Academic Catalogs

Fitness Specialist: Health Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer, Certificate of Achievement

Banner Code: 1_CN_PEPT

Control Number: 22389

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.

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
Human Anatomy
Anatomy-Physiology
Human Physiology
Introduction to Kinesiology
Drugs & Sports
Movement Analysis
Sports Medicine
Sports Management
Nutrition, Fitness, and Performance
Nutrition, Fitness and Performance
Any Kinesiology active participation course KIN A105-A159, A206-A259
Total Units19-22

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.

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
 Units11
Semester 2
KIN A282 Introduction to Exercise Physiology 3
KIN A298 Fitness Specialist Internship 2-3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 3-5
 Units8-11
 Total Units19-22

Recommended student take KIN A203 First Aid and CPR during intersession if no CPR & First Aid card.