Exercise professionals who hold the Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) Credential showcase their ability to help individuals with common chronic medical conditions adopt and maintain an active lifestyle. The EIM Credential signifies that an exercise professional has met important educational requirements, is part of the EIM initiative and is prepared to collaborate with members of the health care community to improve referred patients’ health outcomes.
The credential helps exercise professionals build relationships with health care providers, highlighting how their services could extend a provider’s reach of care. Current EIM professionals report that the EIM Credential is a valuable conversation starter with providers who are curious about how an exercise professional could assist their patients within or outside the health care setting.
EIM Credential Requirements:
Upon obtaining the EIM credential, the exercise professional receives:
Why did you make these changes?
EIM updated the credential’s requirements and structure in response to feedback from physicians and other health care providers about the academic background an exercise professional would need to possess in order for them to trust that professional’s competence. Further, focus groups conducted with health care providers and exercise professionals, as well as feedback from ACSM customer service staff, indicated that there was considerable confusion about the previous three credential levels and exemptions. The new structure and requirements simplify and strengthen the EIM Credential.In addition, academic programs have varying curricula and may not cover all essential EIM topics. Requiring those pursuing the EIM Credential to take the updated EIM course ensures that all who possess the credential share the same foundation of knowledge.