If you're interested in developing safe and effective exercise programs for older adults, the Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults Online course is for you! This course incorporates standards from the International Curriculum Guidelines for Preparing Physical Activity Instructors of Older Adults, in collaboration with and endorsed by the World Health Organization.
The Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults course is suited for people who are interested in a career working with seniors and older adults in the health and fitness industry, for established fitness professionals who want advanced education in working with older adults, and for allied health and medical professionals from all fields who want to design specialized exercise and wellness programs for their older adult clients and patients. And if you're an exercise enthusiast over 50 yourself, this course will help you develop a personalized program to meet your own goals.
The course is offered in partnership with the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), the American Senior Fitness Association (SFA), the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), and Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program. After course completion, you will receive a complimentary one-year membership to the ICAA, which includes registration discounts for the annual International Active Aging Conference. In addition, you will receive preferred discounts for the SFA's certification exams (Senior Personal Trainer Certification or the Senior Fitness Instructor Certification), the AEA's certification exam (Aquatic Exercise Association Fitness Professional Certification), and for Healthways Instructor Accreditation for Older Adult Exercise. You can also choose to participate in an Optional Field Internship Program to get practical experience in the profession. Internships are six weeks, 60 hours long. Graduating students will be prepared for a career working with older adults at senior centers, medically based fitness facilities, retirement communities, YMCAs, JCCs, hospitals, community wellness programs, personal training studios, physical therapy clinics, long-term care facilities, corporate fitness centers, collegiate settings, and private and commercial health clubs.
Continuing Education Credits
The following national organizations and associations have approved each Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults program for CEC/CEU's:
- The SFA: 2.0 CEUs per program
- The Health and Fitness Professionals Association (HFPA): 30 CECs per program and 60 CECs for the Optional Field Internship
- The National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF): 10 CEUs per program
- The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT): 1 CEC per program, equivalent to an entire six-month CEC requirement
- The National Strength Professional Association (NSPA): 2 CEUs per program
The American College of Sports Medicine's Professional Education Committee certifies that Educational Fitness Solutions, Inc, who works with us to bring you this program, meets the criteria for official ACSM Approved Provider status. Providership # 672784. This program is approved for 50 Continuing Education Credits through ACSM.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course must be taken on a PC. A Mac is not compatible.
- A CD / DVD drive.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows XP or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
- Adobe Flash Player. Click here to download the Flash Player.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- Physical Activity Instruction of Older Adults
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills are required.
You need to receive CPR certification and approval by the program coordinator prior to beginning the Optional Field Internship Program.
Natalie Johnson, MS, has worked in an academic setting throughout her career. Natalie taught for the Kinesiology Department at San Diego State University in addition to being the Fitness & Operations Director at the Aztec Recreation Center. While instructing for the Kinesiology Department, she also was a "Student Mentor". As a mentor Natalie advised senior Kinesiology students on resume writing, interviewing skills and assisted students in finding the most appropriate job based on experience, education and location. Natalie's experience outside of academia includes working in world renowned resorts in California, Mexico and Jamaica (The Golden Door & Rancho La Puerta) in addition to being the owner of a fitness company called "Fit Chicks" since 2001. Natalie is certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Sports Nutritionist, Wellness Coach and Pre/Post Natal Specialist. She presents annually for the Medical Fitness Association, Athletic Business and the National Health Benefits Conference. Natalie was a Body by Jake Master Trainer and presenter on FitTV and continues to promote fitness locally in Tampa, Florida and nationally in publications and television. Natalie is currently the "Manager of Health & Lifestyle Programs" for a Medical Health Plan in Florida. She oversees the Fitness Center and its staff as well as all preventative programs relating to weight loss, fitness, exercise and nutrition. She works closely with a medical management team and is very active in promoting exercise as medicine and prevention. Natalie is also the Regional Director for the Medical Fitness Association and works closely with the organization to integrate fitness into the medical community.
1. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?
Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration.
2. How long does it take to complete a program?
All of our programs are self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start them when you want and finish them at your own pace. Upon registering, you're given six months to complete this program.
3. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All the materials you'll need are included, and their cost will be covered by your tuition. ed2go will ship all materials ground service upon enrollment.
4. Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.
5. What happens when I complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
6. Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We don't provide direct job placement services, but our facilitators and career counselors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Facilitators will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
7. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
8. What software or hardware do I need in order to take online programs and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online programs, you must have access to a computer and the Internet. You can access the program contents from any Web-enabled computer. You don't have to use the same computer to log-in to the program every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
9. Can I use a Mac?
This course must be taken on a PC. A Mac is not compatible.
10. How can I get more information about the program?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button toward the top of the page). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the "Contact Us" form to the right. You may also call us at 1-855-520-6806. We will answer your questions promptly.
11. When can I start the program?
Our programs are all open enrollment. You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready.
Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.
12. How am I graded or assessed in the programs/program?
Your grade will be determined based upon the total points earned on quizzes, problem-solving questions, exams, written reports, special projects, and assignments.
13. What must I do to graduate with the Certificate in Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults?
Complete and receive a passing grade (of C- or above) in all programs.
14. How will I interact with the teacher?
We know how important it is for the teacher to be available to the student. You can use regular e-mail, the classroom discussion boards, the chat room, or the telephone to interact with the teacher.
15. What if I don't have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?
The time allotted to complete your program has been
calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don't worry
too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort,
you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you
work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee may be
charged for an extension.
The instructor for my certificate program, Natlie Johnson, was excellent. She was helpful, answered my questions right away, graded my assignments in a timely manner, provided great feedback, etc. My career counelor at Gatlin, was also very helpful when I needed him. I truly enjoyed the course content and learning about physical activity for older adults. I found the written projects for each course to be enjoyable. I liked that they covered a wider variety of topics.
- B.C., Springfield Technical Community College