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Fitness Specialist/Personal Trainer
View Catalog Details

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Contact: Liz WardTitle: Department ChairContact: eward@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Fitness Specialist/Personal Trainer

Kinesiology, Athletics and Dance Division
Certificate E0808
The Fitness Specialist/Personal Trainer Certificate prepares students for careers as personal trainers, health/fitness professionals in corporate fitness facilities, wellness centers and public/private health clubs. The Fitness Specialist/Personal Trainer Certificate curriculum is designed to prepare students who wish to take exams offered by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and other nationally recognized organizations. Technical skills necessary for implementation of a safe, effective and motivational physical fitness program are presented.

Required Courses

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
Select a related job title below to view demand & salary information
    • Coaches and Scouts

      Coaches and Scouts

      SOC Career Code: 27-2022.00

      Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $16.27

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $46,638.81
      Annual Job Openings
      5,339

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Athletic Trainers

      Athletic Trainers

      SOC Career Code: 29-9091.00

      Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $20.91

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $60,586.59
      Annual Job Openings
      291

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

      Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

      SOC Career Code: 39-9031.00

      Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $16.03

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $53,546.60
      Annual Job Openings
      11,019

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
How to Complete the Program

Guided Pathways

Program Guided Pathways

Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Fitness Specialist/Personal Trainer

    Kinesiology, Athletics and Dance Division
    Certificate E0808
    The Fitness Specialist/Personal Trainer Certificate prepares students for careers as personal trainers, health/fitness professionals in corporate fitness facilities, wellness centers and public/private health clubs. The Fitness Specialist/Personal Trainer Certificate curriculum is designed to prepare students who wish to take exams offered by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and other nationally recognized organizations. Technical skills necessary for implementation of a safe, effective and motivational physical fitness program are presented.

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    KIN 15Administration of Fitness Programs2
    KIN 24Applied Kinesiology2
    KIN 38Physiology of Exercise for Fitness3
    KIN 39Techniques of Fitness Testing2
    KIN 40Techniques of Strength Training and Conditioning3
    KIN 85Fitness Specialist Work Experience1
    Choose one course from the following:3
    NF 10
    Nutrition for Health and Wellness
    NF 12
    Sports Nutrition
    NF 25
    Introduction to Nutrition Science
    or NF 25H
    Introduction to Nutrition Science - Honors
    Total Units16
    Recommended Electives 
    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    DNCE 39Pilates Fundamentals0.5-1
    KINF 25Core Performance and Foundation Movement1-2
  • Kinesiology

    Kinesiology, Athletics and Dance Division
    Degree A0454
    Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer degree is designed to prepare students for transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in kinesiology, exercise science, pre-physical therapy, athletic training, and other related health professions. This degree provides guaranteed admission with junior status to the CSU system. Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer degree, students will attain a scientific foundation of Kinesiology as well as a movement-based competency that prepares them in pursing a bachelor's or master's degree and/or professional certification in sports medicine, exercise science, sports management, athletic training, physical therapy, nutrition, health promotion, and coaching or related fields.

    To earn an Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer, students must complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU that consist of IGETC pattern of CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree of transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    Core Courses14
    ANAT 10A
    Introductory Human Anatomy
    ANAT 10B
    Introductory Human Physiology
    KIN 17
    Introduction to Kinesiology
    Movement Based Course List - Select one (1) course from three (3) separate areas for a total of three (3) units:
    Aquatics
    KINA 8A
    Swimming - Beginning
    KINA 8B
    Swimming - Intermediate
    KINA 14
    Water Polo
    KINA 20
    Aquatic Fitness
    Combatives
    KINI 25
    Mixed Martial Arts
    KINI 27A
    Jeet Kune Do - Beginning
    KINI 27B
    Jeet Kune Do - Intermediate
    KINI 29
    Self Defense and Martial Arts
    KINI 30A
    Filipino Martial Arts - Beginning
    KINI 30B
    Filipino Martial Arts - Intermediate
    KINI 31A
    Jiujitsu - Beginning
    KINI 31B
    Jiujitsu - Intermediate
    KINI 34
    Women's Self Defense
    KINI 37A
    Tai Chi Chuan - Beginning
    KINI 37B
    Tai Chi Chuan - Intermediate
    KINI 33A
    Kickboxing Beginning
    KINI 33B
    Kickboxing Intermediate
    Dance
    DNCE 1
    Ballet Fundamentals
    DNCE 2A
    Ballet I
    DNCE 2B
    Ballet II
    DNCE 8
    Latin Dance I
    DNCE 10
    Modern Fundamentals
    DNCE 11A
    Social Dance Forms I
    DNCE 11B
    Social Dance Forms II
    DNCE 12A
    Modern I
    DNCE 12B
    Modern II
    DNCE 14A
    Jazz I
    DNCE 14B
    Jazz II
    DNCE 17
    Jazz Fundamentals
    DNCE 18A
    Tap I
    DNCE 18B
    Tap II
    DNCE 28
    Theater Dance I
    DNCE 29
    Theater Dance II
    DNCE 31
    Classical Dance
    DNCE 32
    Commercial Dance
    DNCE 36
    Commercial Dance II
    DNCE 39
    Pilates Fundamentals
    DNCE 41
    Pilates I
    DNCE 42
    Pilates II
    Fitness
    KINF 10A
    Weight Training - Beginning
    KINF 10B
    Weight Training - Intermediate
    KINF 19
    Strength Training
    KINF 25
    Core Performance and Foundation Movement
    KINF 34A
    Cardiorespiratory Training Beginning
    KINF 34B
    Cardiorespiratory Training Intermediate
    KINF 36A
    Circuit Training Beginning
    KINF 36B
    Circuit Training Intermediate
    KINF 38A
    Aerobics - Beginning
    KINF 38B
    Aerobics - Intermediate
    Individual Sports
    KINI 4A
    Badminton - Beginning
    KINI 4B
    Badminton - Intermediate
    KINI 18A
    Golf - Beginning
    KINI 18B
    Golf - Intermediate
    KINI 40A
    Tennis - Beginning
    KINI 40B
    Tennis - Intermediate
    KINI 40C
    Tennis - Advanced
    KINI 50A
    Yoga
    Team Sports
    KINS 2A
    Basketball Beginning
    KINS 2B
    Basketball Intermediate
    KINS 10A
    Beginning Soccer
    KINS 10B
    Soccer Intermediate
    KINS 16A
    Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball
    KINS 24A
    Volleyball - Beginning
    KINS 24B
    Volleyball - Intermediate
    KINS 24C
    Volleyball - Advanced
    Required Electives6
    Select two (6 units minimum)
    BIOL 1
    General Biology
    or BIOL 4
    Biology for Majors
    or BIOL 4H
    Biology for Majors - Honors
    CHEM 50
    General Chemistry I
    or CHEM 50H
    General Chemistry I - Honors
    KIN 3
    First Aid and CPR
    MATH 110
    Elementary Statistics
    or MATH 110H
    Elementary Statistics - Honors
    PHYS 2AG
    General Physics
    or PHYS 4A
    Engineering Physics
    Total Units20

Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Liz WardTitle: Department ChairContact: eward@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Hours: 7:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.Location: Building 45-1461Phone: (909) 274-4630