Scope of Practice
What, exactly, do Personal Fitness Trainers (PFTs) do? Remember, we are not physicians but we can work with your physician (or other health practitioner) to design and facilitate the right exercise program for your needs.
PFTs DO NOT
PFTs DO
Diagnose
- Receive exercise guidelines from a physician, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare providers.
- Follow national guidelines for exercise prescription for medical disorders
- Screen for exercise limitations
- Identify potential risk factors through screening
- Refer clients to medical practitioners when necessary
Prescribe
- Design exercise programs
- Refer clients to medical practitioners for therapy
Prescribe diets or recommend specific drugs
- Provide general information on healthy eating
- Refer clients to a dietitian or nutritionist for a specific diet
Treat injury or disease
- Refer clients to a medical practitioner for treatment
- Use exercise to improve overall health by encouraging they follow any physician’s orders
Monitor progress for medically referred clients
- Document progress
- Report progress to medical practitioner
Rehabilitate
- Design an exercise program once a client has been released from rehab
Counsel
- Coach
- Provide general information
- Refer clients to a qualified professional
Work with patients
- Work with clients
