Eight Kinesiology students eligible for CSEP personal training certification

CSEP is considered the gold standard for physical training certification in Canada.

Eight College of the Rockies students have earned eligibility to be certified as Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Personal Trainers. Pictured (l-r) Shady Shafik, Jani Vogell (instructor/examiner), Bradley Spurge, Jacqueline Adkins, Jessica Derheim, Andrea Older, Kat Wilkinson, Reanna Bonomo, Jireh Lastimosa. — Photo courtesy COTR

Eight College of the Rockies Kinesiology students have earned eligibility for Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Personal Training (CSEP-PT) certification, a year ahead of students at many other institutions.

“We’re fortunate that one of our Kinesiology instructors, Jani Vogell, is a certified CSEP Exercise Physiologist, and Personal Trainer instructor/examiner,” said Norma Sherret, Dean of Health and Human Services at the College. “This means that while students at many other institutions have access to this training in their third year of study, our students are able to become certified at the end of their second year. This provides them with a significant advantage if they choose to transfer to another institution to complete their degree or, if they prefer, they are able to start their careers as personal trainers.”

CSEP is a voluntary organization composed of professionals interested in, and involved in, the scientific study of exercise physiology, exercise biochemistry, fitness and health. They are considered the gold standard for physical training certification in Canada, as it requires a minimum of a diploma in Kinesiology or a related field.

“Students gain practical experience throughout their final semester by working with a volunteer ‘client’ from the College staff,” said Vogell. “Our program also provides them with access to all of the courses that are required to become certified, including human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, athletic therapy, exercise psychology, weight training, and exercise prescription. All of this prepares them to complete their certification.”

All eight students completed training and successfully passed practical exams administered by Vogell.  Their status has been submitted to CSEP, making them eligible to write the theory exam, the final step for certification. The students will complete the final exam at different points over the summer, based on their schedules and exam location availability.

Once certified, they will carry liability insurance and will be able to assist people with meeting their overall health, activity, and exercise goals.

“Having the option to get this certification, especially for a smaller college, really surprised me and was one of my favourite things about the Kinesiology program,” said Bradley Spurge, a CSEP-PT candidate. “I am hoping I can start training people this summer.”

Learn more about College of the Rockies’ Kinesiology program at: cotr.ca/kinesiology

About College of the Rockies

For more than 40 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry and businesses of our region. Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 full-time and part-time students into a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly-personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.