Become a Certified Personal Trainer!
 
Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate

The Strength & Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate prepares students for employment in the fitness industry as Strength & Conditioning Personal Trainers/Coaches.  This curriculum provides students with a fundamental knowledge of human physiology and anatomy, prevention and treatment of exercise related injuries, emergency response readiness, health appraisals and assessments; application of exercise fitness principles and strength training techniques; a fundamental knowledge of nutrition, weight control, stress management and exercise physiology, and biomechanics; skills in exercise testing and fitness measures as well as writing exercise prescriptions and program designs for diverse populations. Upon completion (31 credits), students will be ready to take the national NASM Personal Trainer Certification exam (www.nasm.org) or the ACSM Personal Trainer certification exam (www.acsm.org).

Additional Information
Why be a Personal Trainer?
Learn about the NEW
Associate's in Applied Science Degree:
Strength, Nutrition, and Personal Training
Why should I become ACSM Certified?
Why should I become NASM Certified?
What type of job opportunities are available?
Additional information on ACSM Certification
Complete a Program Interest Form
Required Courses
Course
Course Name

Schedule

 Credits
   
Summer 09
 Fall 09
Spring 10
  
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
Day & Evening
4
Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
Day
3
Exercise Science
Not Offered
Day
3
Strength Fitness - Physiology Principles and Training Techniques
Evening
3
Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
Not Offered
Evening
3
Methods of Enhancing Physical Performance
Not Offered
Not Offered
3
Exercise Program Design and Instruction
Not Offered
Not Offered
Evening
3
Healthful Living

On-Line
Day, Evening
& Online
3
First Aid/CPR/AED
Day & Evening
3
Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
Not Offered
Evening
3
Recommended Courses
Course
Course Name

Schedule

 Credits
   
Summer 09
 Fall 09
Spring 10
  
Methods of Teaching Group I

Not Offered

Weekend

Not Offered

 2
Methods of Teaching Group I

Not Offered

Weekend

Not Offered

 2
Starting Your Own Personal Training Business Not Offered Not Offered
Evening
 1
Applications of Personal Training Skills & Techniques Internship

Available Upon Request:

(602) 787-7286

To be arranged with instructor.

To be arranged with instructor.

 3
Applications of Personal Training Skills & Techniques Internship 1
Applications of Personal Training Skills & Techniques Internship 2
Internet Resources for Personal Trainers Not Offered Not Offered
Weekend
 1
Introduction to Exercise Science & PE Not Offered Not Offered
Day
 3
Instructional Lab: Cardiorespiratory Exercises and Activities Not Offered Day
Not Offered
 2
Introduction to Research Methods in Health and Exercise Science Not Offered Not Offered
Day
 3
Introductory Nutrition GIL
TBA
 3
Sports Nutrition and Supplements for Physical Activity Not Offered
Not Offered
 3
Principles of Human Nutrition Evening Day & Evening
TBA
 3
Introduction to Therapeutic Diets Not Offered Not Offered
TBA
 3

 

Register Today!!! (602) 787-7000 or mymaricopa.edu

For a complete listing of all details, please consult the class schedule.

Why should I become a Personal Trainer?
Healthcare is a hot topic today. The obesity rate is still dramatically increasing. Healthcare costs are so high that even big businesses can not afford to provide coverage for their employees. People are living longer lives, and senior care is expected to be in great demand. Exercise can help people in all of these situations! It helps improve the quality of life of all ages, helps prevent many diseases, and even improves job performance and reduces absenteeism! More and more health professionals, including doctors and physical therapists, are encouraging their patients to exercise. With this increased emphasis on exercise and healthy lifestyles, the field of personal training has been growing dramatically over the last few years. More people are looking for a personal trainer to help them get in shape and they want someone with knowledge of how to best meet their goals and prevent injury. Personal trainers are currently appreciating their position as a respected and needed professional. Also, participation in recreational sports is on the rise as people try to increase their physical activity. Sports conditioning is important to a greater number of people and this is increasing the demand for a specialist to increase sports performance. You too can join this exciting and growing field! Back to top.
Why should I become ACSM Certified?

The PVCC Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate Program is based on the standards of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Therefore, you will be prepared to take the ACSM's Certified Personal Trainer exam upon your completion of the PVCC Certificate program. PVCC has chosen to use the ACSM Standards for the following reasons:

  • ACSM has long been the "Gold Standard" for credentials in the fitness industry. Having an ACSM certification shows potential employers that you have a very strong background in fitness. Most, if not all, employers will accept the ACSM certification.
  • Established in 1954, ACSM was one of the first certifying organizations created in the fitness field.
  • ACSM has earned its impeccable reputation based on the extensive research they do in the field of exercise science. Many discoveries in the field can be accredited to the ACSM.
  • ACSM prepares potential personal trainers to work with a wide range of clients. You will be qualified to work with healthy clients and people with disabilities or chronic diseases. Back to top.
Why should I become NASM Certified?

