I was reminded of a quote this morning, "If you don't make time for wellness, then you will be forced to make time for your illness." This highlights how vital exercise professionals are to the health and well-being of patients, clients, and our communities. In today's world, countless competing priorities fight for our attention, and health and well-being take a backseat. Because of this, the role of registered exercise professionals has never been more crucial. These dedicated professionals are essential contributors to our healthcare system and are equipped to deliver bespoke exercise programs to foster wellness and fight against chronic diseases.
Professional registration is a stamp of approval that a professional has undergone rigorous training and passed an independent credential exam (e.g., national board certification exam, state licensing exam) to ensure they are safe and effective in a particular job. Similar to registered nurses (RNs) and registered dietitians (RDs), members of the United States Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPS) undergo a comparable process of accreditation. They must complete approved educational paths and pass standardized exams to demonstrate their proficiency and maintain their credentials, thus promoting a high standard of professional practice across the health and wellness industry.
USREPS registration signifies trust and reliability to the public and positions these professionals as vital extensions of the healthcare team. They play a crucial role in the continuum of health and well-being, helping individuals safely and effectively achieve their fitness goals while coordinating with other healthcare providers to support overall health.
For CREP member organizations, advocating for high professional standards is vital to our advocacy and outreach efforts. Registered exercise professionals are more than just fitness pros; they are champions of wellness who create bespoke exercise prescripts to meet the unique needs of clients/patients, helping to mitigate chronic diseases and enhance the quality of life. These professional registrations ensure that exercise professionals can offer evidence-based guidance and interventions that make a real difference in public health.
Exercise professionals can enhance their professional reputation and credibility by downloading the USREPS badge here and incorporating it into their email signatures and social media profiles. By taking this step, registered exercise professionals can demonstrate their dedication to our profession and champion exercise professionals to be recognized as essential members of the healthcare team.
Download the USREPS badge here.
Francis Neric, MS, MBA, currently serves as the President of the Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals (CREP) and is the associate vice president of certification and credentialing at the American College of Sports Medicine® (ACSM). Francis holds an MBA in business management from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, an M.S. in clinical exercise physiology from California State University, Fullerton, and a B.S. in exercise science from California State University, Long Beach. Francis combines academic and industry knowledge to drive innovation and excellence in the health-fitness industry. Francis is passionate about raising the bar for professionalism in the health fitness industry and expanding opportunities for exercise professionals in health care.
