FITNESS TECHNICIAN
School of Health Wellness & Public Safety
• Certificate in Fitness Technician
Program Description
Students will study exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, fitness assessment, exercise prescription and the business aspects of personal fitness training. Students will also be instructed in the “Job Analysis Task List” of the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer certification exam, the “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities” of the American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness instructor certification exam and the “Basic Exercise Standards & Guidelines” of the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America’s Primary Certification of group fitness leaders. Courses include classroom and lab time. All 100-level physical activity courses are offered as CR/NC only.
The program begins every fall and can be completed in two consecutive terms if attending full-time. The majority of fall term classes are prerequisites for the spring term classes.
Career and Advancement Opportunities
For 2004–05, graduates had a 100 percent placement rate. The majority of jobs available are as personal fitness trainers in various health and fitness clubs. Graduates have also been employed in hospitals, physical therapy clinics and senior centers.
Special Requirements
Required information sessions are scheduled during the summer term prior to enrollment in the Fitness Technician (FITT) Certificate Program, which begins every fall term. For the dates and times of these sessions, interested students must contact the program director, Tom Morris of the FITT program at (505) 224-4211. These sessions review the program requirements, curriculum and the profession of personal fitness training in general. Interested students must attend one session. Students will not be allowed to enroll in the program unless they attend one of these sessions.
Students interested in certain Health, Wellness & Public Safety Division programs must be in good physical and psychological health. Some programs require documentation of a recent health screening from a licensed healthcare provider confirming the ability to safely perform program specific activities and lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for those students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with a disability that may interfere with completing program competencies, which may include providing safe patient care, are advised to contact the HWPS Division Office at (505) 224-4111 for more information.
This is a very intense and difficult program requiring hard work and excellent study habits.
All Health, Wellness & Public Safety Division career and technical courses required for graduation must be taken for a traditional grade of A, B or C. For Health, Wellness and Public Safety career and technical courses offered only for credit/no credit, a grade of credit (CR) must be earned.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Program information is available from the program director, Tom Morris, at (505) 224-4211, or from Academic Advisement and Career Development at (505)224-4321 .
