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San Diego State University's Online Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training
is a web-based, interactive educational experience that includes input and guidance from
outstanding faculty drawn from colleges/universities, the allied health/medical field, and
the personal fitness training profession.
The program is comprised of five core courses and an optional field internship elective,
divided into three "modules," each of which focuses on an industry-specific, professional
topic, or science-based core body of knowledge. The program has been designed to be taken
in three consecutive modules, consisting of two courses per module. Each module is approximately
six weeks in length. A student should be able to complete all five core courses and the
optional field internship elective courses in five months if desired. Courses may also be
taken individually.
Individuals who successfully complete the entire program will be awarded the San Diego
State University Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training and will receive
a 20% discount to take the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification
and on their study materials.
The Certificate
The Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training is a collaboration between San
Diego State University College of Extended Studies, industry experts, internship affiliates,
national organizations, colleges/universities, and our prestigious Board of Advisors. The
Certificate Program is designed to supply essential educational pathways and career opportunities
to those seeking to start a career in the emerging fitness/health industry, those actively
involved in the personal training industry who desire an advanced educational certificate,
and those seeking continuing education units (CEUs) for certification renewal. The Certificate
in Personal Training, integrated with the field internship experience will prepare students
for careers working at medically-based fitness facilities, community wellness programs,
personal training studios, physical therapy clinics, corporate fitness centers, and private
and commercial health clubs. The Professional Certificate Program in Personal Training is
designed to provide personal trainers with the theoretical framework and practical training
skills necessary to prepare students for certification testing from national organizations.
Internship Partners
One of the unique benefits of going through the SDSU Professional Certificate in Personal
Fitness Training is the opportunity for the students to practice their skills in a health
and fitness setting through our optional field internship elective course. Students have
three internship options. They may elect to intern at an SDSU approved partnered internship
site, a facility of their choice (with program coordinator/faculty member approval), or
at a facility they may already be currently working at. Because we can educate students
globally, SDSU is creating on-going internship partnerships with national and international
health and fitness facilities and chains on an ongoing basis.
To become a designated internship site, please
email us, and provide us with your name, the name of facility or health club you represent,
email address, and telephone number. Someone will contact you as soon as possible.
College Partners
Our College Partners Program are those accredited colleges/universities that are interested
in creating standards for the personal training industry through the development and delivery
of the Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training. The first ten college partners
will be deemed "Charter Members." Thereafter, all other college partners will
be titled "Affiliate Members." If you are interested in becoming a College Partner
with San Diego State University, please
email us, and provide us with you name, the institution you represent, email address,
and telephone number. Someone will contact you as soon as possible.
Board of Advisors
The Board of Advisors for San Diego State University's Professional Certificate in Personal
Fitness Training is comprised of board members representing a diversity of disciplines including
college faculty, medical professionals, national researchers, legal/business advisors, and
leaders in the fitness and health industry. Areas of expertise include adapted physical
education, exercise science, motor control/development/learning, biomechanics, exercise
physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, human movement, and fitness/business management. The
diversity of the faculty and advisor's expertise allows the program to offer areas of concentration
and to have full curriculum that covers all areas necessary to succeed as a personal trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the program?
Depending on course load and other responsibilities, students may complete the program in
as little as four months or as long as one year. The certificate program's required five
courses, including the optional field internship elective have been designed to be completed
within four to five months. The certificate is offered three times per year in the fall,
spring, and summer.
How many courses do I register for?
The program is comprised of five core courses and an optional field internship elective.
You may take one course at a time if you prefer. However, the program has been designed
to be taken in three consecutive modules, consisting of two courses per module. Each module
is approximately six weeks in length. It is highly recommended that the courses be taken
in sets of two as indicated when registering so you won't get behind.
What are the required five courses?
The following are the five core courses and an optional field internship elective delivered
in the three-module format.
Module 1:
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level I
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level II
Module 2:
Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques
Business Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers
Module 3:
Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations
Field Internship in Personal Training (elective)
Are there any admission requirements?
