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

Montgomery College 2017-2018 Catalog

Apr 01, 2025

(R): 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/health fitness specialist.

Program Requirements

All students should 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 - Advanced Metabolic Assessment and Program Design 3 semester hours
PHED 240 - Personal Training Techniques 3 semester hours
Group Fitness activity Course 1-2 semester hours *1
Individual Fitness Activity Course 1 semester hour *2

Total Credit Hours: 23-24

*1 Group Fitness Activity Course: Select one course from the following courses: PHED 128 ; PHED 155 ; PHED 156 ; PHED 160 .

^*2Individual Fitness Activities: Select one course from the following courses: PHED 111 ; PHED 112 ; PHED 125 ; PHED 131 ; PHED 137 : PHED 149 ; PHED 177 ;

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, strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Demonstrate knowledge and use of appropriate exercise program development for the following fitness components, cardiorespiratory, strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Demonstrate knowledge and use of specific behavioral strategies to enhance exercise and health behavior change.
Demonstrate knowledge and use of ability to communicate effectively and teach exercise participants proper exercise techniques, exercise progression, and lifestyle change.