Fitness Specialist Certificate is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become certified Personal Trainers and/or Group Fitness Instructors. It is primarily geared toward preparing students to successfully obtain certifications from NASM, NSCA or ACSM (for personal training) and AFAA, ACE or ACSM (for group fitness instruction), and to develop comprehensive knowledge of scientific evidence, tools and protocols specific to the fitness industry. Practical experience is integrated into curriculum for the development of skill mastery. Students are recommended to have basic knowledge of human biology, basic English writing and speaking skills, and the ability to perform moderate physical activity before beginning this program.
GCC is an academic advocate partner with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) for certified personal trainer (CPT) and Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) for group fitness instructor (GFI) exams. Fitness Specialist students at GCC are granted significant discounts on the exam, textbook and preparation materials for the CPT and GFI certifications, as well as more advanced certifications such as: Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES).
Glendale College also partners with local fitness studios, gyms and community fitness programs to provide internships for qualified students. Talk with your Kinesiology professor for more information.
