QTIP,

This is a good question and it extends further than just the qualifications of staff. It is also important to consider the quality of the systems that your service provider has to offer.

Firstly, to answer your question the main difference between a personal trainer and an exercise physiologist (who is probably the ideal person to conduct their health assessment) is that a personal trainer undertakes a relatively short course training them in the area of exercise prescription. On the other hand an exercise physiologist is tertiary qualified and undertakes a minimum three-year degree which provides them with the basics as well as the detailed science behind human physiology. To get more information on exercise physiologists, I suggest that you referred to the AAESS website (www.aaess.com.au).

When it comes to other aspects about quality of corporate health providers, it is important to also consider the assessment protocols used, type of testing equipment used, how the results are analysed and interpreted, and a variety of other factors. Organisations offering a high level of service will generally be members of The Health and Productivity Institute of Australia (www.hapia.com.au), of which FitSense is a member.

So in summary, my recommendation would be to look for organisations that offer both fully qualified and experienced staffand an organisation that is well structured to effectively deal with the information obtained in the workplace wellness program and to assist staff to improve their health and fitness.

I hope this helps.

Ben

Looking at quality assurance with our programs, what qualifications are best suited to individuals conducting corporate wellness programs? There are a lot of PT's emerging and my understanding is they have not gone through the same tertiary education as say exercise physiologists? Is there really going to be much of a difference or is it just a fancy name for a PT?

Again, all info is appreciated.


QTIP