Fitness Specialist
Associate in Science
Program Details
The Fitness Specialist Certificate is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become Personal Trainers and/or Group Fitness Instructors. It is primarily geared toward preparing students to successfully obtain certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM - CPT for personal training) or Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA - GFI for group fitness instruction), and to develop comprehensive knowledge of scientific evidence, tools and protocols specific to the fitness industry. Practical experience is integrated into curriculum for the development of skill mastery. Students are recommended to have basic knowledge of human biology, basic English writing and speaking skills, and the ability to perform moderate physical activity before beginning this program.
Additional Requirements
NoFitness Specialist Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2023-2024. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?
Featured Careers (2)
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Athletic Trainers | Master's degree, Bachelor's degree | Rising | 60,250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 46,180 |
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the NASM-CPT and AFAA-GFI exams.
- Apply fundamental science of kinesiology to assess, design, implement, and lead fitness programs for individuals and groups in a diverse population.
- Utilize universal risk management strategies.