Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Fitness Specialist

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The Fitness Specialist Certificate program prepares students for employment in the fitness industry by combining a science-based academic foundation with an abundance of experiential learning. Students gain knowledge of Kinesiology principles while developing fitness assessment, exercise leadership, and individual & group exercise programming skills. The program is designed to get students into the industry as soon as possible but includes transferrable coursework for students seeking to further their education in Kinesiology-related fields.

Students will select, execute, interpret, and communicate results from various fitness assessment field tests based upon age, gender, fitness level, and cultural differences.

Students will design a helath-related or performance related program for apparently healthy individuals and several special populations.

Students will lead personal training sessions as well as a variety of small and large group exercise activities.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

9 units
KNPR 101
Introduction to Kinesiology
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary approach to the study of human movement. An overview of the importance of sub-disciplines in kinesiology will be discussed along with career opportunities in the areas of teaching, coaching, allied health, and fitness professions.
    KNHE 104
    Nutrition and Fitness
    An applied nutrition course to improve the nutrition and health of active individuals. The course will focus on lifestyle, disease prevention, fitness, weight control, and the basic concepts of good nutrition.
      Plan 1: 7A. Lifelong Understanding
      KNHE 106
      Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid
      This course involves the theory and detailed demonstration of the first aid care of the injured. The student will learn to assess a victim’s condition and incorporate proper treatment. Standard first aid, CPR, and AED certification(s) will be granted upon successful completion of requirements.
        CHOICE: Physical Activity Elective

        Second Semester

        6 units
        KNPR 110
        Kinesiology-related Occupational Work Experience
        This work experience course consists of supervised paid or unpaid employment in an Athletic, Allied Health, or Fitness related setting. It is designed to assist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes, and skills related to the student's educational major. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to eight units per semester for a maximum of sixteen units. Seventy five hours of paid work or sixty hours of unpaid work equals one unit of credit. Student repetition is allowed per title 5 section 55253; however, only 1 unit may be applied toward major requirements or a certificate.
        • Prerequisite: Students must be concurrently enrolled or have completed KNSM 101 or the Fitness Specialist Certificate Program. Application must be approved by the Kinesiology Department Chair.
        KNPR 202
        Introduction to Personal Training
        This course is designed to introduce students to the fitness specialist career and prepare students for entry level personal trainer certification exams. Emphasis is placed on professional conduct, introduction of human movement science principles, and exercise program development for apparently healthy adults and children.
          KNPR 205
          Techniques of Exercise Leadership
          This course is designed to introduce and practice the principles and techniques invovled in teaching group exercise and developing personal trainer/client relationships. Emphasis is placed on client assessment, communication skills, program design, exercise adherance, teaching strategies, and professional responsibility and liability.
            CHOICE: Physical Activity Elective