Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor

100% of this program can be completed online.

HERE’S WHERE A REWARDING FITNESS CAREER TAKES SHAPE.

Personal trainers find job satisfaction in motivating clients to get fit, lose weight or simply feel better. MCC’s Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor certificate offers the knowledge and skills to begin your career in a field with steady growth. Personal trainers and fitness instructors are employed in fitness clubs and gyms, or are self-employed and work independently.

Your job title* could be: 

  • Personal Fitness Trainer
  • Group Fitness Instructor
  • Health Club Assistant
  • Fitness Program Professional

 
*Educational and experience requirements may vary, depending on your career goals.

Many students combine this certificate with MCC’s Health and Wellness Coaching A.S. or Sport Management A.S. degrees, then transfer to four-year programs in exercise science, sport medicine and nutrition. While you study for a degree, it leads to part-time, entry-level jobs at employers like these.

  • Gold’s Gym
  • JCC
  • Rochester Athletic Club
  • YMCA
  • Midtown Athletic Club

This two-semester program is for individuals who would like to expand their knowledge and skills in fitness for use with athletic teams, individual or group client situations, or personal development. You’ll learn from instructors who have a broad range of experience in these fields. You’ll gain competencies in:

  • Fitness assessment
  • Diet assessment
  • Professional communication skills
  • Creating individualized fitness programs based on client goals and abilities
  • Safe practices

Upon completion, you will be prepared to pursue certifications from:

  • Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer (CI-CPT)
  • American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer
  • National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Personal Trainer Certification

    This program can be completed 100% online.

PERSONAL TRAINER/FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Certificate Program

Department:Health and Physical Education

School(s): Health Sciences & Physical Wellness

MCC Program Code: PE02

100% of this program can be completed online.

Description
This is a two-semester certificate program designed to prepare the student to enter the fitness industry. This is an ideal program for individuals who desire certification as personal trainers and fitness instructors, or for individuals who would like to expand their knowledge and skills in fitness for use with athletic teams, individual or group client situations, or personal development. Upon completion of this certificate students will be prepared to take the Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer (CI-CPT), the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer and the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Personal Trainer Certification. (First Aid and CPR certifications are required by completion of the certificate).

Program Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate competence in fitness assessment, diet assessment and personal living skills based on client data.
2. Develop individualized progressive fitness programs and plans based on client needs and goals.
3. Communicate appropriately with clients in both the conveyance of professional information and demonstration of socially appropriate interpersonal skills.
4. Accommodate the diversity of client characteristics and the changing nature of physical activity.
5. Demonstrate safe and current physical skills such as locomotor and non-locomotor movement skills, dynamic and static stretching, technique for free weight and technology assisted strength training, and functional exercise.

Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org

Requirements for Program Entrance
High School Diploma. High School Biology is recommended. MCC Level 8 Mathematics Placement

Distribution Requirements

Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER: 16 Credit Hours
ENG 101 College Composition 3
PPE 100 Introduction to Sport Science4
PPE 208 Sports Psychology3
SMT 215 Sports Management 3
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION - NATURAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE 3
Total16
SECOND SEMESTER: 12 Credit Hours
MTH 160 Statistics 3
PPE 155 Sport Performance Coaching 3
PPE 240 Selected Topics in Physical Studies 3
SMT 201 Cooperative Education - Sports Management 3
Total12
TOTAL CREDITS28


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School of Health Sciences & Physical WellnessThe School of Health Sciences & Physical Wellness prepares you to deliver quality patient/client care, and improve the health of individuals and communities through education and service.