No. Both experienced personal trainers who need to expand their knowledge base and obtain
continuing education units (CEUs) in specific areas, as well as individuals desiring to
enter the personal fitness training profession may enroll in the program. It is highly recommended
that you have at least three years experience in training and designing personal exercise
programs for yourself.
How do I apply or register?
You may register for the certificate courses in person, via the Internet, by mail, by
telephone, and by fax. Register online at this website, or by phone at (619) 594-5152.
Do you accept transfer credits from other college/university institutions?
Yes, we accept transfer credits from other institutions. You will need to contact the
program advisor to discuss the courses you would like to transfer as well as send your former
transcripts accompanied by their course description for review.
Once I register for the program, how do I gain access?
Once you have registered and payment for courses has been confirmed, you will receive an
email from the instructor with directions to access course pages and to create your own
user ID and password. This welcome email from the instructor will arrive by the first day
of your class. You will also be mailed the same information in your class confirmation along
with payment receipt. Be on the look out for this information! If you do not receive registration
confirmation, please contact the registration office at (619) 594-5152 or by email at ces.registrar@sdsu.edu.
How will I have access to the courses in which I am enrolled?
Online Personal Training students can access their courses through the login section which
is located at the top of the course homepage which will be mailed to you.
What does "online certificate" really mean?
Our goal is to make online learning not only convenient but a compelling learning experience.
We want students engaged in the online material beyond just reading. We've incorporated
projects, quizzes, problem-solving, exams, written reports, and exercises that require reading
the text and then going online to complete assignments. We also hope to try to incorporate
adult learning theory objectives, keeping in mind that people learn in different ways (i.e.,
listening, seeing, and doing.) We think, as a result, our courses are interesting and more
effective.
What resources and activities will faculty use in the program to provide
students with experiences that are comparable to residency programs?
Class sizes are limited and courses are designed to enhance interaction between faculty
and students. Chat rooms, discussion questions, and email are used to facilitate discussions.
Courses may include the use of supplemental materials such as video/audio tapes and CD-ROM,
but these are available without having to come to campus. Team and individual projects and
small group discussions are used to help students share their teaching, educational, professional
experiences with each other as part of the learning process.
What type of hands-on training and practical experience will I receive?
Courses provide various opportunities including practical training sessions, video analysis,
and development of exercise prescriptions, and the field internship elective experience.
When do classes meet?
Classes or sessions begin Monday morning and continue through the week and end on Sunday
evening at midnight. You will have 7 days to complete the assigned weekly session requirements.
Who are the faculty, instructors, and guest lectures?
They are all personal fitness trainers, allied health professionals, clinical specialists,
faculty members, or fitness experts who have many years of industry, teaching, and practical
experience.
How do I get my grades history?
You will be able to access your grade records at any time during the course by logging in
on the course website and going to your gradebook.
When and where can I order textbooks, fitness equipment, and other
tools for this certificate?
There will be textbooks and fitness equipment required for each course in the program. The
textbooks can be purchased from San Diego State University Online Bookstore. You'll want
to place your orders before each course taking into consideration delivery times.
Is there a textbook refund policy?
Students who purchase textbooks from the San Diego State University Online Program for Personal
Fitness Training Bookstore will be subject to the refund policies of the bookstore operator.
For whom is this online certificate in personal fitness training most
appropriate?
The online certificate program is most appropriate for those wishing to enter, or who are
currently working as a personal fitness trainer. The program is also appropriate for physical
therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors, and nutritionists to name a few.
May I use these online courses to meet my CEC or CEU certification
requirements?
Yes, since most certification agencies recognize all college courses for CEC/CEU credits.
Certification requirements vary greatly from organization to organization. It is best to
check with your certification agency to ensure that you receive the correct answer for your
particular situation.
How much does it cost to take a course?
