Jun 25, 2025  
2025 - 2026 Catalog 
    
2025 - 2026 Catalog

Health Fitness Specialist - AAS


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Program Code: AAS.25710

The Health Fitness Specialist program is designed for students seeking careers in fitness, health promotion, and wellness coaching. This interdisciplinary program combines exercise science, health education, and practical training to prepare graduates for diverse roles in the rapidly growing health and wellness industry.  Graduates are equipped to work in fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, rehabilitation settings, or as independent fitness and wellness consultants. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to health, empowering students to support individuals in achieving optimal physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Health Coach:  The focus is designed to prepare students for careers in guiding individuals and communities toward healthier lifestyles. This comprehensive program integrates knowledge from nutrition, exercise science, psychology, and behavior change to equip students with the skills needed to motivate and support others in achieving personal wellness goals.  Graduates of the program are equipped to work in diverse settings, including corporate wellness programs, fitness facilities, healthcare organizations, and private practice. This program cultivates professionals committed to improving health outcomes and fostering well-being in their communities.  Students will take the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Health Coach national certification exam and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Group Fitness Instructor national exam while in the program.

Personal Trainer:  The focus is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the fitness and wellness industry. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students develop the expertise needed to design and implement safe, effective, and personalized fitness programs for diverse populations.  Graduates are equipped to work as personal trainers in gyms, fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, or as independent contractors. This program fosters the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to guide individuals toward achieving their fitness and health goals.  Students will take the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer exam and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Group Fitness Instructor national certification exams while in the program.

Track One - Health Coach


Total Semester Credits: 14


Total Semester Credits:15


Total Semester Credits: 13


Winter Second Year:


Total Semester Credits: 14


Total Semester Credits: 6


Total Credits: 62


Track Two - Personal Trainer


Total Semester Credits: 14


Total Semester Credits: 16


Total Semester Credits: 13


Total Semester Credits: 13


Total Semester Credits: 6


Total Credits: 62


Notations


THE  GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR ADVANCED CERTIFICATE AND PERSONAL TRAINER ADVANCED CERTIFICATE ARE LADDERED INTO THIS PROGRAM.  UPON COMPLETION OF THIS PROGRAM STUDENTS CAN ALSO APPLY FOR BOTH OF THE ADVANCED CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS. 

  1. A minimum grade of “C” (2.0 or higher) is required in BIO, LW, LWA, and LWT courses.
  2. If you are anticipating pursuing a Baccalaureate Degree BIO 152W  and BIO 153W  are required for most transfer programs in place of BIO 140W .
  3.   LWT 214 , LWT 230  and LWT 242  are offered in the Fall only.  LWT 213W , LWT 240 , and LWT 255  are offered in the Winter only.
  4. Current CPR certification is required for LWT 240 LWT 242 , LWT 250 , and LWT 260 . Current CPR certification must be in place and maintained by the start of these courses. American Heart Association is preferred, and this can be achieved in LWT 165 , LWT 170  or HSC 140 
  5. You will be required to take the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Health Coach Certification Exam while taking LWT 250  Health Coach.
  6. You will be required to take the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam while taking LWT 242  Group Fitness Instructor.
  7. In addition to tuition, fees, and textbook costs, you are responsible for the fees for the ACE examinations. You may have to purchase special shoes, shirts, nametags, and provide transportation to all internship sites.
  8. You need to be aware that internship assignments may be outside the Tri-county area.
  9. See Graduation Requirements  and MTA Approved List .

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