FORTUNE — Why it’s hot: Coaches who help explain medical issues have been part of health care for a while. But with consumers taking more responsibility for their choices, and billing becoming more complex, companies now need coaches who get personal finance.
What you’ll do: Health coaches with a clinical background, usually registered nurses, advise on diseases and specific treatment. They will now be expected to help sort through both the cost and quality of care. Coaches will also use social media to interact with clients.
What you need: Nonclinical coaches have undergrad degrees (often in physiology) or a master’s. To that you should add financial and analytical skills, and, ideally, marketing experience.
What it pays: $50,000 to $80,000:
Who’s hiring them: Aetna (AET), Active-Health Management, Healthways (HWAY), OptumHealth.
–Alex Konrad
This article is from the October 17, 2011 issue of Fortune.
