Wave Coach Training Program Frequently Asked Questions

The Wave Coach Training Program is 16 weeks long. In those 16 weeks, we cover over 100 hours of curriculum, training, and hands-on experiences during Welcome Week, 7 two-week modules, and Closing Week.

Yes. Our program is delivered 100% virtually. We appreciate how that helps folx from a variety of geographical locations to participate in our program.

No. Our program includes both asynchronous and synchronous training. We have found this to be a powerful recipe for learning. First, you’ll learn about the concepts asynchronously. Then, you’ll discuss and digest them synchronously in a small group with a Wave Mentor coach. Last, you’ll practice them synchronously with peers in the whole cohort.

Each of the 16 weeks of the program comes with approximately 6-7 hours of time investment. While in the 7 core modules this breaks down into the repeated sequence of

• 2-3 hours of asynchronous time to review pre-recorded lectures, and read and watch other curricular materials.

• 1.5 hours of synchronous time spent in a small discussion group facilitated by a Wave Mentor Coach. These small groups are established at the beginning of the cohort and remain consistent throughout.

• 2.5 hours of synchronous group practice and instruction. This time is facilitated by Wave Mentor Coaches and includes the whole cohort.

We also have two extended Saturday sessions that occur at Week 6 and Week 11 of the program.These are 6-hour live sessions where the group does community building activities, peer practice, as well as receives 1:1 feedback from Wave Mentor Coaches. On the weeks with Saturday sessions, there is no Thursday Group Practice Class.

Leaning into the full training experience. We have intentionally and iteratively designed this program using human-centered and inclusive design best practices so it can best serve our trainees in learning, practicing, and integrating coaching skills.

We know that 6-7 hours is not a small time investment, but we have found completing all the coursework, and attending and participating in all synchronous aspects of the program is incredibly valuable to building your coaching knowledge, instincts, and coaching abilities. The more all in the program participate, the richer the experience is for each student involved.

We allow for 3 absences from all live class times (discussion sections and group practices). If you know you will need to miss a class, we ask for that to be communicated as soon as possible so we can make note of it in our records.

We also know that life happens, and unexpected events occur. If you find yourself needing to miss more than 3 classes, we ask that you will communicate that with us so we can work together to support you in the completion of the coursework.

Our curriculum occurs in 7, 2-week modules. We have carefully crafted each module to build upon the last, and to bring core coaching competencies to life.

In our asynchronous curriculum, our faculty members cover larger topics and themes of material in smaller lessons. Each lesson is comprised of pre-recorded lecture-style videos, as well as supplemental materials to help add variety to the educational experience and meet the learning objectives of each module.

In our discussion sections, we take aspects of the asynchronous curriculum and go deeper with them. Through activities, discussion, and reflection, we work through any questions and ensure deeper understanding of the core aspects ahead of practicing with them.

In our group practice sessions, we spend the time playing with, practicing, and integrating coaching skills via warm up exercises, live mentor-led demos, and breakout peer practice activities.

We love our training team! Our training team is comprised of experienced and knowledgeable Coaches who serve in both faculty and mentorship capacities.

We come from an array of knowledge and experience backgrounds, and use the diversity of experience to support trainees in this program to build their confidence and skills.

No. Collecting the 50 coaching session log to meet the application requirement for the National Board Exam can only begin after the third and final PSA (Practical Skills Assessment) is complete. In the Wave program, this happens in the 16th and final week of the course.

No. In order to apply for the National Board Exam, you need to have a certificate of completion from a National Board Approved Coach training program (like Wave’s), a log of 50 coaching sessions of 20 minutes or more, and to complete the exam application and fee. You will then hear from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) who administer the exam if you have successfully met the requirements before officially registering for the exam.

For more information about the National Board Exam, check out their Exam Application Packet.

Yes. We offer 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 installment plans. This works out to be

• 1 payment of $4000

• 3 payments of $1333.33 ($4000 total)

• 5 payments of $800 ($4000 total)

• 7 payments of $571.42 ($4000 total)

• 9 payments of $444.44 ($4000 total)

If you would like to attend, but do not think one of these plans would work for you, please email us at coach-training@wavelife.io and we can speak about other options.

We do offer financial assistance to 20% of our training community in the form of full pro bono seats ($4000 value), and half pro bono seats ($2000 value).

We know that financial assistance can play a valuable role in helping people to participate in this program, and to bring their learnings to their community. We ask for those who are able to complete the program without financial assistance to not request it so the funds can benefit those who would not be able to complete the program otherwise.

Once we know that financial assistance is needed, we will ask the applicant to indicate which form of financial assistance (full or half pro bono seat) would enable their ability to attend the program, as well as to share how taking the program will benefit them and their community.

We collect requests for financial assistance up to 3 weeks before the start of the cohort. When the financial assistance deadline is met, we then review all requests and make out determinations about how to allocate our 20% budget.

We then write to all who submitted requests to share our determination, and confirm with the awardees that they are able to commit to the next cohort of our program.