Academic Catalogs

Fitness Specialist: Health Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_PEPT

Control Number: 03970

Financial Aid Eligible


This program provides students with theory necessary to be effective in the health fitness industry (health clubs, corporate fitness, etc.). Students in this program will learn scientific principles of exercise and physical conditioning, techniques for the measurement of human performance, and methods for establishing healthy nutritional patterns.

Program Outcomes

  1. Students will have the knowledge, skills & experience necessary to assess an individual’s level of physical fitness and design appropriate exercise programming to improve physical fitness.
  2. Students will be qualified for careers as fitness instructors, exercise testing technicians, strength coaches, or personal fitness trainers.
  3. Develops a strong understanding of the business aspects of personal training, including effective practices, professional ethics, marketing, record keeping, and communication.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education. 

Course Title Units
Required Courses
KIN A270Fitness and Health3
KIN A280Strength Conditioning/Theory3
KIN A282Introduction to Exercise Physiology3
KIN A296Personal Trainer3
KIN A297Fitness Specialist Practicum2
KIN A298Fitness Specialist Internship2-3
Restricted Electives - Select 3-5 units:3-5
BIOL A220
Human Anatomy
BIOL A221
Anatomy-Physiology
BIOL A225
Human Physiology
KIN A202
Introduction to Kinesiology
KIN A271
Drugs & Sports
KIN A272
Movement Analysis
KIN A273
Sports Medicine
KIN A279
Sports Management
KIN A283
Nutrition, Fitness, and Performance
or FN A136
 Nutrition, Fitness and Performance
Any Kinesiology active participation course KIN A105-A159, A206-A259
Total Units19-22
Requirement Units
Minimum Program Major Units 19-22
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Minimum Degree Units 60

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
KIN A270 Fitness and Health 3
KIN A280 Strength Conditioning/Theory 3
KIN A297 Fitness Specialist Practicum 2
KIN A296 Personal Trainer 3
OCC AS GE AREA A1- CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units14
Semester 2
KIN A282 Introduction to Exercise Physiology 3
KIN A298 Fitness Specialist Internship 2-3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) 3-5
OCC AS GE AREA A2- CHOOSE ONE 1 3-4
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3
 Units14-18
Year 2
Semester 1
OCC AS GE AREA C1- CHOOSE ONE 3
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 3-4
MATH A030
or MATH A045
 Intermediate Algebra 2
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
OCC AS GE AREA B- CHOOSE ONE 3-4
OCC AS GE AREA D- CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3
 Units15-17
Semester 2
OCC AS GE AREA C2- CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 14
 Units17
 Total Units60-66
1

Required if 100-level MATH will not be taken to meet Math competency. If MATH A100 or higher will be taken, then needs to take 3-4 degree applicable elective units

2

Math A030 or higher OR take 3-4 degree applicable elective units if math competency was met through completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better; *100-level Math courses satisfy AS Math Requirement and OCC AS GE AREA A2

3

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS