Program - Fitness Specialist

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Fitness Specialist

Program Information

The Fitness Specialist certificate program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to enhance employment prospects in the health and fitness industry, business, sports and leisure industry and coaching field. Areas of study include first aid and CPR, nutrition, wellness, weight training and conditioning, prevention and care of injuries, biology, and fitness testing and exercise prescription.

  • By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning goals:

    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major components of physical fitness.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the psychological principles which are critical to health/wellness behavior change.
    3. Describe and demonstrate assessment techniques and methods for cardiovascular and muscular strength and endurance.
    4. Demonstrate ability to design exercise training programs.
  • 30 credits

    HPER 1103 First Aid and CPR 3
    HPER 1112     Nutrition 3
    HPER 1120 Wellness for Life 4
    HPER 1152+ Aerobic Fitness  2
    HPER 1160 Weight Training and Conditioning  0
    HPER 1200 Anatomy of Movement 2
    HPER 2205 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries  2
    HPER 2206  Exercise Physiology 3
    HPER 2207* Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription  3
    HPER 2208^ Concepts in Personal Training 2
    HPER 2230 Introduction to Sports Management 3
    HPER 2296^++ Field Experience and Seminar in Fitness Specialist 2

    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
    ^Permission by the instructor is required for this course. 
    +HPER 1152 is taken in conjunction with HPER 1120 and will count into the four credits for that class.

    ++Prior to taking HPER 2296 students are required to complete HPER 1103.

    NOTE: It is recommended that a minimum of 12 program-required credits be completed or concurrently enrolled in prior to taking HPER 2296.

    • A minimum of 12 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above must be completed at ARCC.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
    • A minimum grade of C must be earned in all program requirements.
    • All program requirements must be completed at ARCC.
    • Courses must be completed within three years. Students may petition to extend the window beyond the three years.
    • All courses requirements must be complete before a certificate will be awarded.
    • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
    • The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice.

     

    NOTE: You are encouraged to contact an academic advisor at 763-433-1230 for course planning assistance and information about transfer credit evaluation and transfer options.

  • The sequence that follows is suggested for full-time students. Part-time students will need more time to complete this program; many courses are offered in the evening.

    FIRST YEAR

    Fall Semester 

       

    Spring Semester
     
    HPER 1103 3   HPER 1112 3
    HPER 1120/1152 4   HPER 2205
    HPER 1160 2   HPER 2207 2
    HPER 2206 4   HPER 2208 2
          HPER 2230
          HPER 2296 
     TOTAL 15     TOTAL 14
  • *Some occupations may require advanced education

    • Personal Trainer
    • Group Fitness Instructor
    • Dance Instructor
    • Corporate Fitness Instructor
    • Recreation Specialist
    • Strength-Conditioning Coach
    • Community Recreation
    • Health/Fitness Club Manager

Supplementary Information

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