Tuition is $290 per individual course, plus textbooks (plus fitness/health equipment in
some instances) for in-state, out-of-state, and international students.
What are the technological requirements for participating?
In addition to a confident level of computer literacy, certain technical requirements must
be met to enable a successful experience. Technical requirements include but are not limited
to a Pentium II processor or the equivalent; a 56K modem, but it is highly recommended that
you have DSL or high speed cable internet access; 64 MB system RAM; 200 MB free hard disk
space memory or sufficient storage; Internet access with Netscape 4.0 or better or MS Explorer
4.0 or better, email access, CD-ROM capabilities, and a reliable Internet provider. Some
individual courses may have additional software and/or hardware requirements.
What type of student tends to do well in the distance education environment?
Certain people are better suited to distance learning than others. The statements below
tend to describe the profile for those who are likely to succeed within this environment:
- meets the necessary technical requirements and is comfortable with the equipment
- has the time and resources to dedicate to college course work
- is comfortable with the written word and use of email as a communication form
- is self-disciplined, self-guided and committed to earning the certificate
- has the ability to prioritize responsibilities and work independently, is unlikely to
procrastinate
- will ask for assistance when needed to build academic and social support systems
- has much to benefit from this delivery method vs. residence programs (examples: variable
work hours, busy lifestyle, geographic isolation from campus, parenting requirements or
restrictions, physical disability)
Will my employer accept the online professional certificate in personal
fitness training as a "real" certificate?
Our Certificate program is recognized by ACE Personal Trainer Certification in their Personal
Fitness Trainer Recognition System.
What is the San Diego State University "College/University Partnership"
program?
Our "College Partners Program" includes accredited 2 & 4 year colleges/universities
that have partnered with San Diego State University to deliver the Professional Certificate
in Personal Fitness Training. Colleges may be designated in one of two categories; "Charter
Members" and "Affiliate Members." The goal of the partnership is to deliver
a high quality educational program and create standards for the personal training profession.
During your registration process you should indicate the college/university that recommended/referred
you to the certificate program.
If I complete the certificate program, and register as being with
a partnered college/university, what will be printed on the certificate?
A joint certificate will be awarded by San Diego State University's College of Extended
of Studies which will include SDSU's name and logo and the partnered institution's name
and logo.
Where can I perform my optional field internship elective course?
One of the unique benefits of going through the SDSU Professional Certificate in Personal
Fitness Training is the opportunity for the students to practice their skills in a health
and fitness setting through our elective internship course. Students have three internship
options. They may elect to intern at an SDSU approved partnered internship site, a facility
of their choice (with program coordinator/faculty member approval), or at a facility they
may already be currently working at. Because we can educate students globally, SDSU is creating
ongoing internship partnerships with national and international health and fitness facilities
and chains.
Do I receive a certificate in personal fitness training from San Diego
State University once I complete the program?
To receive a Certificate in Personal Fitness Training from San Diego State University you
must successfully complete the program, pass all five core courses with a C- or above.
Registration
Register online or register by phone at (619) 594-5152.
Read below for more course schedule information.
You may register for the program in its entirety or in individual classes. The program
is comprised of five core courses and an optional field internship elective. You may take
one course at a time if you prefer. However, the program has been designed to be taken in
three consecutive modules, consisting of two courses per module. Each module/individual
course is approximately six weeks in length. It is highly recommended that the courses be
taken in sets of two as indicated when registering so you won't get behind. Depending on
course load and other responsibilities, students may complete the program and internship
in as little as five months or as long as one year.
The certificate is offered three times per year in the fall, spring, and summer. Once you
begin the program, you will have one year to complete all five courses to receive the certificate.
NOTE: students may wish to take our optional elective internship course for an on-site practical
experience.
It is highly recommended that the courses be taken in sets of two and in the order listed
below. The following five core course requirements must be met in order to receive your
professional certificate:
Module 1:
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level I
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level II
Module 2:
Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques
Business Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers
Module 3:
Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations
Field Internship in Personal Training (elective)
Course Descriptions
The following five core courses must be taken in order to receive your professional certificate.
