Become a Certified
EXERCISE THERAPIST
injuries or accidents. Address both chronic conditions and isolated issues to get
your clients moving and feeling better.
* 20 Credits *
Professional Exercise Therapy Training
How It Works
What You'll Learn From This Course
◼️ Explain the fundamental principles of therapeutic exercise; including, its definition, and use in prevention, treatment, control, rehabilitation, restoration and prevention of re-occurrence in a variety of ailments.
◼️ Recognize a chronic health condition(s) that may require an individual to use special care while exercising.
COURSE CONTENTS
History
Evolution of Adaptive Physical Education for Adults with Disabilities
Changing Attitudes Towards Disabled Persons
Role of Exercise for the Disabled
Proper Exercise Is Therapeutic
Designed for Action
Fitness as Medicine
Use It or Lose It
Exercise and Disease
Summary
Benefits of Exercise Therapy Programs
Designing a Exercise Therapy Program
Exercise Participation Flowchart
Fundamental Terminology for Fitness Technician
Proper Body Mechanics for the Instructor
Effective Teaching Considerations
Effective Communication Skills
Anatomy for the Exercise Therapy Educator
Exercise Therapy Kinesiology
How Muscles Work Together
Doing It Right
Facts and Myths about Exercise
Risks vs. Benefits
Beyond the Core
Exercises to Avoid
Exercise Therapy Considerations
Exercise Is for Everyone
Common Physical Health Problems Seen Among Older Adults
Thoughts to Share with Clients
High Blood Pressure
Low Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Asthma
Diabetes
Obesity
Acquired Brain Injury
Cerebral Vascular Accident
Epilepsy
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Spinal Cord Injury
Learning Disabilities
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s Disease
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Neck Problems
Low Back Problems
Shoulder Problems
Hip Problems
Knee Problems
Ankle Problems
Osteoporosis
Amputations
Auditory Disorders
Visual Impairments
HIV/AIDS
Cancer
Pregnancy
Transfers and Ambulation Aids
Progressive Mobilization
Ambulation Aids
Gait Training
Water Exercise for Special Population
Fitness Aquatics: Hydrogymnastics
Assessment of Aquatic Skills
Balance Progressions
Perceptual Motor Skills
Fine Motor Tasks
Cardiovascular Exercises
Karvonen’s Formulas
How to Take a Pulse
Determining Target Heart Rate
Flexibility
Range of Motion
Programming for Flexibility
Range-of-Motion Exercises
Active Range of Motion Worksheet
General Progressive Resistance Guidelines
Strength Training
Terminology
General Guidelines for Adaptive Weight Training
Sample Strength Training Program and Exercises
Assessment of Posture
Procedures for Spinal Screening
Posture Exercises
Appendix
Abbreviations
Support Materials
Forms
Glossary
Index
Your New Career as an Exercise Therapy Specialist Starts Here
According to the American Sports Data Company Inc., numerous employment opportunities are opening up in facilities for health & fitness professionals who have an expertise in Post-Rehab exercise. Nearly 1,000 hospitals in the US alone have already opened fitness facilities and hundreds more are in various stages of development.
The broad goal of this certificate program is to train students for an entry-level position in Exercise Therapy through distance education.
Please note: The information provided in this course is for general educational purposes only. The material is not a substitute for consultation with a healthcare provider regarding particular medical conditions and needs.
Study at your own pace with flexible, online learning to fit your busy schedule.
Pass your certification exam online wherever you’re most comfortable.
What You'll Get With This Course
This online handy reference guide walks you through the course unit-by-unit, allowing you to gain a better understanding of personal trainer concepts.
The practice exam and quizzes test your understanding of the materials; so while you’re reading you’re preparing for the exam at the same time.
ISSA and Hyperstrike provide you with an exclusive online exercise lab with over 250 animated exercises. 3D animation and three different angles ensure that proper form and technique are a breeze!
ISSA’s certification exam solidifies your proficiency as a fitness professional. Choose a paper-and-pencil exam or utilize our secure online testing portal. One No-cost Retest (if necessary).
COURSE AUDIENCE (for whom this course can be useful)
✅ Aspiring exercise therapists, fitness coaches, and health professionals looking to build a professional career in corrective exercise, rehabilitation support, and therapeutic training.
✅ Individuals aiming to enhance their expertise in assessing movement dysfunctions and designing safe, personalized exercise programs for injury prevention, pain management, and functional improvement.
✅ Fitness and rehabilitation professionals seeking reputable certifications to strengthen their credibility in exercise therapy and evidence-based corrective training.
✅ Coaches, personal trainers, and sports professionals striving to improve client outcomes through mobility training, postural correction, muscular balance, and functional rehabilitation strategies.
✅ Motivated individuals committed to helping clients restore movement quality, reduce pain, improve physical function, and achieve long-term health through structured and therapeutic exercise programs.
Approved by the International Sports Sciences
Association (ISSA), USA.
