01
Understand the client
Study the anatomy and pathology associated with common musculoskeletal, neurological and metabolic conditions, and recognize the implications for exercise.
All The Tools You Need To Build A Successful Online Business
Professional Education Since 1994Bridging Healthcare and Fitness
METI Certification · Established 1997
Post Rehab
Conditioning Specialist
An important first step into medical exercise training. The PRCS certification helps qualified fitness professionals develop the knowledge and exercise judgment to support clients who need continued conditioning following physical therapy or chiropractic care.
Build a stronger understanding of anatomy and common medical conditions, exercise guidelines, screening, functional outcomes, and how to work cooperatively with medical referral sources. This is professional exercise education—not medical diagnosis or treatment.
33 selected MEST lessons · Founded 1997 · Online study & certification examination
An METI certification pathway since 1997
33Structured PRCS Lessons
1997Certification Established
Exercise OnlyClear Professional Scope
A purposeful first step
Go beyond general fitness. Learn the post-rehab mindset.
PRCS introduces the education and professional boundaries needed to provide thoughtful post-rehabilitation exercise services and communicate confidently with medical professionals.
02
Make exercise decisions
Learn condition-related guidelines, screening principles, exercise modification, functional assessment and the importance of recognizing warning signs.
03
Build professional connections
Develop a clear description of your services, document exercise progress and begin building relationships with physicians, therapists and other referral sources.
Certification is the beginning. Appropriate exercise delivery and professional relationships are the next steps.
PRCS teaches fitness professionals to serve clients with medical conditions without stepping beyond their exercise-only scope.
What PRCS prepares you to do
Bridge the gap after rehabilitation.
METI developed the Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist certification in 1997 as an entry-level route into post-rehab conditioning. Many clients still need structured exercise after completing their rehabilitation. PRCS gives fitness professionals a foundation for that important next phase.
PRCS professionals may work in fitness centers, personal training studios, integrated rehabilitation or sports medicine settings, chiropractic practices, and clients’ homes, subject to applicable requirements and the services permitted in each setting.
- Understand post-discharge exercise roles and responsibilities.
- Apply introductory condition-specific exercise guidelines.
- Recognize precautions and refer medical concerns back appropriately.
- Use functional assessment concepts to monitor exercise outcomes.
- Communicate clearly with medical referral sources.
Full 33-lesson track
What you will study.
The PRCS curriculum draws 33 selected lessons from METI’s Medical Exercise Specialist Training Series. Every lesson has a video, lesson guide, and quiz. All 33 lesson titles are shown below, organized into six curriculum groups.
All 33 lesson titles are visible — no dropdowns required.Foundations • Regional protocols • Conditions • Practice skills
01Core foundationsThe role, scope and principles of post-rehabilitation exercise.5 lessons
- 01Medical Exercise Opportunities, Income and the Future
- 02Scope of Practice and Role of the MES and PRCS
- 03Medical Exercise Foundations – Pt I
- 04Medical Exercise Foundations – Pt 2
- 056 Keys to Medical Exercise Program Design
02Shoulder, elbow, wrist & handAnatomy, pathology, case applications and regional exercise guidelines.6 lessons
- 06Clinical Anatomy and Pathology of the Shoulder
- 07Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines of the Shoulder – Pt 1
- 08Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines of the Shoulder – Pt 2
- 09Medical Exercise Case Studies of the Shoulder
- 10Clinical Anatomy and Pathology of the Elbow, Wrist & Hand
- 11Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines for the Elbow, Wrist & Hand
03Lumbar & cervical spineSpinal anatomy and practical exercise guidelines.5 lessons
- 12Clinical Anatomy and Pathology of the Lumbar Spine Pt 1
- 13Clinical Anatomy and Pathology of the Lumbar Spine Pt 2
- 14Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines for the Lumbar Spine – Pt 1
- 15Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines for the Lumbar Spine – Pt 2
- 16Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines for the Cervical Spine
04Hip, knee, ankle & footLower-extremity anatomy, pathology and conditioning guidelines.7 lessons
- 17Clinical Anatomy and Pathology of the Hip
- 18Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines for the Hip
- 19Clinical Anatomy/Pathology for the Knee
- 20Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines for the Knee - Pt 1
- 21Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines for the Knee - Pt 2
- 22Clinical Anatomy/Pathology of the Ankle/Foot
- 23Medical Exercise Protocols/Guidelines of the Ankle/Foot
05Common medical conditionsCondition-specific considerations for ongoing exercise.4 lessons
- 24Medical Exercise Management of Diabetes
- 25Medical Exercise Management of Hypertension
- 26Medical Exercise Management of CVA, MS, and Parkinson’s disease
- 27Medical Exercise Management of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis and Fibromyalgia
06Screening, outcomes & practiceFunctional measures, essential skills, examination and business foundations.6 lessons
- 28Musculoskeletal Screening
- 29Functional Assessment Scales
- 30Medical Exercise Skills Checklist
- 31Multiple Streams of Medical Exercise Income
- 32MES/PRCS Exam Review and Procedures
- 33Medical Exercise Training.....The New Modality
Enroll with a qualifying background
Prerequisites and certification requirements.
You do not need a degree if you meet another accepted prerequisite. Certification requires completing the education, observation and examination steps.
Enrollment prerequisites — meet any ONE
- A recognized personal training certification.
- A degree in a health- or fitness-related field (such as exercise physiology, kinesiology, or nursing).
