Montgomery College 2016-2017 Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
Montgomery College 2016-2017 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Fitness Track, Arts and Sciences AA


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(R): 157B

This AA track is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career in health promotion, fitness, or corporate wellness. An analysis of job markets in fields related to health promotion shows that they are experiencing rapid growth expansion as our society continues to become more aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. This track has been designed as a transfer program, including a program developed in conjunction with Salisbury University’s exercise science degree. This associates degree program is also appropriate for students interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in exercise science, health promotion, health education, or kinesiology from another college or university.

Students will acquire knowledge and skills and will develop the abilities to apply theoretical information in practical real-life situations. Emphasis is on an understanding of the human body, health behavior, personal health, lifetime fitness principles and training techniques, nutrition, weight control, stress management, and other related healthy lifestyle topics. Students will learn to assess the different components of health and fitness, and they will acquire skills in the design, implementation, and supervision of healthier lifestyle programs for groups and individuals. Students will also acquire the program assessment and evaluation skills needed for the successful implementation of health behavior change programming.

Completion of the AA requirements in health fitness will prepare students for fitness certifications through nationally recognized professional organizations such as the American Council on Exercise. Upon completion of designated courses, students will be eligible to sit for various NCCA approved certifications for a reduced fee. Upon completion of the Salisbury University degree, students will be eligible to sit for a variety of CoAES professional certifications including Certified Health Educator Specialist certification, ACSM’s Health Fitness Specialist certification, or NCSA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

General Education Course Selections


Click here to view the Foundation/Distribution Courses  for selection to fulfill the General Education Course Requirements.

Suggested Course Sequence


All students should consult an advisor.

First Semester


Second Semester


Third Semester


Fourth Semester


Total Credit Hours: 60


* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103  or Health elective.

† The two behavioral and social sciences courses must be in different disciplines. Students participating in the articulated curriculum with Salisbury University - Shady Grove need an additional 9 health credits and PHED 140  (1 credit). Students must check with departmental advisers for appropriate courses.

Program Outline / Degree Requirements


General Education Requirements


Foundation Courses


Distribution Courses


  • 4 semester hours (NSLD)
  • 4 semester hours (NSLD)
  • Arts distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)
  • Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)†
  • Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
  • Humanities distribution 3 semester hours (HUMD)
  • Arts or Humanities distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD)

Total Credit Hours: 60


* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 .

† The two behavioral and social sciences courses must be in different disciplines. Students participating in the articulated curriculum with Salisbury University - Shady Grove need an additional 9 health credits and PHED 140  (1 credit). Students must check with departmental advisors for appropriate courses.

Program Outcomes


Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

  • Define health and describe the dimensions of wellness and a healthy lifestyle while demonstrating the impact of individual health related behaviors on health status.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics as it relates to health and exercise programming.
  • Describe and utilize current theories of health behavior to facilitate behavior change and program adherence.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of exercise science and the skills necessary to administer appropriate fitness assessments and use the results to design a comprehensive health fitness program.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of health fitness instructor’s responsibilities, limitations, and the legal complications.

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