Personal Training Certificate

School: Health Careers, Technology and Applied Learning
Academic Dept: Health, Physical Education & Human Performance
HEGIS: 5299.00

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2019 to Summer 2020. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Certificates Defined

Certificate programs are designed to provide a mix of theory and practical training leading to immediate employment upon completion. People who pursue certificates might have an advanced degree and typically want to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. Others might enroll in a certificate program to “test the waters,” with an eye toward pursuing an associate’s degree. Credits earned now in a credit-bearing certificate will apply later toward an associate’s degree at Westchester Community College. Click to learn more about the differences among the award types.

Program Description

This exciting, two-semester program leads to a certificate in Personal Training. Personal Trainers are fitness professionals responsible for educating clients of all ages in multiple aspects of wellness including: exercise, general health, nutrition, and athletic performance. They work in a variety of fitness settings such as: public and private fitness centers, schools, adult centers and corporate wellness programs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the demand for Certified Personal Trainers makes it one of the fastest growing professions, with double-digit growth expected over the next decade.

The program is designed for students:

Who wish to enter the fitness industry
Who are non-certified personal trainers or fitness-industry professionals pursuing a valid personal trainer credential

Graduates of this program will be qualified to work as personal trainers or fitness instructors, and subsequently, may sit for the certification exam through the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF).

Program Notes

Students will be prepared/qualified to sit for the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) credentialing exam, which is conducted at the conclusion of the program, the fee for this exam is $199.00 and is the student’s responsibility.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to demonstrate:

Competency in essential personal training skills:
- Selection of appropriate clients
- Conduct professional client interview
- Analyze/identify nutritional needs and energy balance requirements
- Conduct physical assessment to include: body composition analysis, nutritional analysis, biomechanical analysis and baseline aerobic & anaerobic testing
- Create and implement safe, goal-specific, effective exercise programs for multiple populations (special, masters, youth, gender-specific)
Business & communication skills necessary to work in a variety of fitness/wellness settings

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements – 16 Credits

Students are required to fulfill a certain number of credits within the specific categories shown below. Where specific courses are not listed within these categories, courses must be selected from the list of SUNY General Education Courses .

Basic Communication (6 credits)

Mathematics (3 credits)

Select ONE of the following courses:

Physical Education Electives

Select ONE of the following courses:

Physical Education or Management Electives

Select EITHER of the following to satisfy the 4-credit requirement:

Minimum Total Credits - 32

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit [Personal Trainer Certificate GE Disclosure]. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.