Students who graduate from this program are prepared for entry-level positions in the health and fitness industry, encompassing weight control clinics, sports medicine clinics, health clubs and gyms, corporate fitness and wellness centers, fitness and nutrition programs in schools, and community agencies concerned with health, fitness and nutrition education.

Students in this program will be able to advise clients on normal nutrition, weight control and improved performance by working with other nutrition professionals. The fitness industry is experiencing rapid growth and has a growing demand for trained fitness and nutrition educators.

Program Outcome

Graduates will be competent entry-level Nutrition and Fitness professionals meeting the employment needs of the community.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

 Recommendation - Combine the Nutrition and Fitness Assistant Certificate with the Fitness Specialist Certificate in the Kinesiology Department.

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing. 

Some courses in this program may be offered once per academic year.

Recommendation - Combine the Nutrition and Fitness Assistant Certificate with the Fitness Specialist: Health Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer Certificate in the Kinesiology Department