Health and Fitness for First Responders Certificate

The program introduces and applies the principles of physical fitness and mental health for individuals preparing for careers in public safety, as well as those training for employment that requires a Physical Ability Test (PAT). This program is designed to enhance the overall fitness level of participants and introduce them to specific skills required to successfully complete physical agility tests for law enforcement, correctional agencies, and other employers that have entry-level fitness requirements. The emphasis is on improving both cardiovascular and anaerobic endurance plus muscle strength and endurance. Intense resistance training, anaerobic and cardiovascular workouts are utilized including concepts of wellness, mindfulness, injury prevention, and stress management. Participants progress through 3 levels of program instruction and training to earn a Certificate of Achievement.

Currently, there are over 1600 students enrolled as AJ majors with 56 AST and 62 AA degrees graduated. In 63 classes currently offered at AVC,  student polls indicate a high level of interest in the program which can directly enhance eligibility for hiring in future career positions for Federal, State, County, and Local jobs. 

Program goals and objectives are to prepare students for career opportunities and promotion within the Criminal Justice System. Target occupations typical to this major include Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Highway Patrol Officer, Correctional Officer, Public Safety Officer, Probation and Parole Officer,  FBI Agent, DEA Agent, Secret Service Agent, Customs Officer, Border Patrol Officer, Crime Scene Investigator, Emergency Dispatcher, Records Clerk, Jailer, Security Officer, Loss Prevention Officer, and Private Investigator. Many agencies and employers have a physical Abilities Test  (PAT) as part of the testing and eligibility for hire standards.

This program is essential for a career readiness and preparation. 

Program Goals and Objectives – must address a valid workforce preparation purpose and may address transfer preparation. Participants must successfully progress through 3 levels of program instruction and meet the level of fitness and training required to meet Federal, State, County and Local hiring standards for Physical Ability Tests. These tests are required as a prerequisite and eligibility for hiring at most agencies within the Criminal Justice system. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to participants who complete the program and achieve the level of fitness required for hiring within the vocation.

Level 1

Select and apply strategies for health and wellness as they apply to preparation for Public Safety careers.

Students will be able to demonstrate the basic physical fitness requirements for law enforcement officers.

Level 2

Students will be able to demonstrate the basic physical fitness requirements for law enforcement officers and display marked personal improvement on PAT tests.

Select and apply strategies for health and wellness promotion in preparation for Physical Ability Tests (PAT).

Level 3

Students will be able to perform the basic physical fitness requirements for law enforcement officers and display marked personal improvement from previous PAT tests.

Select and apply strategies for health and wellness promotion in preparation and for the successful completion of the Physical Ability Tests (PAT) to meet Federal, State, County and Local hiring standards.

This program is designed to enhance the overall fitness level of participants and introduce them to specific skills required to successfully complete physical agility tests for law enforcement, correctional agencies, and other employers that have entry-level requirements.  The program goal is to prepare participants to take entry-level Physical Ability Tests (PAT) and become physically fit for duty and employment. The objectives are for participants to embrace and practice health, fitness, and wellness to prevent injury, and manage stress. Sustaining career-long levels of physical fitness and wellness is important for both career success and longevity. 

Successful participants will:  

Outline and demonstrate success from a personal fitness program

Outline and describe a personal nutrition plan with reported results

Continue developing the fitness components used in the Physical Ability Test (PAT)

Recognize common symptoms of stress and personal stress threshold.

Identify and demonstrate common stress reduction techniques and the effects of long-term chronic stress.

Design additions and enhancements to personal cardiovascular endurance and strength programs to promote lifelong fitness

The student will be able to demonstrate improved muscle strength and endurance determined by strength tests to the level of eligibility for hire for standardized PAT.

Requirements    Course ID    Course Title    Units    Sequence

Required Courses (9 units)                    

     AJ 111    Beginning Health and Fitness for First Responders I    3    Year 1, Fall

     AJ 112    Intermediate Health and Fitness for First Responders II    3    Year 1, Spring

     AJ 113    Advanced Health and Fitness for First Responders III    3    Year 2, Fall

Required Major Total              9     

TOTAL Units              9     

Proposed Sequence:                    

Year    Semester         Units     

Year 1    Fall         3     

Year 1    Spring         3     

Year 2    Fall         3