Instructors

CONTENTS

Osteofit Instructors

Osteofit programs are taught by British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) registered Osteofit instructors. To qualify for registration, each instructor must:

  • be registered as a BCRPA Fitness Leader in Group Fitness OR Weight Training OR Personal Training and must have Third Age designation prior to the Osteofit training course,
  • have completed the 2 days Osteofit Instructor Training Course,
  • passed the Osteofit exam, and
  • successfully passed an Osteofit Instructor Competency Evaluation (O-ICE).

Instructors are required to maintain certification with professional development workshops and repeat Osteofit ICE (every 3 years). 

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Osteofit Instructor Scope of Practice

Based on BC Women's guidelines and BCRPA standards, the Osteofit instructor is able to:

  • Provide initial health screening.
  • Design, modify and instruct safe, effective and appropriate fitness programs to meet the needs of apparently healthy individuals or special population who have received medical clearance* in a group fitness or weight room setting.
  • Lead exercise sessions that are based on BC Women's guidelines and BCRPA standards.
  • Incorporate the use of appropriate equipment based on specialized training and the needs of the participants.
  • Ensure a safe exercise environment utilizing standard screening tools.
  • Provide basic nutritional information based on Canada's Guide to Healthy Eating. Participants' requests for advanced nutritional information should be referred to a qualified nutrition professional.
  • In order to work with Special Populations**, the Osteofit instructor must obtain specialized training and consult with appropriate health care professionals.
  • Act as a resource and refer to appropriate health care providers when dealing with participants who have conditions that the Osteofit instructor is not specifically accredited to address.

*Medical Clearance is given to an individual to participate in this specialized exercise program. Osteofit instructors must ensure that they comply with the terms of such clearance as indicated by the medical practitioner regarding these individuals.

**Special Populations: Seniors, youth, pre/post natal women and any person with a disease condition or disorder (osteoporosis, arthritis etc.)

As a condition of the BCRPA Insurance policy for group, aquatic, yoga and weight training fitness leaders as well as personal trainers, pre-screening (i.e. the Par-Q or Health Screening) must be completed for each participant. If health screening is not completed the fitness leader's insurance will be void.

Osteofit Health Screening and Medical Clearance forms are available here and from the program coordinator.

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Osteofit Instructor Registration Program

BC Women's is responsible for developing the Osteofit Instructor Training Course curriculum, course design, course faculty, and manual. It has also established Osteofit Instructor Scope of Practice and Performance Standards. To register as an Osteofit instructor, evaluator, or trainer, an applicant must take the appropriate training courses. For example, for instructors, BC Women's Osteoporosis Program has designed a 15-hour Instructor Training Course.

Osteofit Instructors are registered through BCRPA. The BCRPA Fitness Registration Program is a recognized means of gauging expertise, qualifications, and abilities. Successful candidates are recognized as educated, well-trained individuals capable of providing a high quality of service.

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Osteofit Instructor registration requirements

  • BCRPA registration in Group Fitness OR Weight Training OR Personal Training prior to Osteofit training course
  • BCRPA Third Age designation prior to Osteofit training course
  • Osteofit Instructor Training Course
  • Osteofit written exam (70% required to pass)
  • Osteofit Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE) valid for 3 years
  • Current First Aid and CPR

There is no additional cost to register as an Osteofit instructor, your BCRPA fitness registration will include Osteofit designation provided all requirements have been met.

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Registration renewal requirements

Osteofit Instructors are required to renew their registration every 2 years. The requirements are:

  • Current BCRPA fitness registration in Group Fitness OR Weight Training OR Personal Training
  • BCRPA Third Age designation
  • 4 Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) in older adult fitness workshops
  • Osteofit ICE (valid for three years)
  • Current First Aid and CPR

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Benefits of registration as a BC Women's Osteofit Instructor with BCRPA

  • Clinical support from BC Women's Osteoporosis Program specialists -- physiotherapist, dietitian, nurse-clinician and physicians
  • Regular email of research related to seniors' Health and Wellness
  • Annual updates at minimal costs via workshops in all regions of the province
  • Membership in a not-for-profit organization that is the industry standard (85% of fitness facilities require BCRPA registration as a standard of employment)
  • Decreased risk of liability exposure. In a court of law, the parties involved are measured against the industry standard.
  • $2 million liability insurance included in registration (discounted insurance program for personal trainers)
  • Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics
  • Nationally recognized registration, transferable to other provinces (part of the National Fitness Leadership Alliance - NFLA)
  • Recognition of expanded skills in working with the older population
  • Connection to the fitness / health industry
  • E-news that provides current training information and industry updates
  • Discounts at various retail outlets

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Osteofit Instructor training course

The BC Women's Osteofit Instructor Training Course has the following objectives. After completing Day One, the instructor will have learned about osteoporosis, various therapies and challenges facing the person with this serious condition, and how to adapt their classes/weight training sessions so that they are safe yet effective. Instructors will also learn about the benefits of physical activity for people with osteoporosis, how Osteofit works with the medical and fitness community, networking, and monitoring individual progress.

After completing Day Two, the instructor will have the theoretical knowledge to deliver the BC Women's Osteofit Program.

The Osteofit manual, instructor training curriculum, and program of exercises are based on the latest research on osteoporosis and have been developed by BC Women's Osteoporosis Program in consultation with osteoporosis clinical specialists.

The curriculum includes:

  • Role of BC Women's Osteoporosis Program
  • Introduction to Osteoporosis
  • Management of Osteoporosis
  • Basic Nutrition for Healthy Bones
  • Principles of Training
  • Exercise Analysis
  • Contraindicated Exercises
  • Osteofit Program Design
  • Networking with Health Care Services

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Osteofit Instructor Exam

The Osteofit Instructor exam is a multiple-choice, closed book exam. It is usually written at the end of the Instructor Training course. A score of 70% is required to pass. A cost of $30 is applied to the exam. The Osteofit Instructor exam may be proctored. Contact BCRPA for more information.

