The Program
The Fitness Professional Certificate program at Irvine Valley College was established to meet the needs of a growing fitness industry. For nearly a decade, this program has been training and certifying fitness professionals to prepare them for careers in the physical education, fitness, and health sciences fields.
Currently, the fitness industry is experiencing explosive growth. Thus, the demand for well-trained health specialists, such as personal trainers, fitness instructors, and physical therapists, is expected to increase well into the next decade. This positive industry trend will offer a host of opportunities for certified fitness specialists and other qualified health experts.
The Fitness Specialist program is unique in its design because it offers students an opportunity to learn in both a conventional classroom setting, and gain practical experience through an internship process. Interns fulfill a 50-hour assignment at the Life Fitness Center, a campus fitness facility. Here they have an opportunity to gain valuable hands on experience while working in a fitness environment.
To earn the Fitness Specialist Certificate, students need to complete 18 units of coursework, and a 50-hour internship ((3)units). Classes for the certificate program meet mostly two evenings per week (primarily on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 6-10PM), to provide access to working adults and other fitness enthusiasts. Students can earn the Fitness Specialist certificate in as little as one year, while maintaining current employment and income.
After completing the Fitness Specialist program, students are well prepared to find work as exercise specialists in corporate, clinical, and commercial facilities. In addition, the program provides a solid foundation for further study or advanced degrees in exercise science. Some graduates also opt to receive certifications through national organizations such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
If you are interested in a fitness career and want to get the best training available, then look no further. The Fitness Specialist Certificate program at Irvine Valley College will provide you with talented instructors, in-depth curriculum, and industry experience. Most important, this program can open the door to a bright and fulfilling future in the exciting fitness field.
Complete the following courses: (Units)
KNES 103 Movement Anatomy (3)
KNES 104 Exercise Physiology (3)
KNES 105 Principles of Strength and Conditioning (3)
KNES 106 Exercise Testing and Prescription (3)
NUT 1 Principles of Nutrition (3)
CWE 168 Cooperative Work Experience: Kinesiology (3)
Recommended Electives: KNES 85, 86, 100, 101, 102
To earn the Fitness Professional Certificate: You must complete all courses in the certificate with a grade of "A", "B", "C" or "P". A minimum of 12 units in the certificate must be completed at Irvine Valley College.