Personal Trainer Certificate
Total Program Credits: 30
Provides the educational background specific to individuals pursuing job opportunities within the Sport and Fitness industry. The curriculum provides a basic foundation needed to analyze human body functions and the means to train the body to achieve the highest level of performance. Prepares the individual with the knowledge and skills for certification testing and accreditation by certifying boards (i.e., American College of Exercise). Job opportunities include personal trainer and/or positions available at fitness locations (i.e., health clubs, hospital fitness centers, corporate fitness centers, etc.).
Stackable Degree:
Health, Sport and Exercise Science, Associate in Science
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Personal Trainer Certificate, the graduate will be able to:
- identify leadership and professional skills within the field of personal training in order to build rapport;
- design health and fitness assessments to monitor progress and guide decision making relative to performance outcomes;
- prepare nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle behavioral plans to safely lose, gain, and maintain normal body composition;
- design exercise programs to improve strength, endurance, power, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness; and
- describe the dimensions of health that impact personal wellness.
Program prerequisite: Students must have current CPR certification or must have completed HTH 281◊ prior to enrolling in this program.
(Fall 2021)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| BIS 101 ◊ Human Biology | Life Science Gen-ed | 4 |
| HTH 104 ◊ Science of Personal Health | Core Course | 2 |
| HTH 120 ◊ Nutrition Science | Core Course | 3 |
| PED 153 ◊ Foundations of Exercise | Core Course | 3 |
| PED 195 ◊ Introduction to Sport Management | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s) |
Note: BIS 101◊ may be used as a Core Course.
| PED 168 ◊ Theory and Practice of Weight Training | Core Course | 2 |
| PED 200 ◊ Introduction to Biomechanics | Core Course | 3 |
| PED 210 ◊ Exercise Testing and Prescription | Core Course | 3 |
| PED 230 ◊ # Techniques in Sport & Exercise Science | Core Course | 1 |
| SPE 101 ◊ # Principles of Effective Speaking | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Take Credits | Program Elective | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan.
Create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers. Attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. (if applicable) |
| HTH 175 ◊ Drug & Alcohol Education | Core Course | 3 |
| HTH 202 ◊ Culture and Food | Core Course | 3 |
| HTH 216 ◊ # Wellness and Exercise for Special Populations | Core Course | 3 |
| HTH 220 ◊ Athletic Training Techniques | Core Course | 3 |
| HTH 221 ◊ Sport Specific Training and Rehabilitation | Core Course | 3 |
| PED Activity courses (numbered 150 and below) | | 1-3 |
| PED 116 ◊ Group Fitness | Core Course | 1 |
| PED 159 ◊ Selected Sport and Recreational Activities | Core Course | 1 |
| PED 172 ◊ Group Fitness Instructor | Core Course | 2 |
| PED 180 ◊ Strength Conditioning and Performance | Core Course | 3 |
| PED 189 ◊ # Water Safety Instructor | Core Course | 2 |
| PED 194 ◊ Principles of Coaching | Core Course | 3 |
| PED 196 ◊ Sport and Exercise Psychology | Core Course | 3 |
| PED 197 ◊ Sociology of Sport | Core Course | 3 |
| PED 198 ◊ Lifeguarding | Core Course | 1 |
| PED 206 ◊ # Athletic Fitness | Core Course | 1 |
| PED 275 ◊ Facilities Management | Core Course | 3 |
| PED 296 ◊ Special Topics in Physical Education | Program Elective | 0.5 - 4 |
| PSY 207 ◊ # Health Psychology | Core Course | 3 |
Activity courses: A maximum of three credit hours will be granted towards the certificate.
(Program Electives should be chosen with your advisor.)
See PED course descriptions.
Chairperson: Julianne Murphy, Ext. 3087
KEY
(AAS/CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |