What Is a Wellness Coordinator

Prioritizing health and wellness can have a positive impact in multiple areas. Through improving physical health, establishing habits that improve mental well-being, and making space to reach personal and professional goals, prioritizing wellness can be a key step in building a well-rounded life.

Wellness coordinators are advocates for health who play a crucial role in promoting wellness education, programs, and resources in both public and private organizations. Earning a degree such as a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education can be a great way for graduates to build the knowledge and skills they need to obtain a fulfilling career as a wellness coordinator.

What Do Wellness Coordinators Do?

Prioritizing health and wellness is a multifaceted and nuanced process. In community centers, gyms, businesses, and organizations, wellness coordinators are skilled professionals who advocate for general health and wellness and also design and implement programs and resources to improve the well-being of others.

From participating in community health programs to working with trainers in athletic facilities or designing employee wellness programs, there are a variety of opportunities available to wellness coordinators. Depending on where they work, some of the duties of a wellness coordinator may include:

Designing health and wellness programs and resources
Organizing educational events and workshops
Collaborating with other health care professionals
Tracking and adapting to the successes or challenges of different wellness programs
Creating one-on-one or client-specific programs
Attending wellness events and acting as ambassadors

By teaching people how they can integrate health and wellness practices into their lives, coordinators can give individuals the tools to take control of their future. For many, taking actionable steps toward better mental and physical health is incredibly helpful in both their personal and professional lives. These improvements can be beneficial for both the individual and the organization they work for, often increasing productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall morale in the workplace.

How to Become a Wellness Coordinator

Wellness coordinators can begin their public health careers from a variety of backgrounds. However, there are some practical steps to take to become one.

Education

While higher education isn’t always required, many complete a degree such as a Bachelor of Science in Health Education or a related field like nutritional science, kinesiology, psychology, or sports management. Earning a degree can prepare graduates with a more in-depth knowledge of the science behind health and wellness programs, as well as teach them the organizational and leadership skills required to lead a department.

Certification

Depending on the type of facility where they work and the area of health and wellness they specialize in, wellness coordinators often complete additional courses or certifications. These classes can include certifications in areas such as:

Personal training
Emergency care or first aid
Nutrition
Holistic medicine
Athletic instruction
Corporate wellness and training

With specialized training, wellness coordinators can be confident that the resources they provide are safe, evidence-based, and up-to-date with the latest studies and industry knowledge. As companies look to create well-rounded health and wellness programs for their employees, choosing a coordinator or health promotion specialist with education, experience, and a broad range of knowledge and certifications can help to ensure they are meeting their teams’ diverse needs.

Wellness Coordinator Salary and Career Outlook

A 2024 Gallup study found that self-reported employee turnover risk is at its highest point since 2015, with approximately 51% of workers looking for a new job. However, 42% of workers who left their job voluntarily said that their manager or organization could have done something to prevent their exit.

With these figures in mind, many organizations have begun investing in programs to improve employee satisfaction and increase retention. This shift can be a great opportunity for wellness coordinators to both make a positive impact in the lives of employees and play an instrumental role in their company’s success.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that health education specialists earned a median annual salary of $62,680 as of May 2023, with salaries varying depending on education level, experience, and job location. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS reports a projected job growth of 7%, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

Make a Positive Difference as a Wellness Coordinator

Whether working directly with employees or overseeing a team of other health care educators and professionals, wellness coordinators can make a profound difference helping people integrate positive practices into their lives.

By earning a degree like the online Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from North Carolina Central University, graduates can build the foundation they need to enter the workforce with confidence. NCCU Online’s program is inclusive, taught by industry-experienced faculty, based on a student-centric teaching philosophy, and designed to help graduates reach their goals and build a fulfilling career in public health.

Find out how North Carolina Central University can help you embark on a rewarding career.

Recommended Readings

What Is a Public Health Nutritionist?

What Is a Health Educator?

What Is a Social and Community Service Manager?

Sources:

Career One Stop, Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Chron., “School Wellness Coordinator Responsibilities”

Forbes, “Why Companies Should Prioritize Employee Health and Happiness in 2024”

Gallup, “42% of Employee Turnover Is Preventable but Often Ignored”

Indeed, “30 Careers in the Health and Wellness Industry”

Indeed, “How to Become a Wellness Coordinator (With Salary)”