Healthways Accreditation
The Healthways Instructor Accreditation for Older Adult Exercise includes four requirements:
- minimum of 18 years of age and proof of current CPR certification
- successful completion of three SilverSneakers course workshops
- successful completion of The Essentials Workshop (practical evaluation)
- successful completion of the SilverSneakers online written exam
Three SilverSneakers workshops serve as the baseline coursework: Muscular Strength & Range of Movement (MSROM), Cardio Circuit or CardioFit and Resistance Tool Choreography. These workshops may be taken in any order to satisfy the Healthways requirement for teaching older adults.
Instructors who are currently certified with an organization recognized by the SilverSneakers Fitness Program are not required to complete the Healthways accreditation and online exam in order to start or continue teaching SilverSneakers.
The Muscular Strength & Range of Movement (MSROM) Instructor Manual (2008 Edition) is the main resource used for the online exam. You will receive this manual when you attend the MSROM workshop. The online written exam includes 100 multiple choice questions. Passing score of 70 percent is required.
The Essentials WorkBook is the main resource used for the practical evaluation. All handouts and practical skills and drills conducted in Muscular Strength & Range of Movement, Cardio Circuit or CardioFit and the Resistance Tool Choreography Workshop will prepare instructors for study and practice with The Essentials WorkBook. Upon registration, instructors receive The Essentials WorkBook for study and practice. All practical skills and drills are outlined with practice routines and tools for skill improvement. The Essentials Workshop includes practice with a Healthways trainer followed by the practical evaluation performed by each individual or in small groups, depending on the size of the class.
- Practical evaluation includes teaching six skills and drills.
- Practical passing score of four is required out of seven.