Year 1: The National Certificate in Fitness
Is a comprehensive course for the aspiring fitness professional, including both theoretical and practical elements. Our key focus is on producing fitness professionals who demonstrate competency in the workplace. This certification is carefully designed to ensure that you are immersed in the fitness industry while you study, so that you not only possess the latest information available, but have the confidence and ability to apply your skills once qualified!
Upon completion of this qualification, you will be fully equipped to:
- Design and implement a physical activity programme for healthy individuals.
- Screen, assess and monitor health-related fitness programmes.
- Promote and provide safe and effective physical activity participation to meet participants· fitness requirements.
- Have the knowledge for appropriate referral to other healthcare providers.
Year 2: The National Diploma in Fitness
Building on the National Certificate in Fitness, the National Diploma in Fitness will see you expand your skills, specialise in a selected field, and gain the tools required for lifelong learning. Upon completion of this qualification, you will be fully-equipped to:
- Design, implement and manage a physical activity programme for healthy individuals or groups and apparently healthy special populations (pregnant, children, youth, older adult, athletes).
- Screen, assess, monitor and manage health-related fitness and wellness programmes, without direct supervision.
- Promote and provide safe and effective physical activity participation to meet participant/s fitness requirements as well as provide educated advice on lifestyle change for improved wellbeing.
- In addition, the qualifying learner will have the knowledge for appropriate referral to other healthcare providers.
- Further your own learning, practice and career within the fitness and/or associated industries and through your own personal growth.
Accreditation
The National Diploma in Fitness is registered with CATHSSETA and the Department of Education.
Requirements
A matric certificate or equivalent NQF level 4 qualification is required for entry into this program.
Qualification Content
Module 1: Introduction to the Fitness Industry (12 Credits – completed in Certificate in Fitness)
The History and Role of the Fitness Industry in Society
Career Pathways
The Fitness Environment
Module 2: Anatomy and Biomechanics (15 Credits – completed in Certificate in Fitness)
Introduction to Anatomical Structures
Introduction to Biomechanical Principles
Functional Anatomy and its Application to Exercise
Module 3: Physiology (15 Credits – completed in Certificate in Fitness)
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Exercise Preparation and Recovery Strategies
Preventing Overtraining
Module 4: Screening and Testing (9 Credits – completed in Certificate in Fitness)
Design and Implication of Screening Procedures
Assessing the Physical Fitness of Adults
Module 5: Exercise Programming (13 Credits – completed in Certificate in Fitness)
Programme Design Techniques
Physiological Considerations
Designing Programmes for Disabled Individuals
Module 6: Health and Safety (11 Credits – completed in Certificate in Fitness)
Ensuring Safety in the Fitness Environment
Risk Prevention and Management
Module 7: Understanding Special Population Groups (40 Credits)
Nutritional Requirements of Special Population Groups
Unique Anatomical, Physiological and Biomechanical Considerations
Performing Assessments on Special Population Groups
Module 8: Sports Psychology (32 Credits – 7 credits completed in Certificate in Fitness)
Encouraging Participation in Physical Activity
Client Motivation Strategies
Principles of Wellness and Lifestyle change
Behaviour Change Strategies
Module 9: Business Management (22 Credits – shared with Certificate in Fitness)
Entrepreneurial Skills
Administrative Techniques
Communication Skills and Networking Strategies
Financial Strategies and Planning
Establishing and Implementing a Business Plan
Module 10: Fitness Nutrition (6 Credits – completed in Certificate in Fitness)
Basic Principles of Nutritional Guidance
Module 11: Professionalism (8 Credits – completed in Certificate in Fitness)
Professional Values and Ethics
Module 12: Chronic Disease Management
Understanding Chronic Disease (Diabetes, Hypertension, Osteoporosis, Asthma, etc.)
Special Exercise Considerations
Elective Module (50 Credits – 10 completed in Certificate in Fitness)
Group Training
Exercise Programming for Special Populations OR
High Performance Conditioning Techniques
Assessment
Distance/Online Study
So you’re passionate about fitness, but can’t commit to lectures – we have taken this into account and designed a comprehensive distance learning course, allowing you the flexibility to study in your own time without compromising on the quality of your learning experience.
