The Medical Exercise Program Director (MEPD) is our highest level of post rehab certification.  MEPD’s are found managing hospital based fitness programs, establishing post rehab programs in health clubs and marketing post rehab programs in sports medicine centers.  The MEPD acts as the liaison between the medical community and the fitness center.  He or she has greater training and knowledge than the Medical Exercise Specialist and the Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist.  The MEPD is trained to develop, manage and market a post rehab program in any setting.  The MEPD training includes advanced courses in pharmacology, ergonomics, senior fitness, post rehab guidelines for the knee, shoulder and spine and post rehab assessment.  Click here for more details on the Medical Exercise Program Director certification. 

The Medical Exercise Specialist (MES) is the oldest and most recognized post rehab certification in the industry.  The MES certification was established in 1994 by two physical therapists, Michael K. Jones, PhD, PT and Jeffrey Wright, BS, PT, as a means of assuring safe and effective post rehab fitness programming for clients after discharge from physical therapy and/or chiropractic care.  The MES is trained to develop safe and effective post rehab conditioning programs for clients with musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and neurologic disorders.  The MES is not trained to diagnose or treat any medical conditions.  The Medical Exercise Specialist certification may be obtained via three options; 1) through the  2-day onsite workshop, 2) the MES DVD workshop or 3) the MES Study Group.  MES’ are found in 21 countries around global.  Many MES’ have established referral relationships with physical therapists, chiropractors and physicians in their communities.  Some MES’ have also received insurance reimbursement for post rehab services.  Post rehab is the new frontier of the fitness industry.  Click here for more details on the Medical Exercise Specialist certification so you can “Bridge the Gap Between Health Care and Fitness.

The Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist (PRCS) certification is an entry-level certification and is for those starting out in the post rehab arena.  The PRCS is obtained through our Essentials of Post Rehab Fitness (EPRF) DVD workshop. The PRCS is able to develop safe and effective post rehab programs for a wide range of clients in any setting.  If you are new to post rehab or only have a small number of post rehab clients, AAHFRP recommends the PRCS certification. Click here for details on the Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist certification.