Frequently Asked Questions

Our Dive Into a Coach Approach® (DICA) certification is designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Unlike most programs that require full commitment to 60+ hours from the start, DICA uses a micro-credentialing model—you begin with Level 1 and then choose if and when to continue.

Here's what sets DICA apart:

• Healthcare-specific: Integrates evidence-based coaching practices with clinical expertise
• Flexible entry: Start with Level 1 and decide if you want to continue—no need to commit to all 50 hours upfront
• Led by a Master Certified Coach (MCC) and 2023 ICF Emerging Coach Educator of the Year
• Accredited by the ICF, AOTA, and NBHWC
• No annual renewal fees or ongoing CEU requirements for DICA certification
• Access to workbooks and resources for continued reference
• Part of a growing suite of ICF-accredited courses and resources

All participants begin with Level 1: Core Fundamentals. This is the required starting point for the DICA certification journey, whether you plan to complete just Level 1 or continue through all levels.

This 12-hour, self-paced course lays the foundation for applying a Coach Approach in healthcare.

Yes! You can enroll one level at a time or commit to the full journey upfront. Enrolling in the full journey offers cost savings and structured progress, while starting with Level 1 allows you to try it out before advancing further.

The total cost of the Dive Into a Coach Approach® (DICA) journey ranges from approximately $3,900 to $4,500 USD, depending on whether you enroll in the full certification bundle or purchase individual courses.

Full Journey Enrollment: $3,900 USD

Includes:

• All required courses and certification materials
• Coaching Tools for Healthcare Bundle (8 hours, self-paced) — bundled at no additional cost
• 10-installment payment plan available ($390 USD/month)

Individual Courses (Total: ~$4,490 USD)

• Level 1: $595 USD
• Coaching Tools for Healthcare: $595 USD
• Level 2A: $999 USD
• Level 2B: $895 USD
• Level 3: $1,415 USD

Optional Add-On

• DICA 1 Studio: Live Drop-In – $147 USD
  (Includes 6 months of access to twice-monthly interactive practice sessions)

Note: Prices are subject to change. For team pricing, please contact us directly.

Once you complete the 50-hour training pathway, you'll receive the Dive Into a Coach Approach® certification badge—a digital micro-credential recognizing your coaching skills in healthcare. This badge can be displayed in your email signature, website, or resume.

All courses are accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Level 1 only (20 hours) is also approved by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

Micro-credentialing allows you to build specialized coaching expertise without needing to pursue a full degree or credential. The DICA certification is a flexible yet rigorous training pathway totaling 50 ICF-accredited CCE hours.

It is also approved by AOTA, and Level 1 (20 hours) is approved by NBHWC, making it ideal for healthcare professionals looking to integrate coaching into clinical care, leadership, or specialized practice areas.

When you enroll in the full DICA journey, you gain access to a structured, evidence-informed certification pathway designed to equip healthcare professionals with practical coaching tools.

Level 1 – Core Fundamentals (20 hours)

• 12-hour self-paced module with video lessons, reflections, and over 50 real coaching clips
• 80+ page digital workbook for foundational skills
• Coaching Tools for Healthcare Bundle (8 hours) – 4 targeted modules
• Access to a password-protected course page with additional resources

Level 2 – Advanced Coaching Skills (20 hours)

• Two 40+ page digital workbooks
• Personalized communication style report (16 pages)
• 8 peer coaching sessions with structured debrief
• Individualized feedback aligned with ICF Core Competencies
• Access to an additional Grad Resource Portal

Level 3 – Live Implementation (10 hours)

• Live small group coaching cohort (max 10 learners)
• 6 client coaching sessions with guidance and accountability
• Live mentor feedback and performance review
• Access to over 30 tools and customizable templates

You'll also receive a digital certification badge and invitation to join the DICA Grad Membership Program.

Graduates of Level 3 can join the DICA Grad Membership Program to continue building their skills and stay connected with a community of healthcare professionals using coaching in practice.

What's included:

• Ongoing access to DICA 1, 2, and 3 course materials
• Attend future courses live as an observer or co-facilitator
• 3 free professional development webinars per year
• Free 1:1 session with an instructor or DICA 4 coach
• 50% off additional 1:1 mentorship sessions
• Exclusive member opportunities: discounts, early access, and invitations to become a paid facilitator

Cost: $500 USD per year (or $46/month)

After completing Level 1, many learners begin using a coach approach immediately with clients and patients. While Level 1 provides a strong foundation, those who complete the full certification often report increased confidence, advanced skill integration, and the ability to support more complex coaching conversations.

The full certification helps you build your coaching identity and positions you as a coach within your field.

DICA provides 50 ICF-accredited Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours. Completing the full journey prepares you to enroll in Level 4: ACC Readiness, which supports all requirements for ICF's Associate Certified Coach (ACC) application.

The DICA certification is designed specifically for healthcare professionals, focusing on integrating coaching principles into practice with a healthcare lens. It has no annual fees or ongoing continuing education requirements and offers eligibility to apply for ICF membership.

The ICF credential (such as ACC) is a globally recognized coaching credential. It requires:

• An annual membership fee of approximately $245 USD
• Completion of 40 hours of coach-specific continuing education every three years

If your goal includes obtaining an ICF credential, DICA provides a strong foundation. Completing our Level 4 program supports the requirements for applying for ICF credentials.

Graduates report:

• Reduced burnout and increased job satisfaction
• Enhanced patient engagement and goal achievement
• Improved clinical confidence and leadership opportunities
• The ability to add new services or coaching as a side income
• And more!

No. Coaching is forward-focused, collaborative, and strengths-based. It helps clients explore goals and take action, while therapy addresses mental health or physical rehabilitation. Many professionals integrate both for a holistic approach.

Yes! DICA graduates can confidently call themselves coaches, having completed:

• 50 hours of coaching education
• 10 peer coaching sessions
• 6 client coaching sessions
• 2 feedback sessions based on ICF competencies

Yes. Many graduates begin using a Coach Approach in both clinical care and coaching services. While coaching is not a licensed or regulated profession, DICA provides 50 ICF-accredited training hours and a healthcare-specific certification.

How you bill or structure your services depends on your professional designation, jurisdiction, and practice setting. For example:

• Occupational therapists in the U.S. may use existing billing codes related to wellness or cognitive strategies
• Physiotherapists and mental health professionals often integrate coaching into sessions or offer it as a separate service
• Graduates in leadership roles often use coaching in team development and strategic initiatives

The DICA program includes the Coaching Spectrum Framework™ to help you identify when and how to use different coaching approaches.

You can register for Level 1 at any time — it's fully self-paced:

👉 Start DICA Level 1

Once you've completed Level 1, explore live course dates for Level 2 and Level 3 on our Events page.

• Level 2 is offered twice a year (Spring and Fall)
• Level 3 is held once annually, from January to May
• Save $595 USD by signing up for the full DICA journey

Looking to train your team?
We offer customized coaching education for healthcare organizations. Email info@functionfirstcoaching.com or book a Discovery Dive to explore your options.