Personal Training, C.S.C.

Career Studies Certificate
Campuses: Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge

This program is based on the standards of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and prepares students to become knowledgeable fitness professionals in health clubs, recreation departments, and fitness facilities in private, commercial, corporate, or government settings. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to sit for a nationally recognized certification exam in Personal Training.

Special Admission Information: No classes will be waived without permission of a Personal Training advisor.

Completion Requirements: The following must be met to obtain the Personal Training Studies Certificate:

  • Achieve a grade of 'C' or better in all certificate courses
  • Score 80% or higher on the exit exam
  • Hold a current CPR certification

Recommended Preparation Information

Students are expected to attain high levels of fitness during this program and, consequently, should be in good health to participate in vigorous workouts.

Course Curriculum

Below is a table that shows the courses needed to satisfy this program. Please speak with an advisor to ensure you meet your program requirements.

One Year Credits
1st Semester
1HLT 105 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 1
2CST 110 Introduction to Communication 3
PED 111 Weight Training I 1
Choose One
3PED 116 Lifetime Fitness and Wellness 2 - 3
HLT 110 Concepts of Personal and Community Health
4BUS, FIN, or MKT Elective 3
5BIO 141 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
Total 14-15
2nd Semester
6PED Elective 1
HLT 206 Exercise Science 3
Choose One
DIT 121 Nutrition I 3
HLT 230 Principles of Nutrition and Human Development
PED 168 Basic Personal Trainer Preparation 3
7PED 220 Adult Health and Development 2 - 3
Total 12-13
Total credits for the Career Studies Certificate = 26-28
One Year Credits
1st Semester
1HLT
105
 1
2CST
110
 3
PED
111
 1
Choose One
Lifetime Fitness and Wellness
3PED
116
 2 - 3
HLT
110
FIN, or MKT Elective
4BUS,
 3
5BIO
141
 4
Total 14-15
2nd Semester
Elective
6PED
 1
HLT
206
 3
Choose One
DIT
121
 3
Principles of Nutrition and Human Development
HLT
230
PED
168
 3
7PED
220
 2 - 3
Total 12-13
Total credits for the Career Studies Certificate = 26-28

1 HLT 105 requirement may be met with proof of current certification in CPR through a recognized organization such as the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

2 May substitute CST 126, or CST 229.

3 HLT 110 is recommended for transfer to George Mason University

4 Approved Courses: BUS 100, BUS 116, BUS 165, BUS 201, FIN 107, MKT 215 

5 BIO 142 is recommended in addition to BIO 141 for transfer into a 4-year program and for students interested in a more thorough understanding of the systems of the human body

6 Approved PED Electives: PED 100, PED 103, PED 109 

7 PED 190 Coordinated Internship (2 cr.) may be substituted with approval of a Personal Training advisor.

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