FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2007

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, May 24, 2007 - Overall employment for fitness workers is expected to increase 30 percent in San Diego County through 2014.

That means more opportunities for managing fitness facilities.

You can prepare for your next step by taking the Online Professional Certificate in Fitness Management or Online Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training through San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies (CES).

The new Professional Certificate in Fitness Management program is a collaboration among SDSU-CES, industry experts, internship affiliates, an expert board of advisors, and national fitness organizations. It's an interactive, comprehensive, web-based program designed to be "one-of-a-kind" and teach you how to manage a personal training program and/or fitness department as a strategic business unit.

There are four required courses (30 contact hours per course). Each course is five weeks in length and there is an optional elective internship course that is 60 hours. The certificate program is offered in the fall, spring, and summer.

The Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training is a five-month program offered exclusively online designed to supply essential education integrating exercise science curriculum, practical training techniques, and a field internship experience. This program is designed for fitness professionals from all fields, allied health professionals, physical therapists, chiropractors, physicians, wellness consultants, physical education teachers, nutritionists, and individuals seeking a new career as a fitness professional.

The online curriculum for both programs will allow you to fit courses into your busy work and home schedules, go online wherever you are, and complete either certificate and internship assignment. Graduates will be able to maintain current employment if desired, but will be uniquely positioned to obtain careers in a variety of settings.

In the Personal Fitness Certification program, students will learn how to apply their client's health history, goals, and abilities into a systematic model that progresses individuals through different training levels and phases. In the Fitness Management Certification program, students will learn how to successfully manage fitness facilities.

Advantages of the SDSU Professional Certificate Program include:

• Ongoing guidance, instruction, and interaction from faculty members that hold either a Master's or Ph.D. degree in exercise science, biomechanics, exercise physiology, business and management, kinesiology, physical therapy, nutrition, or an exercise science-related degree.
• A professional certificate from a nationally accredited state university.
• College courses that provide continuing education credits or continuing education units for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, RDs, chiropractors, and for those fitness and health professionals seeking re-certification or career advancement.

For more information or to register, call (619) 594-6255 or visit www.NeverStopLearning.net.