- Some patients will benefit from the clinical guidance and monitoring provided by cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs are often staffed by clinical exercise physiologists (RCEPS, CEPs) and nurses. A clinical exercise physiologist is an allied health care professional who utilizes scientific rationale to design, administer and supervise exercise testing and therapeutic training programs for individuals with chronic health disorders, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease and metabolic disorders.
- Other patients need treatment and individualized exercise for musculoskeletal or neuromuscular conditions prior to engaging in a broader physical activity program. Physical therapists, occupational therapists and athletic trainers play a key role in this area.
- Exercise physiologists and personal trainers who possess NCCA accredited certifications and/or the EIM Credential are integral to Exercise is Medicine. Sedentary patients, or those with chronic diseases, often have limited access to reimbursed exercise programs within the healthcare setting. Patients need community-based solutions (professionals, places, programs) where they can be physically active and receive expert training. Properly prepared exercise professionals have an opportunity to work with referred patients and develop on-going relationships with healthcare providers and practices.
EIM Credential
ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) Credential is a designation earned by those who have achieved a combination of education and certification enabling them to provide exercise guidance as an extended member of the health care team.
The EIM Credential online course is designed to help exercise professionals learn more about how to work effectively as a member of the extended healthcare team, provide exercise guidance to individuals with the most common chronic diseases, and utilize behavioral support strategies to help a patient successfully integrate regular physical activity into their lives.
Learn more about obtaining the EIM Credential.
Resource Books
- ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription - 11th Edition
- ACSM's Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines - 5th Edition
- ACSM's Complete Guide to Fitness & Health-2nd Edition - In this new edition of ACSM's Complete Guide to Fitness & Health, you have an authoritative reference that applies current research-based guidance to promote health and fitness. This book is packed with information on developing personalized, complete and progressive exercise programs. Plus, the background content and sample programs provide insights on both the why and the how of developing a complete exercise program. You can confidently recommend this ACSM-reviewed book as a “take home” resource for clients and patients.
