The Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure at the Institute of Technology Sligo has recently been accredited by the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA).
The EHFA , a not-for-profit organisation represents the interests of the sector in Europe with the EU, the International Olympic Committee, and the World Health Organisation.
It is a standards setting body of the health and fitness industry in Europe and promotes best practice in instruction and training. EHFA currently represents approx 6,000 health clubs and leisure centres and 15 national associations across 22 countries.
Institute Students recognised as European Fitness Instructors
Students undertaking the Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure in Institute of Technology Sligo can now become industry recognised fitness instructors and join the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS).
Members of the EHFA visiting panel and IT, Sligo Staff Members. Back row left to right – Ann Higgins, Head of Department, Dr Etain Kiely, Stephanie Donegan. Front row left to right – Sarah Edmonds (Evaluating Panel), Shirley McKenna, Lee Russell (Evaluating Panel), Roddy Gaynor, Sean Mooney, Paula Roddy, Kerry Larkin
“Achieving the EHFA professional qualification is another step to positioning IT Sligo’s Business degree in Recreation & Leisure at the top of similar type programmes throughout Ireland. Students can now attain up to ten nationally recognized coaching & instruction awards in addition to their business degree while studying in Sligo.” noted Roddy Gaynor, Programme Co-ordinator.
Ten nationally recognised awards available to Institute students
The Institute was successful in achieving both EQF Level 3 Fitness Instructor (Gym Instructor) and EQF Level 3 Group Fitness Instructor (Exercise to Music). Accreditation for EQF Level 4 Personal Trainer is pending completion of action requests and will be offered in September 2009. This work was spearheaded by lecturers Shirley McKenna, Patricia McCaffrey and Sean Mooney.
Awards lead to ‘improved employment opportunities’
‘In an ever increasing competitive labour market, the ability to gain a European wide recognised qualification which complements a business degree improves the employment opportunities for our graduates and demonstrates the innovative drive within Institute of Technology, Sligo to constantly enhance our programmes’ stated Ann Higgins, Head of Department in Marketing, Tourism and Leisure.
If you require further information on the Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure offered in Institute of Technology, Sligo please contact:
Ms. Ann Higgins
Phone: (071) 9137220
Email: higgins.ann@nullitsligo.ie