private health settings, and some community health settings. There are a number of different types of massage, including deep-tissue and sports massage and although it is defined as a complementary approach to health, it can be helpful alongside conventional treatments for those who are suffering from hypertension, sports injuries, low immunity as well as a tool for stress relief, depression and alongside some cancer treatments. In the US, nurse massage therapists are now a recognized career path and some health practitioners in the UK are developing their massage skills to focus on alternative health treatments.
Health Education Specialists
Health education or health promotion specialists focus on health promotion amongst people, communities, and populations. Health promotion work is based on a firm philosophy and principles. Health promotion specialists may work at all levels, including face to face and with groups of people. They may also be involved in health policy development at a senior level. Their daily role can include working in communities, developing partnerships to promote better health, project managing and developing ways to provide accurate and appropriate information about health. Most specialists require a degree in biological, behavioral or social sciences. It is also possible for those looking for new jobs for registered nurses to re-train as a health education specialist and takes an appropriate postgraduate qualification.
Dieticians
A dietician is able to interpret and communicate the science of nutrition to individuals and communities and help them to make their own informed choices about diet and lifestyle. Training takes place in both the community and hospital and dieticians are employed privately and across the NHS. To work as a dietician, a degree or similar in dietetics is usually required, although there are alternative routes into a dietetics career.
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