Students may take our optional field internship elective for an on-site practical experience.
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level I
In this course, students gain an understanding of musculoskeletal and functional anatomy
and the effects of exercise placed on joint structure during exercise movements. Emphasis
is placed on learning about proper body alignment, joint range of motion (ROM), basic biomechanics,
and kinesiological principles to the development of safe and effective exercise programs.
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level II
This course is designed to teach the personal trainer how the muscular, skeletal, and cardiorespiratory
systems function with and without exercise conditioning. Additional topics include energy
metabolism, circulatory, neuromuscular function, and the physiology of exercise in relation
to training programs and environmental considerations.
Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques
This course teaches students how to assess and evaluate cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular
testing techniques, joint ROM, flexibility, body-fat analysis, blood pressure, and body
measurements based on ACSM guidelines. Topics include client screening procedures, medical
and health history intake forms, identifying high-risk clients, determining the appropriate
test, conducting the test, and evaluating the results.
Business Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers
This course gives personal trainers a solid background in developing or starting a personal
training business and prepares them for financial management, marketing strategies, and
business plan development. Techniques for effective management include standards and guidelines,
facility/studio personnel management, and operational issues for a small personal training
(PT) studio to managing a PT department at a large health facility.
Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations
This course teaches how to develop an exercise prescription in relation to health implications
for normal/special populations related to age, medical condition, and fitness level. Topics
include cardiac conditions, diabetes, physical disabilities, HIV and AIDS, asthma, sensory
impairments, pregnancy, and program design for children to senior populations. This course
is designed as a research-based class with emphasis on designing a step-by-step process
to creating individualized exercise programs.
Field Internship in Personal Training (elective)
Work with professionals in the fitness and health industry for a hands-on experience working
with members at approved affiliated internship fitness facilities and health centers. Students
may also elect to intern at a facility of their choice, or at a facility they may already
be currently working at. Classroom activity focuses on job preparation development skills,
and operational/management analysis.
Book Orders
Welcome to San Diego State University's Bookstore for the Personal Fitness Training Certificate.
You may order books online or by phone.
To order books and course materials online visit
the SDSU Online Bookstore. To order books and course materials by phone, call the SDSU
Bookstore toll free at (866) 388-7378.
Equipment Orders
Required Fitness/Health Equipment
For Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques it will
be necessary for you to purchase equipment to complete the course. The following three courses
require you to obtain fitness/wellness equipment:
You can view examples of the type of equipment will need for each class at Fitness
Wholesale's website.
Benefits
Benefits of San Diego State University's Online Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness
Training program:
- Guidance, instruction, and interaction from outstanding faculty members that hold either
a Master's or Ph.D. degree.
- A professional certificate from a nationally accredited university. Students have three
internship options. They may elect to intern at an SDSU approved partnered internship
site, a facility of their choice (with program coordinator/faculty member approval), or
at a facility they may already be working at. Because we can educate students globally,
SDSU is creating ongoing internship partnerships with national and international health
and fitness facilities and chains.
- Cost-effective: expenses related to facilities, travel, and non-productive time is reduced.
- Easy access: online education allows students to access their education from anywhere
there is an Internet connection.
- Control and flexibility: online education allows students to complete course work at
their own pace.
- Advanced education for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, physical therapists,
RD's, athletic trainers, fitness managers, nurses, and chiropractors.
- CECs or CEUs for fitness and health professionals seeking re-certification or career
advancement.
- Receive a 20% discount to take the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer
Certification and on ACE study materials.
Demo
Please visit www.kenbaldwin.pageout.net
to review a demonstration of Introduction to Exercise Science Level II-Exercise Physiology
course.
Contact Information
For more information on this program, contact the SDSU College of Extended Studies at certs@mail.sdsu.edu,
or by phone at (619) 594-6255.
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Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training Online