GP Exercise Referrals - Level 3

Summary

This course is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support clients living with one or more long-term health conditions through safe and effective physical activity.

You will learn how to plan, deliver and adapt exercise programmes that help individuals manage their conditions, improve their health and enhance their quality of life. The course places strong emphasis on behaviour-change techniques, enabling you to motivate and support clients in making sustainable lifestyle changes.

A key feature of the course is its alignment with current health priorities in the UK, including an ageing population and increasing prevalence of long-term conditions. You will also develop an understanding of the wider health landscape and how fitness professionals can work alongside healthcare teams.

Choosing B&FC means you will benefit from experienced tutors, practical learning environments and a focus on real-world application. This course is ideal for qualified fitness professionals who want to expand their skills and work with clients with more complex health needs.

On completion, you could progress into roles supporting clients with long-term conditions in community, fitness or clinical environments, or continue onto higher-level specialist qualifications.

Entry Requirements

 A suitable Level 2 qualification in Gym Instructing (not including instructing children)

  • A suitable Level 3 qualification in Personal Training, Pilates Matwork, or Teaching Yoga
  • A physical fitness level appropriate for taking part in exercise/physical activity
  • Communication skills at Level 2, including reading, writing and discussion (Certification will be required as evidence prior to enrolment)
  • Digital Literacy – as the course has significant IT and Online elements, students need to be confident in using Office 365 and navigating the internet with confidence

You should already have experience in the fitness industry and be confident working with clients in a professional environment. This course will build on your existing knowledge and prepare you to work safely and effectively with individuals who may have more complex needs.

 

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
06 Nov 2026
University Centre
16 Weeks

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Exercise Referral Instructor
Specialist Personal Trainer (long-term conditions)
Health and Fitness Professional working with clinical populations
Progression to Level 4 specialist qualifications and higher education

 

 

Next steps at B&FC

Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training (Diploma)
Level 3 Technical Occupational Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Diploma)
Cert HE (L4) Health, Nutrition and Movement
FdSc (L5) Health, Nutrition and Movement
BSc (Hons) Health, Nutrition and Movement (L6)

You may also choose to progress to higher-level specialist qualifications such as Level 4 programmes focusing on physical activity for specific health conditions, supporting continued professional development within the health and fitness sector.

Employment Opportunities

Exercise Referral Instructor
Specialist Personal Trainer (long-term conditions)
Health and Fitness Professional working with clinical populations
 

Key information

Qualification obtained

Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-term Conditions

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications. 

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

  • You will need appropriate sportswear to participate in practical gym-based sessions.
  • Although not mandatory access to a laptop or computer is advantageous.

There are no mandatory additional costs specified for this course. However, learners may choose to purchase personal resources or equipment to support their studies, and costs may vary depending on individual preference.

What will I learn?

The course consists of five mandatory units:

  • Applied anatomy and physiology for exercise, health and fitness
  • The health landscape
  • Managing long-term conditions 
  • Behaviour change for clients with long-term conditions 
  • Planning and adapting physical activity for clients with long-term conditions 

Through these modules you will develop the following skills and knowledge:

  • Understanding the causes, symptoms and management of common long-term conditions
  • Supporting clients using behaviour-change theory and techniques
  • Planning and adapting safe and effective exercise programmes
  • Conducting client consultations, screening and assessments
  • Working within a professional scope of practice and alongside healthcare professionals
  • Supporting clients to improve their health, wellbeing and long-term outcomes

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

This course does not include any mandatory industry placement or field trips.

However, students are encouraged to be active members of a gym or fitness environment to support their practical learning and development.

There may also be opportunities towards the end of the course for students to be considered for interviews with local employers, helping to support progression into employment

How will I learn?

You will learn through a mix of classroom teaching, workshops, group activities and independent study. Teaching methods include tutor-led sessions, discussions, case studies and scenario-based learning, helping you apply your knowledge to real-life situations involving clients with long-term conditions.

In addition to the face to face contact time there is a significant amount of at home independent study required to successfully complete this course equating to 6-8 additional study hour per week.  This independent study supports research, assignment completion and preparation for assessment. 

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods include:

  • Theory-based assessments and eAssessments
  • Assignments and case studies involving client scenarios
  • Practical application of consultation, planning and programme design

All assessment components are mandatory and must be passed to achieve the qualification.