Personal Fitness Trainer
About the Program
The Personal Fitness Trainer Program will prepare students for technical careers in the professional fitness industry. The program will provide students with training in personal and group fitness pedagogies. Students will possess the knowledge and technical skills to work as a Personal Fitness Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor. Appropriate preparation for these occupations is ensured by the curriculum design and instruction methods used in the fitness industry. Students will gain extensive practical experience in many areas, including fitness evaluation and testing, wellness, injury prevention, exercise activity design and facility operations.
Current Awards
The Certificate, Personal Fitness Trainer- 36 semester hours
The Personal Fitness Trainer Certificate will require about one calendar year of full time study.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree, Concentration in Personal Fitness Trainer-60 semester hours
The Personal Fitness Trainer Associate of Applied Science Degree will require about two years of full time study.
You will learn how to develop fitness programs specific for your cliental. Some of the key courses taught in both programs include:
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Exercise Science
Fitness & Exercise Testing
Theory of Exercise Program Design & Instruction
Group Exercise Instruction
Fitness Event Planning & Promotion
Fitness Industry Operations & Technology
You could work at a traditional facility such as the YMCA, a national corporate gym, or corporations that offer health and wellness programs. You could also work for smaller locally owned gyms, or begin a business for yourself. Other options include and are not limited to commercial and nonprofit health clubs, country clubs, resorts, sports therapy clinics, fitness camps, and hospital wellness programs.
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
NASM a top tier nationally accredited personal training certification. This certification is built around the Optimum Performance Training™ (OPT™) model, it is the first program founded on scientific, evidence-based research.
Job Outlook
Occupational profiles indicate a 22% growth for Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors by the year 2022 in the Alamo Region. Estimated average hourly wage is *$19.25 in the Alamo Region. (Source: SOCRATES-Occupational Profiles-Alamo Region) *Note: Variations should be expected.
Careers Available:
The following titles are examples of careers associated with this program but not limited to:
- Personal Trainer
- Aerobics Instructor
- Fitness Instructor
- Group Fitness Instructor
- Fitness Coordinator
- Private Trainer
Useful Links
About the Program Coordinator: Teri Dimas
Bio/Teaching Philosophy
Teri has been involved in the Fitness Industry since 2000. She has worked for NVC in the Kinesiology Department since 2001, and has been involved in the Personal Fitness Trainer Program since it began in 2013. She aims to ensure students develop the skills necessary to become successful within the field.
Education
B.S. Kinesiology, University of Texas at San Antonio
M.A. Education- specialization in Kinesiology, University of Texas at San Antonio
Contact Us |
Emily Coppin Location: Phone: |
Marisa Ramirez Location: Phone: |
John Grillo Location: Phone: |
Teri Dimas Location: Phone: |