Fitness Professional
Certificate
Complete this certificate to work as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor or to prepare for the national personal trainer certification. By learning from Pima’s personable and skilled staff and completing your studies with an internship, you will be well-placed to work in this rapidly growing field.
Job growth is projected to be more than double the national average compared to all occupations over the next 10 years.
Title IV Financial Aid eligible: Yes
Location
West Campus
Contact Information
Division of Education & Biomedical Programs
Dean: 520.206.5105
Lead Faculty: 520.206.6685
Program Advisor: 520.206.6079
Information Sessions
Program Information
Similar Programs
Careers
Completing this program can lead to employment in a variety of different careers. Here are some examples of occupations related to this program with associated Pima County-based annual median wages. Some careers may require additional education or training. Source: EMSI
| Occupation | Annual Median Wage |
| Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | $35,259 |
Academic Options
Students planning to transfer to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise and Wellness, or Athletic Trainer should follow the Associate of Arts degree. Students planning to transfer to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science should follow the Associate of Science degree. Meet with department faculty or an advisor to plan courses.
Program Requirements 2020-2021
Required Core Courses
A grade of C or better is required for graduation.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| FSN 154 | Nutrition | 3 |
| or FSS 241 | Nutrition for Exercise and Sport | |
| FSS 208 | Group Fitness Instructor | 2 |
| FSS 218 | Strength Training: Applied Principles and Techniques | 3 |
| FSS 234 (or FSS 234A and 234B) |
Fundamentals of Exercise Science | 4 |
| FSS 236 | Health Communication: Behavioral Change | 2 |
| FSS 276 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| FSS 277 | Cardiovascular Training: Physiology and Programming | 3 |
| FSS 281 | Capstone: Certified Personal Trainer | 1 |
| Subtotal | 21 | |
Required Support/Elective Courses:
Select 6 credits from the following list. A grade of C or better is required for graduation.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| FAW 182 | Healthy Living and Mind-Body Training | 3 |
| FAW 183 | Health Coach Professional |
3 |
| FAW 184 | Health, Wellness, and Physical Activity | 3 |
| FSS 238 | Introduction to Sports Injury Management | 3 |
| FSS 260 | Business Practices for the Personal Trainer | 2 |
| FSS 262 | Personal Trainer: Special Populations | 2 |
| FSS 271 | Sport Psychology | 3 |
| FSS 273 | Sport Physiology | 3 |
| FSS 280 | Weight Management Specialist | 1 |
| FSS 291 | Fitness and Sport Sciences Internship | 3 |
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total | 27 | |
Program/Major Codes:
Gainful Employment Disclosure
www.pima.edu/fitness-prof-cert