- At least one year working in a physical therapy, chiropractic, or sports medicine facility as a rehabilitation/exercise technician.
- A relevant qualification such as Pilates instruction, corrective exercise, kinesiologist, occupational/physical therapy assistant, athletic trainer, or massage therapist.
One prerequisite is sufficient. No degree is necessary if another listed prerequisite is met.
Requirements to earn the PRCS credential
- Complete the 33-lesson PRCS training track and associated coursework.
- Complete 10 observation hours in a physical therapy, chiropractic or sports medicine clinic before the final PRCS examination.
- Pass the PRCS final examination with a score of 80% or better.
- Maintain certification through METI’s two-year renewal and continuing professional education requirements.
Exam access is listed as included with PRCS enrollment. METI’s current renewal policy also includes professional ethics education.
Start your PRCS training
Two enrollment options. One PRCS certification pathway.
Choose immediate access to the full 33-lesson track or a monthly payment plan. Both options are intended to prepare you for the same PRCS final certification examination.
Accelerated · Full payment
All 33 Lessons
$597one payment
Begin with access to the complete PRCS curriculum, work through lessons at your own pace, and prepare for the examination.
Enroll — $597 Full PaymentCheckout managed through METI's Kajabi enrollment systemStandard · Payment plan
Monthly Payments
$99.50per month × 6 payments
Spread tuition over six payments. The existing PRCS description outlines paced release of lessons with this option.
Enroll — 6 Monthly PaymentsTotal advertised tuition: $597Considering more comprehensive medical exercise training?
The PRCS is designed as an entry-level post-rehab credential. The Medical Exercise Specialist (MES) pathway covers a broader curriculum and is a stronger fit if medical exercise training will become your primary professional specialty.
Compare with MES CertificationFrequently asked questions
Important questions about PRCS.
Review eligibility, certification steps, professional scope, and the differences between PRCS and MES.
What is the Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist (PRCS) certification?
PRCS is METI’s entry-level post-rehabilitation exercise certification, introduced in 1997. It prepares qualified fitness professionals to provide appropriate exercise and conditioning services to clients with medical conditions after discharge from therapy or chiropractic care. It is not a license to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
What are the prerequisites to enroll?
You need only one qualifying background: a recognized personal training certification; a degree in a health- or fitness-related field; at least one year of experience as a rehabilitation/exercise technician in a physical therapy, chiropractic or sports medicine facility; or a relevant professional certification such as Pilates instruction, corrective exercise, kinesiologist, athletic training, massage therapy, or occupational/physical therapy assisting. A degree is not required when another qualification is met.
What does each lesson include?
The PRCS Track contains 33 structured MEST lessons. METI’s current PRCS description specifies a video, lesson guide and quiz for each lesson. The accelerated option provides access to the full track immediately; the standard payment option offers a paced lesson release.
What are the requirements to earn PRCS certification?
Complete the 33-lesson PRCS Track, document 10 hours of observation in a physical therapy, sports medicine or chiropractic setting before taking the final exam, and pass the PRCS examination with a score of at least 80%. Completion of lessons alone does not confer certification.
How is PRCS different from Medical Exercise Specialist (MES)?
PRCS is the entry-level conditioning track, while MES is the broader, more comprehensive Medical Exercise Specialist program. Both emphasize exercise-only services, professional boundaries, and appropriate communication with medical professionals. If you intend to build medical exercise training as your primary practice specialty, review the full MES training pathway.
What kinds of conditions are covered?
The 33 lessons introduce regional musculoskeletal concerns, selected neurological and metabolic conditions, hypertension, arthritis-related conditions, and principles of screening and functional assessment. They prepare you for exercise applications within your competence and within the applicable medical guidance—not independent medical treatment.
Can PRCS professionals diagnose or provide physical therapy?
No. PRCS education prepares fitness professionals to deliver appropriate exercise and conditioning within their scope. Diagnosis, medical evaluation and treatment belong to licensed healthcare providers. New warning signs or concerns outside professional scope require referral back to an appropriate provider.
How often does PRCS certification need to be renewed?
METI requires renewal every two years. Current METI renewal information describes 10 hours of eligible continuing education, observation and/or approved volunteer activity, together with its Medical Exercise Professional Ethics training and renewal process. Review the current renewal policy when your certificate approaches expiration.
Can I continue from PRCS into the full MES program?
Yes. PRCS is a starting point within METI’s wider Medical Exercise Specialist Training Series. Review the MES curriculum and contact METI about your next steps, including how previous PRCS coursework may be considered.
Does either enrollment option include the final examination?
The current PRCS page states the PRCS final exam is included in enrollment. Please verify your selected Kajabi offer and access terms before completing registration.
About the Founder
Dr. Michael K. Jones
Founder of METI and developer of its medical exercise training programs. Drawing on more than four decades in physical therapy and rehabilitation education, Dr. Jones helped establish the MES pathway in 1994 and led the development of the PRCS certification in 1997.
Read About METI & Its Founder →About the Medical Exercise Training Institute
Discover METI →Since 1994, METI has worked to bridge healthcare and fitness through education, appropriate professional boundaries, documented functional outcomes, and cooperation with medical referral sources.
Choose your next step
Build a stronger foundation in post-rehab exercise.
Start with the 33-lesson PRCS Track, or explore the broader MES pathway if you intend to specialize in medical exercise training.