The aim of this programme is to enable students to develop the specialised knowledge and skills required to operate as professional clinical exercise physiologists

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology will be able to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge, understanding and attributes: A critical understanding of the role of clinical exercise physiologists, including professional boundaries and relationship to other health professionals, Advanced knowledge of the pathophysiology of injuries and medical/health conditions and related medications, Advanced knowledge of the role of lifestyle education (including nutrition) and psycho-social factors in the development and management of medical/health conditions and injuries, The ability to accurately assess and monitor client risk prior to engaging in, and during, exercise testing and an exercise programme, including appropriate referral to medical professionals, Competency in specialised exercise or functional testing and specialised exercise prescription for a range of medical conditions and injuries, while ensuring client safety, The ability to implement appropriate strategies to improve client outcomes across a range of complex health conditions, The ability to work with a variety of health professionals as part of a multi-disciplinary team across a range of medical/health conditions and musculo-skeletal injuries, Well-developed interpersonal skills and heightened cultural competency, enabling effective professional interactions with clients, colleagues and the wider community, The ability to work with clients from a range of cultures, developed through an understanding of models of health and cultural practices, with the ability to apply this understanding to clinical practice, Applied understanding of the research process and the ability to utilise research findings to improve clinical practice, Clinical experience (minimum 540 hours) with clients across a range of chronic disease conditions or injuries. Clinical exercise physiologists will encounter clients with clinical conditions across the majority, or all, of the following categories within the workforce: cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, metabolic diseases (eg, diabetes), neurological diseases/disorders, immunological and hematological disorders (eg, cancer), cognitive, psychological and sensory disorders and musculo-skeletal conditions/injuries.

This postgraduate diploma builds on undergraduate study in the areas of exercise, sport and health. Graduates of this programme may progress to further study in these areas, for example, at Masters level.

Applicants must continuously hold a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate, including Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) prior to the start of the programme, and for its duration. Placement for clinical experience in the community is pursuant to all applicants' criminal history being clear of any matter which might cause UCOL to question their suitability for employment in the clinical exercise physiology area. Therefore, acceptance into the programme is conditional on each student completing a request for a copy of their criminal record from the NZ Police Vetting Agency and for authorising the release of this document to UCOL. Placement for practicum in clinical placement centres is pursuant to all applicants meeting vaccination requirements for that specific clinical placement centre. Students with a personal history of highly infectious conditions like Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C and AIDS will need to provide more detailed medical records and would require acceptance by the Dean of Faculty for entry into the programme. Therefore, acceptance into the programme is conditional on each student satisfactorily completing a UCOL Health Declaration form and agreeing to meet any potential vaccination requirements.
Academic Reuirements: The following academic entry requirements apply: Completion of the UCOL Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science programme, or
Completion of a similar degree-level programme in Exercise and Sport Science or Health Science, with a focus on physical conditioning for health, or
Completion of a health-related degree with industry experience in physical conditioning for health, which has been assessed by the Clinical Exercise Physiology Programme Committee as equivalent to any other entry requirements stipulated in this section, and applicants must provide: evidence of a minimum of 140 hours' exercise delivery experience working with 'apparently healthy' or 'low health risk' individuals. Note:Applicants who have completed a science/health-related degree and do not meet the above criteria may be required to complete the proposed Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science, or equivalent, prior to entry to the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology.

International students must also have achieved an average IELTS level of 6.5 with scores of not less than 6.5 in speaking and not less than 6.0 in all bands. Entry and final acceptance of international students will depend on having a work Visa to complete the clinical placement requirements.