Several classes (PED 130, 275 & 285) in the PVCC Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate Program are based on the standards and guidelines of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Therefore, you will be prepared to take the NASM's Certified Personal Trainer exam upon your completion of the PVCC Certificate program. PVCC has chosen to use the NASM Standards for the following reasons:

  • NASM is a leading worldwide education provider to the fitness industry and has developed the Optimum Performance Training method, which provides a practical approach and evidenced-based science of exercise.
  • NASM offers a progressive career track with access to Advanced Specializations, Continuing Education courses and accredited Bachelor and Master Degree programs.
What type of job opportunities are available?

If you have a passion for health and fitness, becoming a personal trainer my be your ideal occupation for you! A personal trainer’s primary job is to:

  • assess clients current fitness levels
  • assess clients needs and establish realistic goals
  • teach clients how to exercise safely
  • create realistic exercise regiments for clients
  • educate clients about proper nutrition and wellness.
A trainer is not only an educator, but is also a motivator, coach, role model, and possibly a friend.

As a trainer you will meet with your clients on a regular basis. You will guide them through their workouts (weights, aerobics, meditation / relaxation, and flexibility training) to help them reach their goals. You will monitor and record their progress through methods such as body fat testing, heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, flexibility testing, and body measurements. You will provide your clients with advice about their lifestyle, health, nutrition requirements, and other topics regarding their health, fitness, and well-being.

Personal trainer have a wide range of employment options. Many personal trainers work in health clubs, resorts, cruise ships, spas, and colleges or universities. As a personal trainer, you may choose to be self-employed - thus providing a flexible schedule that will meet you and your families needs.

Personal training positions are available in every city and state. Many personal trainers begin their career working in a health club. Currently, personal trainers in the Phoenix are earn between $15 - $75 per hour (depending upon knowledge and experience). In order to reach your maximum earning potential, it is vital to posses a strong knowledge base.

Enroll in the PVCC Personal Training Certificate program today! Back to top.
Course
Title
Description
BIO 160
 Introduction to Human Anatomy
and Physiology
Principles of scientific method. Structural organization, homeostasis and control mechanisms of the body. Specific chemistry concepts. Structure and function of the major systems of the body.
Prerequisites: None Lab/Supply Fee of $25 Back to top.
EXS 112

Professional Applications of Fitness Principles

Basic principles of fitness for the prospective fitness professional. Planning and teaching in a fitness program. Topics include exercise risks and safety, weight control, components of fitness, fitness assessment, and exercise programming.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.
EXS 125
 Exercise Science

Principles of exercise science applied to teaching fitness/aerobics. Major factors related to the function of the human body. Emphasis on anatomy/physiology, exercise physiology, and biomechanics.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.
EXS 128
 Methods of Teaching Group Fitness I

Planning and teaching group fitness. Techniques for cueing , use of music, choreography development for high and low impact aerobics, cool down, and safety guidelines.
Prerequisites: EXS 128 or permission of instructor. Back to top.
EXS 129
 Methods of Teaching Group Fitness II

Planning and teaching group fitness. Techniques for cueing , use of music, choreography development for step aerobics and muscle conditioning, and safety guidelines.
Prerequisites: EXS 112 and EXS 125 or permission of instructor. Back to top.
EXS 130
 Strength Fitness - Physiological Principles & Training Techniques

Principles and techniques of strength training including strength physiology, performance factors, training recommendations, exercise techniques, and program design and management.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.
EXS 138
 Practical Applications of Personal Training Skills Internship

Overview of the personal training business in the fitness industry. Skills for becoming a successful and effective personal training business owner.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.

EXS 139
 Practical Applications of Personal Training Skills Internship

Development of personal training skills including effective communication, client assessment, fitness testing, goal setting, program design, and program implementation. Includes hands on experience with clients in a Fitness Center.
Prerequisites: Current CPR through the duration of the internship. Back to top.

EXS 141
 Internet Resources for the Personal Trainer

Practical application of techniques for effective use of Internet search engines; critical evaluation of information on fitness-related web sites; development of web related education tools for clients; development of resource lists of fitness-related web sites.
Prerequisites: Personal Trainer Certification or Aerobics Instructor Certification or permission of the instructor, and experience with Internet Browsers. Back to top.

EXS 145
 Guidelines for Exercise Testing
and Prescription 		Follows the current ACSM guidelines for health appraisal, risk assessment, safety of exercise, exercise testing, and exercise prescription.
Prerequisites: None Back to top.
EXS 200
 Introduction to Exercise Science and Physical Education Introductory course for students considering or just beginning a course of study in exercise science and physical education. Overview of each of the disciplines, sub-disciplines, and professions in the cross-discipline field of exercise science/physical education including a historical and philosophical foundations. Course emphasizes the study of physical activity.
Prerequisites: None Back to top.
EXS 212CR
 Instructional Lab: Cardiorespiratory Exercises and Activities

Fundamental methods of instructing and leading fitness activities including cardio respiratory exercises and activities.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.

