Advance your credentials and become a recognised expert in oncology exercise programming with the Cancer Exercise Specialist Training course is the most comprehensive cancer-specific certification available for health and fitness professionals. Developed by Andrea Leonard and the Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI), this course builds on foundational knowledge to give you expert-level skills in assessing, programming, and supporting cancer patients and survivors.
Ideal for trainers, exercise physiologists, and allied health professionals looking to stand out and serve a growing population of clients impacted by cancer.
Overview
The Cancer Exercise Specialist® course takes a deep dive into the biomechanics of cancer treatment, advanced assessments, and tailored exercise prescription. This course goes beyond basic programming and gives you a full clinical approach to supporting clients before, during, and after cancer treatment.
Course Highlights:
Advanced, self-paced online learning
Approx. 32 hours of education and application
Created by Andrea Leonard — founder of CETI and cancer survivor
Downloadable manual (500+ pages), assessment forms, and client resources
CEC/CEU accredited through AUSactive, ACE, and other major providers
Certificate of Completion as a Cancer Exercise Specialist®
You’ll Learn How To:
Perform comprehensive postural, muscular, and functional assessments
Address specific challenges post-surgery (e.g., mastectomy, lymph node removal, reconstruction)
Program for side effects like lymphedema, neuropathy, fatigue, and osteoporosis
Modify training based on surgical and treatment history
Build collaborative care plans alongside healthcare providers
Curriculum
Module 1: Cancer Overview and Medical Terminology
Foundations in oncology, terminology, cancer staging, and treatment timelines.
Module 2: Biomechanics and Functional Anatomy
Review movement patterns, posture, and how cancer and surgeries impact biomechanics.
Module 3: Assessment Protocols
Learn CETI’s proprietary postural, range of motion, and muscular balance assessments.
Module 4: Surgical Recovery & Exercise Modification
Explore dozens of surgical procedures (e.g., prostatectomy, mastectomy, thoracotomy) and how to adjust programming.
Module 5: Exercise Programming by Diagnosis & Stage
Case-by-case exercise design based on cancer type, treatment timeline, and client limitations.
Module 6: Lymphedema Prevention & Management
Understand risk factors, precautions, and guidelines for clients at risk of lymphedema.
Module 7: Putting It All Together
Create comprehensive client programs and track progress with CETI’s planning templates.
Bonus Materials:
500+ page Cancer Exercise Specialist manual
Intake forms, client progress charts, and postural grids
Real-life case studies
Pre-requisites
This is an advanced-level certification course. It is recommended that you complete the Cancer Exercise Trainer® course before enrolling, or have equivalent experience in:
Exercise Science / Physiology
Personal Training
Physical Therapy / Allied Health
Cancer Rehab / Oncology Nursing
Recommended Knowledge: