1) Safety & Scope
- Does the curriculum address key oncology risks (bone loss/fracture, lymphedema, neuropathy/falls, immune compromise, fatigue)?
- Are contraindications and red-flag responses clearly taught (what to stop, when to refer)?
- Is the method trauma-informed and language-aware (e.g., alternatives to triggering terms; consent; options)?
2) Clinical Credibility
- Is content supported by current guidelines and research (e.g., oncology rehab, exercise oncology, survivorship care)?
- Are faculty credentials clear (clinical/research/oncology expertise)?
- Is there hospital or cancer-center affiliation or recognition (not required, but a plus)?
3) Depth of Training
- Total hours and structure (workshop vs. multi-module certificate).
- Assessment: Is there a teaching practicum with individualized feedback?
- Mentorship: Will you receive 1:1 review or only self-study?
- CE credits (YA, IAYT, or healthcare CE) if you need them.
4) Practical Readiness
- Do you learn to plan full classes/sequences, adapt in real time, and communicate with healthcare teams?
- Are there case studies, scripts, or protocols you can use immediately?
- Does the program help you work in different settings (studio, hospital, community, private)?
5) Access & Support
- Delivery style (in-person, online live, self-paced).
- Time window for access; extensions if life happens.
- Community (live calls, forums, alumni groups) and post-cert support (directory, job leads).
6) Transparency & Fit
- Clear learning outcomes, syllabus, and policies (refunds, prerequisites, technical needs).
- Student testimonials and where grads are teaching.
- Cost vs. value: hours, mentorship, assessment, and support you actually receive.
10 Quick Questions to Ask Any Program
1. Which side-effect risks do you explicitly train for, and how?
2. What evidence/guidelines anchor your approach?
3. How many hours are included, and over what timeline?
4. Is there a practicum? Who reviews it, and what is the rubric?
5. Do I receive individualized feedback from a mentor?
6. What CE credits are included (YA/IAYT/clinical)?
7. How do you teach trauma-informed language and scope of practice?
8. What settings does your training prepare me for (hospital, studio, private)?
9. What post-training support (alumni network, directory, ongoing education) exists?
10. If I’m not ready for the full track, is there a short course or intro I can start with?