Online College Certificate Program: Personal Fitness Training (ACE)

The Online Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training is a web-based, interactive educational experience that includes input and guidance from outstanding faculty/instructors drawn from colleges/universities, the allied health/medical field, and the personal fitness training profession.

The certificate program is designed to supply essential education integrating exercise science curriculum and practical training techniques into a systematic model that teaches students to progress their clients through different training levels and phases.  Students will be prepared for careers working at medically-based fitness facilities, community wellness programs, personal training studios, physical therapy clinics, corporate fitness centers, YMCA’s/JCC’s, and private and commercial health clubs.

The certificate program's required five core courses, including the optional field internship elective have been designed to be completed in as little as five months or students have up to one-year if necessary.  Students may register for the Advanced Certificate in Personal Fitness Training Program, which consists of students completing three additional courses. 

• The On-line Certificate program format has been designed to be taken in three consecutive modules.  Each course focuses on an industry-specific, professional topic, or science-based core body of knowledge.
• Students may elect to enroll in courses one at a time, as they are offered.
• Students are provided with 8 weeks of access per course.
• Courses are offered in an OPEN ENROLLMENT format, meaning students can register and begin courses at any time.

Certificate Program in Personal Fitness Training

 Module 1:
Course 1: Introduction to Exercise Science-Level 1 (Anatomy and Kinesiology)
Course 2: Introduction to Exercise Science-Level 2 (Exercise Physiology)

Module 2:
Course 3: Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques
Course 4: Business Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers

Module 3:
Course 5: Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations
Course 6: Optional Field Internship in Personal Training (Elective)

Advanced Certificate Program in Personal Fitness Training
Module 1:
Course 1: Nutritional Analysis and Management
Course 2: The Science and Biomechanics of Resistance/Weight Training Techniques
Course 3: Functional Flexibility, Core, and Balance Training

• Students are provided with details to prepare for the ACE Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Examination