Online Certificate in
Personal Training and Group Exercise Training
for Older Adults


Register for this Certificate Here!

The Online Professional Certificate in Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults is a comprehensive Web-based program with an Optional Field Internship course.  This program has been designed to ensure the development of safe and effective exercise programs for older adults by personal trainers, allied health/medical and fitness professionals, and the general public. The certificate program has been designed to incorporate curriculum 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 program is offered in partnership with the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA),the American Senior Fitness Association (SFA),theAquatic Exercise Association (AEA), and Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program.

This program is offered in an open enrollment format, meaning you can register at anytime and once logged in, you have 8 weeks to complete the course(s) you registered for.

Click here to review a detailed Certificate Program Fact Sheet.
Click here for a list of CECs/CEUs.


Certificate Course Descriptions
Course 1: Socio-Physiological Aspects of Aging
Instructor:  Natalie Johnson, MS
This course will provide the student with a solid foundation in the social and physiological aspects of aging. Topics covered include: theories of aging; physiological changes within cells, organs, and bodily systems; social implications of growing older; and common conditions and diseases associated with aging. 

Course 2: Designing Older Adult Exercise Programs
Instructor:  Natalie Johnson, MS
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the role of exercise in improving health, fitness, function and quality of life in older adults. The current recommendations for cardiovascular, flexibility, resistance, mobility and balance training will be discussed. An emphasis will be given to common health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and frailty. 

Course 3: Business Management and Administration for the Mature
Market
Instructor:  Natalie Johnson, MS
A contemporary view of aging in this country will be explored to better understand the current and rising aging cohorts. Through a study of age-friendly facility design, equipment selection, fitness management, marketing, administration, financial procedures and protocols, and various aspects of operations students will appreciate how to attract, serve and retain the mature market. 

Course 4: Exercise and Aging for Special Populations
Instructor:  Natalie Johnson, MS
As a continuation of Designing Older Adult Exercise Programs, this course encompasses a deeper study of designing safe and effective exercise programs for older adults. Going beyond the basic exercise recommendations for this population, students will, by the end of this course, be able to design an appropriate fitness regimen taking into consideration critical information such as a client’s age, gender, health history, current health conditions and exercise history. 

Course 5: Optional-Field Internship in Older Adult Exercise
Instructor:  Natalie Johnson, MS
Prerequisite: 4 Core Courses and CPR Certification
NOTE: This course is an optional course and is not required to receive the Professional Certificate. Learn to work with professionals in the fitness and health industry for a hands-on experience working with older adults at senior fitness facilities and health centers. Students intern for 60 total hours in this course.