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Course credits

The Osteofit Instructor training course is recognized by BCRPA for a total of 15 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) toward Instructor fitness registration renewal.

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Pre-requisites

Prerequisites for Osteofit Instructor Training are:

  • Registration as a BCRPA Fitness Leader in Group Fitness OR Weight Training OR Personal Training AND
  • BCRPA Third Age designation

Copies of current certifications are required. 

Contact the Provincial Coordinator at 604-875-2555 or by email at osteofit@cw.bc.ca for more information.

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Upcoming Instructor Workshops and Training Courses

Osteofit Instructor Manual Updates Workshop

The Osteofit instructor training manual is being revised. This workshop will review the updated content. For Osteofit instructors only. Pre-registration is required.

Courtenay
January 13, 2012
5-9pm
Comox Vally Sports Centre

For more information contact the Osteofit Provincial Coordinator at 604-875-2555 or by email at osteofit@cw.bc.ca  


Instructor Online Workshop

A Review of Strength Training Principles for the Older Adult

As our population ages, enrollment in exercise programs for the older, more frail adult continues to increase. How safe is it to include strength training? Which exercises are best for this older population? In this workshop we will review strength training principles, use of resistance, FITT principle, program design and progressions as it applies to seniors. Presenter: Debbie Cheong.

This workshop is not restricted to Osteofit instructors is available by Mediasite for online viewing. Access code will be provided upon registration. 2.0 BCRPA credits
Download registration form




Arthritis and Exercise Cautions and Modifications 

As fitness instructors we are facing an increase in the number of older adults attending our classes. These vibrant and active participants present with various chronic conditions of which Arthritis is a common concern. Join Wendy Turner, physiotherapist at Lions Gate Hospital Arthritis Program, for an overview of Arthritis and the modifications and precautions necessary to accommodate those in our classes who present with this disease condition. 1.5 BCRPA credits

Registration required. This workshop is not restricted to Osteofit instructors.

Download registration form  

Contact the Provincial Coordinator at 604-875-2555 or by email at osteofit@cw.bc.ca for more information.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Updated Nutrition for Healthy Bones  Click here.
Calcium-rich recipes  Click here.

Upcoming Instructor Training Courses

Contact us for more information  osteofit@cw.bc.ca


Courtenay
January 14 & 15, 2012
8:30am - 5pm

Comox Valley Sports Centre
3001 Vanier Drive
Courtenay, BC

Download registration form

For more information, contact the Provincial Coordinator at osteofit@cw.bc.ca  or call 604-875-2555.

Vancouver
April 15 & 22, 2012 (Sundays)
9am - 6pm

Jewish Community Centre
604-257-5111

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Osteofit ICE Evaluator Requirements

OPTION 1:
University Degree, Diploma or Certificate in Physical Education, Kinesiology or other related Health and Fitness area
OPTION 2:
Fitness Leader registration in Osteofit
BOTH OPTIONS REQUIRE:

Current BCRPA registration (out of province registration will be reviewed and assessed on an individual basis)
Current First Aid and CPR
Resume of practical experience detailing 30 hours of recent supervisory experience as well as 2 years of on-floor instruction in Osteofit (approximately 100 hours)
Recognized Supervisors course from an established university, college or business school (i.e. Justice Institute, Open Learning Institute, Community College)
BC Women's Instructional Competency Evaluation (ICE) Workshop and Practicum (contact us for more information osteofit@cw.bc.ca )
Advanced Osteofit ICE
Shadow Osteofit ICE
Two reference letters (current within 1 year) from a Supervisor or Manager/Owner of a fitness facility

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Osteofit Trainer Of Instructors Requirements

OPTION 1:
University Degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology or other related Health and Fitness area
OPTION 2:
BCRPA Registered Supervisor of Fitness Leader registration in Osteofit
Transcript indicating University/College education in related Health and Fitness area (minimum 27 credits)
BOTH OPTIONS REQUIRE:
Current BCRPA registration (out of province registration will be reviewed on an individual basis)
Letter indicating apprenticeship (50 hours of shadowing the Osteofit Instructor Training course) under a BCRPA registered Trainer of Osteofit Fitness Leaders (TFL)
Recognized Trainer of Trainers workshop/Adult Education course
Current First Aid and CPR
Resume of fitness background
BC Women's Instructional Competency Evaluation (ICE) Workshop and Practicum (for those applying for TFL status in a practical module)
Two reference letters (current within 1 year) from a Supervisor or Manager/Owner indicating competencies as a trainer and educator

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Forms

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Job Opportunities

  • BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre (BC Women's) is expanding their Osteofit Program to reach the Chinese-speaking communities of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. We are seeking BCRPA registered Fitness Instructors who are fluent in Cantonese and/or Mandarin. Instructors will be required to take a 15 hour training course (cost approximately $200.00 includes manual and exam) developed by BC Women's. A practicum and Osteofit Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE) complete the process of registration as an Osteofit instructor. Pre-requisites to Osteofit Instructor training include Fitness theory and Weight Training or Group Fitness or Personal training plus Third Age designation. Osteofit instructors must enjoy working with the mature population who present with diverse levels of ability.  Please contact us for more information.
  • Osteofit is expanding to the Punjabi community! BCRPA registered Fitness Instructors who are fluent in Punjabi are encouraged to take the Osteofit training and become registered Osteofit Instructors. Pre-requisites to Osteofit Instructor training include Fitness theory, Group Fitness or Weight Training or Personal Training plus Third Age designation. Osteofit instructors must enjoy working with the mature population who present with diverse levels of ability.  Please contact us for more information.

 

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