Please choose and describe one nutrition-based certification

HW220- Industry Specific Certifications and Why They are Important- Script

 

Slide 1

Thank you for joining us!  Today we are going to learn more about the certifications that are available for the Health and Wellness profession.

 

Slide 2

When you graduate from the Health and Wellness program you will be eligible to pursue various certifications. Becoming certified makes you more marketable in a competitive job market. You should consider becoming credentialed in at least one of the certifications available to you. Nowadays, employers look at certifications as a way to assess a candidate’s skills and abilities related to the job in question.

There is a cost associated with all examinations, so be sure to plan ahead for the fees at the time of registration.

 

Slide 3

The American Council on Exercise offers numerous certificates to help you stand out in your field.  You can become certified as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach, or Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist.  You may also choose among their specialty areas, which include, but are not limited to: Youth Fitness Specialist, Mind Body Specialist, or Weight Management.  To obtain any of these certifications you may be required to complete courses, exams, and complete continuing education courses to stay current.

Like ACE, the American College of Sports Medicine offers numerous certifications.  Depending on the certification, various educational requirements must be meet prior to sitting for the exam.  Those requirements may consist of having a certain level of education and/or education in a specific field.  Candidates may also be required to be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), or Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and/or meet a certain amount of practical experience.

 

Slide 4

Many companies are incorporating wellness polices and best practices into their organizations.  Certified wellness staff can help engage employees in healthy behavior.  The Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® consists of 13 modules/training classes to be completed.  After the exam, 5 hours of Continuing Education must be completed every year to remain certified.

The National Wellness Institute offers certifications in Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP), Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS), Certified Worksite Wellness Program Manager (CWWPM), and Wellness in Clinical Practice Certification Program (WCP).  To apply, candidates must meet the minimum requirements which may include a bachelor’s degree (or higher), professional experience, and continuing education/professional development requirements.  Certifications may require periodic recertification by taking Continuing Education (CE) courses and/or paying associated fees.

 

Slide 5

The American Heart Association offers certifications in Basic Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certifications.  These certifications may be required for to obtain certain certifications (i.e. to take the test for a personal trainer) or for specific jobs.

Diabetes Career Path Certificate Programs-Designed to provide a structure for training and educating healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals involved in delivery of diabetes education and care. There are different levels of healthcare providers

Level 1:  Non-professional healthcare providers Minimum high school degree or GED

1. Complete 20 hours work experience & 10 hours continuing education

 

Level 2:  Professional healthcare providers

1. Minimum bachelor degree
2. Complete 100 hours work experience & 20 hours of continuing education
3. Each level has certain online courses you have to complete then pass an exam

 

Slide 6

If interested in becoming a Wellness Coach, a coaching certification may be for you.  Once such organization, the International Coaching Federation offers three different certifications in coaching: Association Certified Coach, Professional Certified Coach, and Master Certified Coach Certifications.  The ACC and PCC have three different paths to choose from when applying.  Depending on the path you take you will have different requirements to meet in order to apply and test for the certification.  The MCC path only has option and requirements must be met to apply and take the test.

 

Slide 7

Thank you for joining us today on learning more about industry certifications and why they are important!