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Leading the Way
Be the difference, serve the medical community and tackle chronic health conditions
Enquire todayExercise Specialist Courses and Qualifications
Working with the medical community, tackling obesity, diabetes and low back pain, you'll be able to master your trade and become a Level 4 exercise specialist.
Exercise Specialist Career Packages
Your direct route to Level 4 success. Expertly-delivered courses, cutting-edge content, interest-free payment plans and hands-on training at a nationwide venue.
Low Back Pain
Discover the tools needed to help clients combat low back pain with this package
Courses
Level 3 Exercise Referral Diploma
With this qualification, you’ll be able to work with an expanded range of clients, helping them manage chronic illnesses and conditions like asthma, obesity, arthritis and diabetes.
As the name suggests, the Level 3 Exercise Referral Diploma enables you to get involved with exercise/GP referral schemes and work alongside various public and private health organisations referring clients.
The course tackles a wide-range of subjects, including professional practice, pathophysiology of various conditions, programming exercise for medical conditions, the role of medications, and assessing and monitoring referred clients. To really bring the subjects to life, your learning will be enhanced by a range of extensive video lectures presented by a leading GP who is well-versed with exercise referral.
Level 4 Exercise for Low Back Pain Certificate
Low back pain is an ever-growing problem, not just in terms of the number of people it affects, but the strain it puts on the NHS and the economy.
The Level 4 Low Back Pain Certificate is a specialist qualification that puts you at the forefront of the fight against this chronic and, for many, debilitating condition.
The course comprises of a combination of expert-led practical training that is supported by a range of home-study learning and support materials. These resources include specialist video lectures presented by a leading back pain doctor and author, comprehensive training manuals and ongoing guidance from a dedicated learning support tutor.
Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes Certificate
Extras and Exclusives
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Discounted CIMSPA membership
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CV Connect
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12 months of career guidance
Key Benefits
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10-14 weeks to qualify
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Exclusive video lectures from a leading medical professional
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Become an exercise referral specialist
From £104 per month with our 0% interest-free payment plans
Obesity & Diabetes
Work with clients to tackle the prevalent conditions of obesity and diabetes
Courses
Level 3 Exercise Referral Diploma
With this qualification, you’ll be able to work with an expanded range of clients, helping them manage chronic illnesses and conditions like asthma, obesity, arthritis and diabetes.
As the name suggests, the Level 3 Exercise Referral Diploma enables you to get involved with exercise/GP referral schemes and work alongside various public and private health organisations referring clients.
The course tackles a wide-range of subjects, including professional practice, pathophysiology of various conditions, programming exercise for medical conditions, the role of medications, and assessing and monitoring referred clients. To really bring the subjects to life, your learning will be enhanced by a range of extensive video lectures presented by a leading GP who is well-versed with exercise referral.
Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes Certificate
Obesity and diabetes are two of the UK’s most prevalent medical conditions and they affect millions of people. The NHS is being stretched like never before by these conditions and exercise professionals are well-placed to play a key role in fighting this epidemic.
Our Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes Certificate will enable you to work side by side with members of the medical community to change both the quality and longevity of people’s lives.
The entirety of this course can be completed from the comfort of your own home. Your learning is enhanced by a wealth of print and online resources, including video lectures presented by a leading doctor, unlimited tutor support and information-rich training manuals.
Level 4 Exercise for Low Back Pain Certificate
Extras and Exclusives
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Discounted CIMSPA membership
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CV Connect
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12 months of career guidance
Key Benefits
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14-16 weeks to qualify
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Exclusive video lectures from a leading medical professional
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Become an exercise referral specialist
From £99 per month with our 0% interest-free payment plans
Featured Exercise Specialist Courses
The path to Level 4 is firmly in your hands. If you already have your Level 3 Exercise Referral qualification, then here's what's next...
Level 4 Low Back Pain Certificate
£495.00
With support from experienced exercise and medical professionals, you'll learn the skills to tackle a growing national problem.
Time to qualify:
4-6 weeks
Entry requirements:
Level 3 Exercise Referral Diploma
Course type:
Blended learning
Accreditations:
Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes Certificate
£465.00
Using content created and delivered by leading medical professionals, gain the knowledge to combat two of the UK's most prevalent medical conditions: obesity and diabetes.
Time to qualify:
10-12 weeks
Entry requirements:
Level 3 Exercise Referral Diploma
Course type:
Blended learning
Accreditations:
Didn't find the career package you were looking for? Our Careers team are ready and waiting to help you find your perfect exercise specialist course and #becomemore, so call us on 0800 612 4067.
