Program: Advanced Personal Trainer Certificate: 191B - Montgomery College

Montgomery College 2025-2026 Catalog

May 08, 2025

(R and TP/SS): 191B

The personal trainer certificate curriculum is designed to develop fitness specialists who are knowledgeable and skilled in fitness, wellness instruction, and program design. The curriculum blends science and theory with practical application and hands-on experience.

Students will acquire an academic foundation in the fundamental principles of exercise and nutrition in addition to a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Practical skill training will focus on the development of expertise in fitness assessment, health and fitness program design, safe exercise technique, training methodology, injury prevention and care, behavior change, exercise leadership, and personal training business practice.

The certificate curriculum offers the educational framework and competencies for career opportunities in the fitness industry. Successful completion of the certificate will prepare students for many of the nationally recognized personal training certification examinations and provides a course foundation for those interested in pursuing an AA in exercise science.

Program Requirements

All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.

HLTH 121 - Nutrition for Fitness and Wellness 3 semester hours
HLTH 220 - Emergency Medical Responder 3 semester hours
PHED 206 - Principles and Practices of Health-Related Fitness 3 semester hours
PHED 228 - Group Fitness Instructor Training 3 semester hours
PHED 230 - Advanced Weight Training: Theory and Program Design 3 semester hours
PHED 237 - Fitness Assessment and Programming 3 semester hours
PHED 240 - Personal Training Techniques 3 semester hours
PHED Elective 2 semester hours *

Total Credit Hours: 23

* Select two courses from the following list of 1 credit courses: PHED 101 , PHED 103 , PHED 104 , PHED 105 , PHED 106 , PHED 111 , PHED 112 , PHED 116 , PHED 117 , PHED 120 , PHED 121 , PHED 125 , PHED 128 , PHED 131 , PHED 137 , PHED 143 , PHED 149 , PHED 152 , PHED 163 , PHED 166 , PHED 167 , PHED 170 , PHED 171 , PHED 174 , PHED 177 , PHED 183 , PHED 186 OR one course from the following list of 2 credit courses: PHED 155 , PHED 156 .

Program Outcomes

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

Demonstrate knowledge and use of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal risk factors and appropriate use of health histories, physician referrals, and informed consent.
Demonstrate knowledge and use of appropriate fitness assessments for the following fitness components, cardiorespiratory, endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Demonstrate knowledge and use of appropriate exercise program development for the following fitness components: cardiorespiratory, endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Demonstrate knowledge and use of specific behavioral strategies to enhance exercise and health behavior change.
Communicate effectively and teach exercise participants proper exercise techniques, exercise progression, and lifestyle change strategies.