Fitness Specialist, Certificate of Completion

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The Fitness Specialist Certificate of Completion prepares the student for entry-level employment as a personal fitness trainer. The student will possess the skills to work as a trainer in a private health club, corporate and commercial fitness facilities, or in his or her own business.

The program combines in-class learning with practical, hands-on experience in the field. Students will take academic classes along with a nationally recognized personal trainer certification to prepare them for the workplace. Cooperative experience, combined with 15 hours of hands-on training, give the student the experience and confidence to work with the general population and successfully interview for positions in the field.

Graduates are able to:

assess a client’s level of fitness using recommended guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine
design and customize exercise programs for individuals based on their current fitness level, future needs and fitness goals
demonstrate and teach proper execution of aerobic, resistance (including several types of weight training systems), and flexibility exercises
practice personal fitness training professionally

NOTE: Students in this program may not be eligible for Financial Aid; students should meet with an Academic Advisor or Financial Aid staff to discuss options for Financial Aid eligibility.

Curriculum – Certificate of Completion Program

First Semester

ENGL 111 - English Composition I 3 Credits
FITN 129 - First Aid & CPR 3 Credits or
FITN 148 - Lifeguarding 3 Credits ¹
FITN 132 - Concepts of Aerobic Conditioning 1 Credit
FITN 135 - Introduction to Weight Training 1 Credit
FITN 142 - Elements of Physical Fitness 3 Credits

Second Semester

FITN 203 - Exercise Measurement and Prescription 3 Credits
FITN 211 - Introduction to Personal Training 3 Credits ²
FITN 291 - Fitness Cooperative Education II 2 Credits

Total Credits 19

National Accredited Personal Training Certification ²

¹ Students must pass the Red Cross Lifesavings minimum skills test the first week of class for FITN 148 Lifeguarding . Students do not receive credit for both Lifeguarding and FITN 129 First Aid & CPR .

² The student must present current (valid through graduation date) Personal Trainer Certification recognized by the National Council for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or National Board of Fitness Examiners Certification to Enrollment Services Office with the Application for Graduation. FITN 211 Introduction to Personal Training prepares students for the ACSM Personal Trainer Certification exam and similar NCCA personal trainer certification exams. Costs and arrangements for the independent certification exams are the responsibility of the student.