Didn't find the career package you were looking for? Our Careers team are ready and waiting to help you find your perfect exercise specialist course and #becomemore, so click the button below to email us.
Enquire todayView all exercise specialist courses
Featured Exercise Specialist Packages
We've built these career packages with a view to helping you lead the way in your community. Discover course content, extras and exclusives, and venues for your practical training.
Low Back Pain
£875.00
Enquire nowIntro
The LBP career package is designed to make you an exercise specialist and enable you to work with exercise referral schemes and also work closely with clients who have low back pain. The package itself is comprised of the Level 3 Exercise Referral Diploma and the Level 4 Exercise for Low Back Pain Certificate.
With both qualifications, your home study is enhanced by access to LES, our innovative Learner Engagement System. It’s here you’ll find hours of exclusive video lectures delivered by two leading medical professionals. This resource goes hand in hand with your bespoke print and digital manuals and unlimited support from your dedicated Learner Support Tutor.
In just 10-14 weeks you could be fully qualified and leading the way with helping clients tackle prevalent illnesses and conditions like asthma, hypertension, osteoporosis, COPD and low back pain.
Content
In order to become a successful Level 4 exercise specialist, you’ll need to master the right blend of specialised knowledge and skills. Here’s what you’ll encounter with the LBP career package:
Exclusives
CV Connect
Using CV Connect is as simple as uploading your CV, selecting employers in your area and pressing send.
12 Months of Career Guidance
The course is over but support continues, we're here to offer 12 months ongoing fitness instructor career advice as and when you need it.
Discounted CIMSPA Membership
Graduates are entitled to discounted CIMSPA membership which gives you easy access to a range of benefits including free CPD, exclusive learning resources, industry recognition and status, and much more.
Payment
View dates and book
Obesity & Diabetes
£845.00
Enquire nowIntro
With the OAD career package, you’ll be given all the training, knowledge and qualifications you need to become a Level 4 exercise specialist. Your journey starts with the Level 3 Exercise Referral Diploma and with this, you’ll be able to work alongside the medical community with exercise referral schemes. As the name suggests, the Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes Certificate will enable you to tackle two of the country’s most prevalent conditions.
To assist your learning you’ll be assigned a dedicated Learner Support Tutor. Their guidance, revision help and support is unlimited and you’ll be able to contact them via phone or email. You’ll also have access to LES, our Learner Engagement System. It’s here that you’ll complete online assessments and access hours of exclusive video lectures delivered by two leading medical professionals.
In 10-12 weeks you’ll have completed both qualifications and be ready to go out into your community and make a lasting difference to the lives of your clients.
Content
The OAD career package provides you with all the tools, knowledge and skills that you need to become a Level 4 exercise specialist. Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll encounter:
Exclusives
CV Connect
Using CV Connect is as simple as uploading your CV, selecting employers in your area and pressing send.
12 Months of Career Guidance
The course is over but support continues, we're here to offer 12 months ongoing fitness instructor career advice as and when you need it.
Discounted CIMSPA Membership
Graduates are entitled to discounted CIMSPA membership which gives you easy access to a range of benefits including free CPD, exclusive learning resources, industry recognition and status, and much more.
Payment
View dates and book
One Career. Unlimited Possibilities.
Join an exclusive group of exercise professionals who have achieved the highest of standards.
FAQs
From getting Level 4 qualified to advanced course content, we've answered the most frequently asked questions about our exercise specialist courses.
Do I need any prior qualifications?
In order to enrol on a specialist Level 4 course, you must already hold, or be working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral (or equivalent). Don't worry however if you haven't yet booked your place on this course because we have a variety of packages below that combine and discount the Level 4 and exercise referral qualifications when they are booked together.
What career opportunities are available once I qualify?
As a Level 4 Exercise Specialist a number of employment and career opportunities are open up. A popular career path is to work in a formal exercise referral scheme, providing specialist exercise instruction to clients referred by their GP.
Other opportunities also include working privately with patients suffering from these specific conditions, working with weight management groups, physiotherapists, chiropractors and podiatrists to provide specialist exercise advice. It’s perhaps important to stress here that even when you’ve completed these qualifications, you’ll still be required to work alongside clinicians and other members of the medical community.
What can I expect to learn on my Level 4 course?
This largely depends on the specific pathway you select. Generally, speaking, you'll gain a deep understand of your chosen medical condition and how to effectively program physical activities for individuals with said conditions.
