Students will study exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, fitness assessment, exercise prescription and the business aspects of personal fitness training. Students will also be instructed in the Job Analysis Task List of the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer certification exam, the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of the American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor certification exam and the Basic Exercise Standards and Guidelines of the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America’s Primary Certification group for fitness leaders. Courses include classroom and lab time.
Information Sessions are scheduled during the term prior to enrollment in the Fitness Technician (FITT) Certificate Program. These sessions provide general information about the profession of personal fitness.
This program can be completed in two consecutive terms if attending full-time. Students wishing to enroll part-time must contact the department for approval.
Special Requirements
Physical Requirements: Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS) Office for more information.
Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).
The US Department of Labor expects the employment of fitness workers to increase 29 percent over the 2008-2018 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.*
*Source: United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 edition.