---
title: "Scheduling and Programs Features in CoachVantage, Explained"
url: "https://coachvantage.productfruits.help/en/article/scheduling-and-programs-features-in-coachvantage-explained"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2025-12-31T16:43:43.876Z"
---

# Scheduling and Programs Features in CoachVantage, Explained

Learn the difference between the Scheduling and Programs features in CoachVantage, including when to use each one, how availability types work, and how scheduling applies to one-off sessions vs. coaching programs.

[YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/WDqGtR6oia0)

## **Overview**

When you first sign up for your CoachVantage free trial, you’ll notice two key features in the left-hand menu — **Scheduling** and **Programs**. These features work together to help you automate workflows, manage client bookings, and deliver a streamlined, professional onboarding experience.

This article explains the difference between the two features and how they work together.

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## **What the Scheduling Feature Is Used For 📅**

The **Scheduling** feature functions as a **standalone booking page for one-off events**, such as:

-   Discovery calls
-   Introductory consultations
-   One-off strategy or coaching sessions
-   Single workshops or meetings

Scheduling is ideal when you want clients to:

-   Book a **single session**, and
-   Do not need to enroll in a program

When you create a booking page, you can assign a scheduling availability type to that event. Clients will then see a booking page where they can choose a date and time based on your availability.

Throughout the platform, you’ll also find **question-mark help icons** that provide additional guidance about each feature.

* * *

## **When to Use the Programs Feature Instead**

The **Programs** feature is designed for **longer-term coaching engagements**, such as:

-   Multi-session coaching packages
-   Group or private programs
-   Ongoing coaching engagements

Unlike one-off Scheduling events, Programs include multiple steps — and one of those steps is **Scheduling**.

Within each program, the Scheduling step allows you to:

-   Let clients book their **first session during enrollment**, and/or
-   Allow clients to book sessions later from the **Client Portal**

You can also set different availability rules per program, giving you greater control over:

-   When sessions can be booked
-   How frequently clients may book
-   What availability type applies to that program

* * *

## **Availability Types and How They Work**

Availability types are created in your **Appointment & Calendar Settings** and can be reused across:

-   Scheduling booking pages
-   Individual programs

To create an availability type:

1.  Go to **Settings** → **Appointment and Calendar Settings**
2.  Click **Add Availability Type**
3.  Give it a descriptive name (e.g., “Regular Coaching Hours”)
4.  Choose a duration format:
5.  -   No end date
    -   Specific end date
    -   Rolling number of days
6.  Customize your time slots by day of week
7.  Click **Save**

Once saved, availability types can be:

-   Reused across events and programs
-   Applied uniquely to each program or booking page

You can also create new availability types on the fly while setting up a program or scheduling event.

* * *

## **Applying Availability Types**

After creating an availability type, you can apply it:

### **To a Scheduling Event**

For example:

-   Discovery Call
-   30-minute session
-   60-minute consultation

Select the availability type when configuring the booking page.

* * *

### **To a Coaching Program**

Go to the **Scheduling** step inside the program setup and assign:

-   The desired availability type for that specific program

This allows each program to have its **own unique scheduling rules**.

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## **Key Difference Between Scheduling & Programs** 🔹 

| Feature | Best For | Example Use |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Scheduling** | One-off sessions | Discovery calls, 1:1 intro session |
| **Programs** | Multi-session client engagements | Coaching packages, programs, retainers |

Programs include built-in scheduling — but Scheduling can also be used independently when you only need a single booking page.

* * *

## **Where to Learn More**

Visit the **Guides & Tutorials** section inside CoachVantage to explore additional walkthroughs on:

-   Program setup
-   Client booking workflows
-   Availability & calendar settings