Personal Training – Certificate of Achievement, Associate in Science

The Personal Training Program is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program designed for students who wish to gain the skills necessary to work as professional Personal Trainers. This program provides comprehensive training in anatomy, fitness assessment, and program design, equipping students to safely and effectively work with clients of various fitness levels and abilities. The curriculum also includes essential knowledge in the business of personal training, preparing students to work in gyms, health clubs, or as independent trainers, both in-person and online. Students in this program are trained to be evidence-based personal trainers, capable of designing safe, effective, and research-supported exercise programs. They learn how to motivate clients, prevent injuries, and promote long-term health and fitness goals. The program emphasizes rigorous physical conditioning and hands-on practice in both classroom and fitness center settings. Upon completion, students are ready to pursue nationally accredited personal trainer certifications from organizations such as ACE (American Council on Exercise), NASM, NSCA, or other recognized certifying bodies. Successful completion of the program and passage of a national certification exam qualifies graduates for entry-level positions in the fitness industry.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

We anticipate the number of students to earn this certificate annually will begin at 10-15 and increase with awareness of the program 

Projected annual completers: 10-15 

Program Outcomes 

1. Describe the importance of client-trainer relationships and effective communication techniques
2. Evaluate the usage of fitness tools, equipment, and technology in personal training sessions
3. Recognize basic anatomy and physiology concepts relevant to fitness training
4. Demonstrate the importance of physical fitness and best practices for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
5. Identify common risk factors and safety protocols to minimize injury during personal training sessions

The purpose of the new Personal Training program is to prepare students for employment as certified Personal Trainers. This program equips students with essential knowledge and skills in fitness training and client management. The curriculum is aligned with the latest industry standards, preparing students to design and implement customized fitness programs. This program provides students with the foundational knowledge needed to pursue certification from leading personal training organizations such as ACE (American Council on Exercise), NASM, NSCA, and others. Upon completion of the program and successful passage of a national certification exam, students will be qualified for employment and opportunities for career advancement in the fitness industry.

The Personal Training certificate will be the 2nd certificate of achievement within the Kinesiology, Health, and Athletics department, joining our existing Yoga Instructor Training certificate. The courses offered include not only the theory, but physical application of skills needed within this profession. This breadth of certificate options allows the department to serve students interested in various areas of fitness instruction and training.

This Personal Training certificate will aid in the hiring of personal trainers at various corporate gyms and support the creation of self-started businesses. The program prepares students to work with diverse client populations in multiple settings including fitness centers, health clubs, corporate wellness programs, and private training studios.

The listed community colleges below contain a Personal Training Certification in our area. It is important to note that fitness trainer includes Yoga trainer as well. Our certificate is distinct in the fact that we are looking specifically at personal trainer. In the current setup, many schools are not awarding many certs increasing the need for our program. 

Projected annual completers: 10-15 

This is a new program