EXS 230
 Introduction to Research Methods in Health and Exercise Science

Introduction to the general nature of research with specific application to accessing, reading, evaluating, and reporting research in health and exercise science. Introduce students to select, data-based literature in order to engender an appreciation for and ability to critically evaluate health/exercise science research.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 or !)& or permission of instructor. Back to top.

EXS 275
 Methods of Enhancing Physical Performance Theoretical and practical applications of performance enhancement methodologies and practices. Basic sport mechanics and exercise physiology. Training clients for speed, poser agility, balance, and endurance activities to enhance athletic performance. Applications of training principles to specific sports and design of training programs.
Prerequisites: PED125 or PED130 or permission of instructor. Back to top.
EXS 285
 Exercise Program Design and Instruction Business aspects of fitness profession such as program administration, quality assurance, and effective communications skills for the professional personal trainer and/or strength and conditioning coach. Implementation of behavior strategies, progression of program planning, and development of programs for populations with special physical / medical needs. Designing exercise programs in an internship setting.
Prerequisites: PED145 or permission of instructor. Back to top.
FON 100

Introductory Nutrition
Basic nutrition concepts for health and fitness. Emphasizes current dietary recommendations for maximizing well-being and minimizing risk of chronic disease. Focuses on use of tables, food guides, and guidelines for making healthy food choices. Includes unique nutrition needs for selected stages of the lifecycle, methods for evaluating creditability of nutrition claims, principles of vegetarian nutrition, safe and economic use of supplements, principles of energy balance, basic elements of food safety, diet for exercise and sports, and personal dietary evaluation techniques. Not for predietetics or selected other preprofessional majors. May not be taken for credit if credit has been earned in FON100AA and/or FON100AC.
Prerequisites: None Back to top.
FON 210

Sports Nutrition and Supplements
Description: Principles of nutrition applied to fitness, exercise, and sports. Dietary fundamentals as applied to body fuels, hydration, and other unique needs for exercise and sports. Includes dietary guidelines for weight or endurance training, glycogen loading, the pre-game meal, and glycogen recovery. Emphasis on maximizing fitness, performance, and safety. Discussion of supplements and their effects on metabolic enhancement. Discussion of anabolic, catabolic, and energy-producing agents. Addresses current supplements on the market.
Prerequisites: FON100AA, or FON100, or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Back to top.
FON 241

Principles of Human Nutrition
Scientific principles of human nutrition. Emphasis on health promotion and concepts for conveying accurate nutrition information in a professional setting. Addresses therapeutic nutrition principles for treatment of common health conditions. Includes exploration of food sources of nutrients, basic metabolism of nutrients in the human body, relationship between diet and other lifestyle factors, use of supplements, current recommendations for food selection throughout the life cycle, and use of nutrition tools for planning food intake or assessment of nutritional status.
Prerequisites: None Back to top.
FON 242

Introduction to Therapeutic Diets
Introduction to fundamental principles of medical nutrition therapy. Emphasis on development and analysis of diets that fit an individual's personal and therapeutic needs. Includes strategies to promote dietary adherence and the development of educational programs for a diverse adult population.
Prerequisites: FON 241 Back to top.
HES 100

Healthful Living
Health and wellness and their application to an optimal lifestyle. Explores current topics of interest such as stress management, nutrition, fitness, and environmental health. Evaluates common risk factors associated with modern lifestyles.
Prerequisites: None Back to top.
HES 154
First Aid / CPR / AED
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and first aid for the adult, child, and infant patients. Includes Automated External Defibrillator (AED), rescue breathing, obstructed airway, and other first aid procedures. Designed to train citizens to respond in skills and procedures required during emergency situations.
Prerequisites: None Back to top.
HES 100

Healthful Living
Health and wellness and their application to an optimal lifestyle. Explores current topics of interest such as stress management, nutrition, fitness, and environmental health. Evaluates common risk factors associated with modern lifestyles.
Prerequisites: None Back to top.
HES 154
First Aid / CPR / AED
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and first aid for the adult, child, and infant patients. Includes Automated External Defibrillator (AED), rescue breathing, obstructed airway, and other first aid procedures. Designed to train citizens to respond in skills and procedures required during emergency situations.
Prerequisites: None Back to top.
HES 271
 Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
Prevention and care of athletic injuries, emphasizing use of modern training techniques and support materials. Utilization of preventive taping, strapping, bandaging, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, massage, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and practical application of muscle reconditioning.
Prerequisites: None Lab/Supply Fee of $25 Back to top.

For more information, contact Dale Heuser, 602-787-7276
or e-mail dale.heuser@pvmail.maricopa.edu

Register Today!!! (602) 787-7000 or www.mymaricopa.edu

For a complete listing of all details, please consult the class schedule.

Last updated: June 2, 2009
Paradise Valley Community College- URL-http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/fitness/PT_main.html
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