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 with Third Age designation,
  • have completed the 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.

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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 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 14-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, Weight Training, or Personal Training
  • BCRPA Third Age designation
  • Osteofit Instructor Training Course
  • Osteofit written exam (70% required to pass)
  • Osteofit Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE) valid for 3 years
  • First Aid (valid for two years) and CPR (valid for one year)

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, Weight Training, or Personal Training
  • BCRPA Third Age designation
  • 4 Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) in older adult workshops
  • Osteofit ICE (valid for three years)
  • First Aid (valid for two years) and CPR (valid for one year)

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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
  • Quarterly newsletter that provides current training information and industry updates
  • Discounts on continuing education opportunities
  • 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

Each day of the training course entitles the instructor to 7 Continuing Education Credits (CEC), recognized by BCRPA for a total of 14 CEC's 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, Weight Training, or Personal Training
  • BCRPA Third Age designation

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 Training Courses and Workshops

  •  Spring 2009 (Location and Date TBA)

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

Cost of Instructor Training

The 16-hour Instructor training course cost $190 and includes the manual and exam. 

Instructor Updates Workshop

  • Spring 2009
    BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre
    Vancouver

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

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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 70 hours of on-floor instruction in Osteofit
Recognized Supervisors course from an established university, college or business school (i.e. Justice Institute, Open Learning Institute, Community College)
Instructional Competency Evaluation (ICE) Workshop and Practicum (contact the office regarding waitlist procedures)
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 teaching Osteofit) under a BCRPA registered Trainer of Fitness Leaders (TFL)
Recognized Trainer of Trainers workshop/Adult Education course
Current First Aid and CPR
Resume of fitness background
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 14 hour training course (cost $190.00 includes manual) 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 with 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 and Weight Training with 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.
  • Renfrew Park Community Centre is seeking an Osteofit instructor to implement the program in September 2008. The centre is located at 2929 East 22nd Avenue. There is also the potential for an Osteofit-in-Chinese program to get underway. Please contact Cheryl Palidda directly at 604-257-8390 for more information.

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