Medical Exercise Program Director

The American Academy of Health, Fitness & Rehabilitation Professionals’ (AAHFRP) elite certification level is that of Medical Exercise Program Director (MEPD). As health, fitness and medical facilities implement post rehabilitation programs to address the ongoing wellness needs of today’s baby boomers, the need for a high-level post rehab professional to direct such programs is essential. The role of the MEPD:

1. Develops, manages, administers and markets a post rehab program
2. Acts as the liaison between medical professionals and the fitness facility
3. Serves as the primary facilitator of continuing education for the post rehab staff members

The “Elite” Only 1% of the thousands of AAHRFP program participants have achieved the status of MEPD. The career path of a MEPD is endless … one of the Academy’s MEPD coordinates post rehab programs for a conglomerate of health clubs spanning Northern New Jersey; another directs post rehab programs for all 14 World Health Clubs in Alberta, Canada; and the list goes on. Hang your hat on the MEPD certification and a similar career could be yours! MEPD’s are found in hospital-based fitness centers, private health clubs, physical therapy and sportsmed clinics and chiropractic offices.

“I have developed a complex network … I owe much of my success to Dr. Jones and the fine programs that he offers. As it stands, I am now rated the top personal trainer in my area due to the excellent resources that I have been given and am finding new opportunities every day.” David Gilks, MES, PFT, MEPD Core Essentials Health Management Services Nanaimo, BC Canada MEPD Curriculum Prerequisites for the MEPD are AAHFRP’s Medical Exercise Specialist certification and/or a college degree in a health and fitness related field. The MEPD course consists of DVD modules which include:

• Essentials of Senior Fitness Manager
• Ergonomics for Fitness Professionals
• Pharmacology for Fitness Professionals
• Advanced Post Rehab Guidelines for the Knee
• Advanced Post Rehab Guidelines for the Shoulder
• Advanced Post Rehab Guidelines for the Spine
• MED-FIT Assessment Guidelines (C-spine, L-spine, Shoulder, Hip, Knee, Ankle, Elbow, Gait/Balance)
• Current Topics in Post Rehab DVD’s
• MAPPS – Medical Exercise Assessment Progression and Protocol System
• Developing a Post Rehab Program
• Post Rehab Foundations

MEPD candidates must also:

• Complete each DVD module’s examination and/or case studies.
• Develop and submit a business plan for a fictitious post rehab facility. The plan must include marketing, equipment acquisition, facility layout, administrative procedures and staff guidelines.
• Develop a presentation on a post rehab related topic, including handouts. The presentation must be delivered to a live audience of post rehab professionals – this presentation must be recorded and submitted to AAHFRP for review.
• Each MEPD candidate must complete a MEPD application prior to entering the program.

Joining the “Elite” Much thought and introspect occurs before undertaking the MEPD program. To determine if the MEPD is for you, ask yourself these three questions:

• Do I have strong leadership skills?
• Am I innovative and creative in my approach to fitness programs?
• Is my passion for post rehab fitness not only towards helping clients improve function, but also towards enhancing the professional development of other post rehab professionals?

If you answered “Yes, that’s me!” to all three questions, the MEPD is for YOU! Each MEPD module is discussed in detail as well as the review and completion of homework assignments and course projects. Email Dr Mike at DrMike@postrehab.com for your MEPD application. Once your application is approved, order the MEPD workshop using the link below or call 1-888-610-0923.

We will offer our MEPD Study Group for the first time beginning in Sept 2009. Each MEPD registrant is eligible to participate in the MEPD Study Group. Participation in the MEPD Study Group is included in the cost of the MEPD tuition. See the schedule below for the MEPD schedule.