Health Promotion - Fitness Certificate

Purpose

Health promotion is the science and art of helping people, organizations, and communities transform lifestyle behaviors to move toward a state of improved health, and reduction in chronic disease and health care costs. This certificate will provide a foundation of study that includes fitness, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and psychology.

This certificate will benefit those interested in or seeking advancement in the field of personal fitness trainer, recreational therapist and workers, physical therapy assistants and aides, health fitness instructor, group fitness instructors, and fitness managers. This program of study will provide a holistic approach to the world of health, wellness, and fitness. Students will acquire the fundamental education necessary to stand apart from their peers seeking similar types of employment.

Program of Study

The certificate will consist of 16 undergraduate credits. All certificate courses are offered 100% online. Students should be comfortable with the online learning format.

Career Opportunities

Aligning with the University mission, the Certificate of Health Promotion: Fitness, provides students with targeted and specialized education to support professional advancement and to meet increasing needs of the population to become fit and stay fit. As the public begins to experience quality physical activity education across the lifespan, it is of utmost importance to have a qualified exercise trainer providing the education.

All interested students are required to consult with an academic advisor and/or program chair to plan the appropriate course sequencing and selection. The courses may be completed within a baccalaureate curriculum.

General Requirements/ Pre-Requisites

The program is open to the following prospective students with an interest in Health Promotion: Fitness:

High School graduate and/or;
Associate Degree graduate and/or;
Open to any undergraduate students in a degree-seeking program upon advisement from program specific chair and/or an academic advisor.

Students will complete an undergraduate application for admission accompanied by a non-refundable admission fee.

Students are held to all prerequisite requirements; some students may require more than 5 courses to complete this certificate.

Curriculum

Course Requirements (10 Credits)

HLT 322	Strength Training Essentials and Theory	3
HLT 326	Nutrition for Healthy Living	3
SCI 335	Human Anatomy and Physiology (with Lab)	4
OR
BIO 253	Anatomy and Physiology I (with Lab)	4

Electives (6 Credits)

Choose two (2) electives, depending on degree or interests, from the following:

BBM 102	Introduction to Business	3
HLT 321	Personal Wellness	3
HLT 324	Personal Training Essentials	3
	A ten (10) hour Professional Trainer Observation experience will be completed during this course. Students are required to obtain liability insurance prior to the start of the course. Information about the available insurance providers and the normal fee is located within the course syllabus.
PSY 306	Behavior Modification	3
PSY 451	Health Psychology	3