Fitness Specialist Certification
Fitness Specialist Certification
Southwestern College's Exercise Science Department offers a one-year Exercise Specialist
Certification program for students interested in careers in the fitness and wellness
industry.
The Exercise Science Department offers Certificates of Achievement for the Fitness
Specialist Certification, Basic and Advanced. The Fitness Specialist program is designed
to train and qualify students to function as entry-level, intermediate and advance
group exercise leaders and personal trainers. Students will learn the scientific principles
of exercise and physical conditioning, techniques of exercise leadership with groups
and individuals, assessment and establishment of healthy behaviors, nutrition and
the designing of safe, effective and personalized exercise plans for a variety of
clients.
The Fitness Specialist Certification - Basic
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Introduction to Applied Kinesiology
Techniques of Weight Training
Nutrition for Athletes
Exercise for Special Populations
Techniques of Exercise Leadership
Fitness Specialist Internship
The Fitness Specialist Certification - Advanced
All classes offered under the Basic program Fitness Assessment & LaboratoryPrevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
First Aid & CPR
Fitness Specialist Internship
The fitness specialist internship provides students with practical experience in the field of exercise and fitness. The emphasis includes: client assessment, principles of adherence and motivation, evaluations of exercise program design and progression, self-marketing in specialist/client relationships and professional and legal responsibility in a fitness setting.- One day lecture each week
- 10-week session
- 90 hour internship (with placement assistance)
Once the internship is completed you will have an opportunity to take the American Council on Exercise (A.C.E.) Personal Training Certification Examination. Once you pass the examination, you will have completed one of the most comprehensive fitness specialist programs in the state and be a certified personal trainer.
Program Benefits
- Personal Trainers
- Commercial Fitness Settings
- Corporate fitness programs
- Strength Coaches
- Physical therapy aids
- Aquatic instructors
- An affordable fast-paced program to get state certified
- Preparation to get nationally certified (ACSM, ACE, BFPT)
- Build a career path or transfer to a 4-year program