Fitness Specialist Certificate Program
Our fitness and wellness program continues to expand with newly developed courses based on recent trends in the fitness industry. In 2003, the Fitness Specialist Certificate Program was approved by the State University of New York and New York State Board of Education. The Certificate is a 25 credit program that is appropriate for individuals who are interested in becoming personal trainers but do not have any academic experience in the field.
Mission of the Program
The mission of the program is geared towards obtaining the academic credentials that are helpful in pursuing a career as a personal trainer. Students will become educated in workout development, fitness counseling, nutrition and exercise science as well as gaining hands on experience by participating in an internship. This program prepares individuals to take national examinations offered at various testing centers to become certified trainer.
What Can You Do with your Degree?
The certificate
- Prepares you to take national examinations in personal training. Some exams include the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Council of Strength and Fitness (NCSF), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council of Exercise (ACE), and American Fitness Association of America (AFAA).
- Offers continuing education credits for those individuals who are already certified personal trainers and are seeking additional credits to renew their certification.
- Can be used as an elective for Liberal Arts degree students.
- Prepares individuals to open their own personal training services.
Internship Program
The coordinator of the Fitness Certificate program oversees students who are participating in internships at local health clubs, one-on-one personal training studios, private clinics and corporate fitness centers. In addition to hands-on training, many internships have led to permanent employment opportunities.
Courses
This one year certificate program educates the individual in functional anatomy, introduction to exercise science, how nutrition affects exercise, program design and development, exercise testing and assessment, fitness counseling, business and industry, vocalization and communication and first-aid care.
FIT 101 - Concepts of Resistance Training (3 credits)
This lecture-based class discusses the principles and concepts involved in resistance training for the general population. Discussion include program development, the muscle system, resistance exercises on a variety of muscle groups, getting started, safety tips, body mechanics and nutrition.
Offered in Classroom and On-Line
FIT 211 - Applied Concepts of Resistance Training (3 credits)
Practical techniques used in exercise assessment and training sessions.
Offered in Spring session only
FIT 212 - Introduction to Exercise Science (3 credits)
This course explores the foundation of exercise physiology. The objective is to understand concepts in a comprehensive way that will allow students to apply exercise physiology in the widest variety of possible work situations.
FIT 213 - Fitness Counseling (3 credits)
Understanding how to work with a variety of different individuals and how to relate to their goals, practices and behaviors.
Offered Only On-Line
Hands on training in public or private owned fitness facilities. Individuals will complete 135 hours of training under supervision that includes fitness testing, program design and client workouts.
CHM 111- Human Nutrition (3 credits)
Designed to study the relationship of nutrition to health. It includes an analysis of: nutrient functions, metabolism, and requirements through the life cycle, essential of an adequate diet, and problems of nutritional origin affecing world populations.
MGT 160 - Sports Management (3 credits)
Designed to educate the student on self employment, factors in success, justifying a new business, location, organizing, financing, insurance, taxes, promotion and advertising.
SPE 101 - Fundamentals of Speech (3 credits)
To teach students to speak effectively, substantively and purposefully, using voice and body to communicate.
REC 205 - Community CPR and First Aid (1 credit)
The main objective is to understand the primary purpose of first aid training is to prevent accidents by using good judgment. The secondary purpose is to prepare students to provide standard care in the event of an accident until more advanced medical personnel arrive and take over. Upon completion of this course, students will be certified in American Red Cross Community CPR and First Aid and Safety.
FOR FURTHER INFO: Patti Zodda, Associate Professor, Physical Education
(845) 574-4450
pzodda@sunyrockland.edu
Physical Education Department • 145 College Rd, Suffern, NY 10901 • Phone: (845) 574-4457 • Fax: (845) 574-4430
