Description

System Note: We recommend students access courses using Firefox as their browser. The Google Chrome browser can automatically play all videos in a lesson at the same time, which may be an extremely annoying feature for some, and for which, at the present, there is no easy fix in the Google Chrome settings.

Learners will:

• Demonstrate understanding of the pathophysiology of abuse of alcohol, opiates, and stimulants.
• Demonstrate understanding of the common movement compensations which may be seen in
  this population through all phases of Recovery.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the nutritional considerations which may be relevant in this
  population as well as how to collaborate with a Registered Dietician and physician regarding
  nutrition and exercise prescription.
• Demonstrate an understanding of all settings where this population may be encountered (inpatient, outpatient/halfway house, community) and how to create safe and effective
  programming in all settings.
• Select appropriate fitness assessments and correctly identify the frequency of when
  assessments need to be conducted.
• Create safe and effective programming based on the client’s individual needs taking into
  consideration their history of substance abuse and other co-morbidities in the personal training
  setting.
• Apply strategies to support their client through relapse prevention.
• Apply knowledge to create a business plan to support this population.

Course Delivery and Assessment

This is an online course; all materials are delivered virtually.

This course is delivered through a written course manual, video narrated slide presentations, videos of sample exercises, and sample forms. Comprehension of the material will be measured via a mandatory, multiple-choice item, competency assessment requiring a minimum of 80% correct responses in order to pass.

Prerequisites

All of the online courses on MedFit Classroom which lead to a Certificate of Specialization are considered advanced level education, and are meant to be taken by fitness professionals who have previously acquired education and experience as a professional within the health and fitness industry. In order for one to receive the Certificate of Specialization conferred upon those who obtain and complete this Fitness Specialist course, one must be able to demonstrate that he or she has the following:

1. Evidence of a current certification, or vocational credential, from a reputable certifying or credentialing organization, and within the health and fitness industry; OR an associate’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university in the field of exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, fitness, or a related field; AND
2. Evidence of current professional liability insurance.

Maintaining this Specialization and Continuing Education Credits

The completion of this specialization course, and the passing of its corresponding competency assessment, leads to a Certificate of Specialization. This Certificate of Specialization will be considered valid for a period of two years. To keep the certificate current, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education, on relevant subject matter, and formally renew the certificate prior to the date of its expiration. As with many certifications and specializations in our field, professionals should anticipate some costs to continuing education and renewal of the certificate.

This course is approved for credit by:

• Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) to provide 12 CEUs.
• canfitpro to provide 4 CECs.
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) to provide 12 CEUs.
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) to provide 1.2 CEUs.

Students must pass the competency assessment exam at the end of the course to be eligible for CEUs.

This course is pending application and approval to provide continuing education from ACE. If your certifying body is not listed, you will be provided with a Certificate of Specialization at the end of the course that can be used to petition your certifying body for credit.

About the Author: Nicole Golden

Nicole Golden has been a health/fitness professional since 2014 when she left the field of education to pursue a full-time career in fitness. Nicole holds a Master of Science degree from Concordia University Chicago in Applied Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Nutrition. She is a NASM Master Trainer, CES, FNS, BCS, CSCS (NSCA) and AFAA certified group fitness instructor. Nicole is a sports nutritionist certified through the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

She is the owner of FWF Wellness where she specializes in corrective exercise, nutrition coaching, and training special populations. She has a great deal of experience working with a wide variety of clients including female athletes, cancer survivors, older adults with medical comorbidities, and clients who have undergone bariatric surgery. She also has a special interest in coaching clients in recovery from Substance Use Disorders. Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and five children when she is not training clients or teaching fitness classes.