You’ll also learn about the medications used to control these conditions, their side effects and how to assess and monitor patients’ progress throughout their exercise journey. These qualifications really are packed with lots of advanced knowledge and skills to enable you to meet the specific needs of their target population.
Are your Level 4 courses accredited?
Our Level 4 courses are certificated by Active IQ and are fully recognised by all fitness industry employers and CIMSPA.
How will I be supported on my Level 4 course?
As a HFE student you’ll be supported continuously throughout the course. During the home-study phase of the programme, you’ll have a dedicated Learner Support Tutor who will guide you through your course. The practical element of the course is delivered by a team of highly qualified and experienced fitness industry and medical professionals.
In addition to our team, these courses are also extremely well resourced. You’ll receive training manuals, awarding winning online learning materials, mock exams, interactive worksheets, video lectures and much more. Our support and resources really are second to none.
How difficult are these courses?
These qualifications are designed for exercise professionals (not doctors) so you don’t have to worry about failure. All of the content that you need to know is provided and our team of expert tutors will explain exactly what you need to do – all you need to do is work hard and follow the programme.
The Level 4 Exercise Specialist courses do not have knowledge-based assessments and so you don’t have to worry about passing any tricky exams. What you will, however, need to do is develop a sound understanding of the relevant medical conditions and your ability to assess, design and instruct exercise to patients with these conditions effectively.
Our Reputation Precedes Us
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"HFE is the ultimate fitness training provider, without a doubt their personal training courses are the best in the industry."
James Crossley
(Hunter from Gladiators)
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"The course has really helped me to better understand yoga so that I can improve my performance and remain World No. 1"
Laura Massaro
(World No. 1 Squash Player - 2016)
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"HFE have produced some of the best materials I have seen in education."
Holly Bradshaw
(Team GB Olympic Pole Vaulter)
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"HFE is the most professional and cutting edge fitness provider I have ever seen."
Kardy Laguda
(International Fitness Presenter)
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One of the best course I’ve ever done!
2015-03-18I found the whole course very enjoyable, interesting and knowledgeable. Enjoyed learning about all the different conditions and I feel that I have been supported by HFE from the first moment through the entire course.
Alexa Griffin
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If you are looking for a tutor on call
2017-12-05Any communication I had with HFE was always positive with friendly staff like Amber. A brilliant course in which I learnt a great deal. I would highly recommend.
Teresa MacTaggart
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Personal Training Diploma
2014-10-09I have just completed my Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training with HFE, I cannot recommend them highly enough...
kimbers82
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Great Course
2015-04-24Delighted to have successfully completed the Level 2 Gym Instructor course. Not being in the fitness industry and learning something outside of my day-to-day job, I wasn't sure if I could achieve this, but I did.
PJK2015
Exercise Specialist Courses with HFE
The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that by the year 2030 almost 75% of men and 63% of women in the UK will be classed as obese. On a similar note, surveys have suggested that 49% of the UK’s adult population has, at one time, suffered from low back pain lasting at least 24 hours.
The prevalence of obesity, low back pain and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, COPD, hypertension and many others has never been greater. The time has come for fitness professionals to make that step up, gain new qualifications and be at the very heart of making a difference.
Our exercise specialist courses and qualifications are designed to be your direct route to success at level 4, which for many is seen as the apex of achievement. Upon completion of the Level 4 Exercise for Low Back Pain Certificate or the Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes Certificate, you’ll be able to confidently call yourself as an exercise specialist. For those still at level 3, we have the Level 3 Exercise Referral Diploma (also known as GP referral) and this acts as an entry requirement for the level 4 courses.
Each course is CIMSPA approved and internationally-recognised, this means that once you’re qualified there’s no limit to where you can apply yourself. That could be within your local community, perhaps nationwide or even internationally, for example at fitness retreats.
Along your journey to become a Level 4 Exercise Specialist, we’ll provide you with all the learning resources and support you’ll need. This includes 24/7 access to LES, the Learner Engagement System. It’s here you’ll find a range of online work to complete as well as exclusive video lectures delivered by one of the country’s leading GPs and a chartered physiotherapist with decades of experience. You’ll also be in regular contact with your dedicated support tutor via phone and email and they’re always on hand to answer any questions you may have and to guide your learning.
Once you’ve qualified as an exercise specialist with our LBP or OAD career packages, you’ll unlock access to CV Connect. This innovative system means you’re only a few clicks away from getting your CV in front of 1000s of employers.
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