There are many online wellness/life coaching schools, and there are many advantages to online learning formats. But there are limits. The question is what to look for to get the best program for you. The fact is that there are several components to the process of becoming a minimally qualified coach, let alone a certified coach or even more to become a master coach. Some can be delivered online and some cannot. So just be prepared for that. Finding online programs is as easy as Googling for “online coaching classes.” The question is what you do with that search result.

Just How Much Online Training Is Right?

If you intend to become a fully qualified wellness/life coach, it can be done remotely, but I challenge anyone to do it by going online and watching videos or working through programmed instruction. Go ahead. I’m waiting. The smart thing and perhaps the only thing of integrity to do is to mix online instruction and conference calls, to deliver a mix of information transfer, coaching and being coached. The result can be a highly effective program to transfer expert coaching skills to the willing learner.

Online Wellness/Life Coaching Schools Must Transfer Three Critical Things

So, what must be learned to become a competent professional. The answer is theory, insight and coaching practice – as in the “practice” of medicine. A well designed program can come from online wellness/life coaching schools but it has to augment its online program to include mentor coaching and intense student to student coaching. The question is not if this can be delivered online in a theoretical sense. It probably can be. But the question is who is actually delivering the practical interaction online. And the answer, I contend is NO ONE.

Look for Objective Validation for All Coaching Schools

But the real measure of the effectiveness of online wellness/life coaching schools is the experience and competence of the graduates of those programs. So the final thought and the final measure of success must be answered by the graduates of programs. So ask them. And in so doing ask for extra assurance – and don’t be shy to ask – look for objective and respected professional coaching organizations to accredit or endorse the online programs that you are considering.

By the way… you’re invited to claim your FREE step-by-step  “30-Days to Become a Coach”  video toolkit. Just go HERE now to get your  30-day coaching blueprint videos.

Dave Iuppa
JTS Advisors Strategy and Accountability Coach