FAQ

Dive Into a Coach Approach® (DICA) is a micro-credentialing certification designed for healthcare professionals who want to integrate practical coaching skills into their clinical, leadership, and organizational roles. This flexible and accredited journey includes self-paced modules, live sessions, and applied practice—all tailored for those working in healthcare. Graduates earn a digital certification badge that reflects their coaching proficiency. No ongoing renewal or re-certification is required.

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. This creates a more flexible, cost-effective journey.

• 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
• Continued access to online modules is available through the optional DICA Grad Membership Program
• Part of a growing suite of ICF-accredited courses and resources, including specialty tools, webinars, and demo-based learning modules
•  

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.

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.

You can save by enrolling in the full journey upfront. Installment payment options are available for both the full certification and 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 when you enroll in the full journey
• 10-installment payment plan available ($390 USD/month)

Individual Courses (Total: approx. $4,490 USD):

• Level 1: $595 USD
• Coaching Tools for Healthcare: $595 USD (required for certification)
• 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 with expert facilitators)

Note: Prices are subject to change. We also partner with organizations to deliver this program to their teams. For pricing details specific to your organization, please contact us directly.

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.

Learn more about our micro-credentialing

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 and techniques that can be applied across clinical, leadership, and organizational roles. Here’s what’s included:

Level 1 – Core Fundamentals (20 hours total)

• 12-hour self-paced module with video lessons, guided reflections, and over 50 real coaching clips from various practice areas and client populations

• 80+ page digital workbook for foundational skills and coaching concepts

• Coaching Tools for Healthcare Bundle (8 hours, self-paced) – includes 4 targeted modules focused on behavior change, leadership, clinical application, and patient-centered goal setting

• Access to a password-protected course page with additional tools and integration resources

Level 2 – Advanced Coaching Skills (20 hours total)

• Two 40+ page digital workbooks filled with frameworks, scripts, and coaching strategies

• Personalized communication style report (16 pages) to help you refine your coaching presence

• 8 peer coaching sessions with structured debrief and reflection

• Individualized feedback aligned with the ICF Core Coaching Competencies

• Access to an additional Grad Resource Portal with free and paid tools to support deeper learning and real-world application

Level 3 – Live Implementation & Integration (10 hours)

• Live small group coaching cohort (max 10 learners)

• 6 client coaching sessions in your own area of practice with guidance and accountability

• Live mentor feedback and performance review

• Access to over 30 tools and customizable templates to integrate coaching into your workflow

Once Level 3 is complete, you will be invited to join the DICA Grad Membership Program, which includes continued access to curated tools, coaching resources, and a growing community of healthcare professionals using a coach approach.

You’ll also receive a digital certification badge recognizing your completion of the 50-hour DICA journey.

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

Here’s what’s included:

• Ongoing access to DICA 1, 2, and 3 and the Level 2 – Coaching Demo course
  Revisit course videos, tools, and materials as often as needed to refresh your learning or explore updates.
• Attend future DICA courses live as an observer or co-facilitator
  Deepen your learning by participating in live trainings or supporting new learners as part of your professional development.
• Free access to three professional development webinars per year
  Stay current with coaching trends and healthcare integration through exclusive member webinars.
• Free 1:1 session with an instructor or DICA 4 ICF readiness coach
  Choose between a 45-minute private mentorship session or a focused coaching skills review to support your continued growth.
• Discounted rate on additional 1:1 mentorship sessions
  Receive personalized support at 50% off the regular rate.
• Exclusive member opportunities
  Includes discounts on paid workshops, early access to new content, invitations to live Q&A events, and the opportunity to be invited as a paid facilitator for the DICA 1 Studio: Live Drop-In sessions.

Cost: $500 USD per year (or $46/month)
Prices are subject to change.

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.

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 International Coaching Federation (ICF) membership.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is a globally recognized organization for coaching professionals. Achieving ICF credentials, such as the Associate Certified Coach (ACC), 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 to help you succeed. Completing our Level 4 program supports the requirements for applying for ICF credentials, offering a direct pathway to achieve this distinction.

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!

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

• 50 hours of coaching education (with opportunity for more!)
• 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 that demonstrates professional-level coaching education.

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 return to work, wellness, or cognitive strategies when applying coaching principles within regulated practice.
• Physiotherapists and mental health professionals often integrate coaching into sessions or offer coaching as a separate, non-clinical service.
• Graduates in leadership or education roles often use coaching in team development, mentoring, or strategic initiatives.

The DICA program includes the Coaching Spectrum Framework™ to help you identify when and how to use informal, laser-focused, or formal coaching approaches—so you can align your use of coaching with your goals, role, and professional context.

You can register for Level 1 at any time — it’s fully self-paced:
👉 www.functionfirstcoaching.com/dica1

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 to complete the full DICA journey

Looking to train your team?
We offer customized coaching education for healthcare organizations:

• Private Healthcare Organizations

• Public Healthcare Organizations

For tailored support or questions, email info@functionfirstcoaching.com or book a Discovery Dive to explore your options.