Personal Fitness Trainer

Personal Fitness Trainer - Certificate

If you have an interest in the health and fitness industry and would like to prepare for a career as a Personal Fitness Trainer, this program is for you!

This program is designed for people currently employed or seeking employment in the fitness industry, or individuals wanting a better understanding of health & fitness. Completion of the program will prepare students for jobs working in the fitness industry, both in a fitness facility and as a private trainers.

Students will be introduced to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a certifying agency that offers a career and employment placement program, with a nationwide network to assist successful candidates with job placement in the Fitness industry.

Employment Information

75% BTC graduate placement rate

$37,294 starting annual wage
$51,730 average annual wage
$63,752 potential annual wage

Employment and Wage Data Sources

BTC graduate employment rates:
The graduate employment rate reflects placement rates of students who graduated from BTC in 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17. The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Data Linking for Outcomes Assessment database pulls from Unemployment Insurance (UI) data across Washington and Oregon. UI data do not reflect BTC graduates who (a) are employed in states beyond those listed above or outside of the United States, (b) are self-employed, (c) are active duty members of the armed forces, (d) continued on to another educational institution, and/or (e) did not provide a social security number while enrolled at BTC.

Wages:
Washington State Employment Security Department 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates ( esd.wa.gov) reflect 2014-2017 employment

Starting annual wage = 25th percentile
Average annual wage = 50th percentile
Potential annual wage = 75th percentile

Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Books, Tools and Supplies Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This hybrid program starts in the Fall quarter and courses must be taken in sequential order. Program classes meet two evenings per week (Tuesday and Thursdays) and the rest of the time instruction and study is done online.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

It is recommended that students have good basic academic skills.
Before taking the hybrid courses, students should be confident about computer and study skills. Students will need access to a computer and the internet several days a week, for a total of 3-5 hours a week for each six-credit class.

What are My Next Steps?

Apply to BTC

Classes

Quarter 1
PFT 100 Foundations of Health and Fitness 6 CR
You will study the science and structure of the human organism and how it relates to exercise science. You will learn about food requirements, values and how food is broken down into usable fuel. You will develop and learn techniques to regulate and prescribe appropriate eating systems. You will learn operation and set up of digital and programmable exercise machinery, equipment repair and maintenance, facility safety, sports injury management and prevention and how gym etiquette is practiced. Program development helps you understand the many needs and requirements of your future client. You will learn the tools, skills and methods to determine how each client fits into the program schedule. Assessment of health risks, potential problem areas and special needs will be covered.
Future Offerings:
Quarter 2
PFT 110 Program Development and Training Principles 6 CR
Focusing on smooth, cardiac and skeletal muscle physiology, we will investigate structure, function and cellular adaptations with exercise. You will create exercise programs using scientific principles beginning with the fundamental beginner programs and working through advanced training development and implementation. Evaluation and assessment of programs will be heavily emphasized. This class will cover the mechanics of muscle development, as well as behavior and performance guidelines to achieve prescribed results with specialized instruction. The class is an introduction to the specialty field of the supplementation of nutrients, vital elements and their effects on aging and longevity. The principles to aid in prevention of degenerative health risks will be covered.
Prerequisites:
PFT 100 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Quarter 3
PFT 120 Facility Management and Marketing for a Fitness Trainer 6 CR
You will learn the day to day operations as a professional trainer in a fitness facility. This will include equipment maintenance, purchasing and budget management. You will learn multi-client training principles and guidelines for supervisor and management positions. The class covers the basics for designing an effective plan to run a successful training facility, as well as the evaluation of new and existing programs for implementation and development. This course is designed to assist the student in marketing their own personal trainer services as well as developing a successful marketing program for a progressive fitness facility. You will learn proven methods for marketing and research develop networking techniques, and employment leads. The course will assist you in recognizing and developing personal talents to be better able to determine career direction.
Prerequisites:
PFT 110 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate proficient methods of developing and leading group exercise programs and complete personal guided training programs.
Effectively manage gym operations or a training facility.
Provide the tools needed to develop healthy lifestyle habits professionally and personally.
Successfully pass the ACE Personal Fitness Trainer Certification test.

Employment Outlook

Job opportunities can be found in fitness centers, as a personal trainer, aerobics instructor, or in the private personal training business, working with people in their homes. Other options for program graduates are recreation worker, corporate staff trainer, or team trainer.

The average annual wage in this field is $51,730, with an earning potential of about $63,752 per year.*

Upon completion of the certificate program students will be prepared to work in the fitness industry both in a fitness facility and as a private trainer. Positions may include: recreation worker, fitness trainer, or aerobics instructor.

Faculty & Support

Laura Doss

College Navigator

360.752-8548
ldoss@btc.edu
College Services (CS), Room 105

Laura Doss has been at BTC for 10 years in the roles of Academic & Career Advisor, Student Navigator, Instructor, Completion Coach and now College Navigator for the Allied Health Programs. Laura earned her Bachelor of Science while serving in the US Army and stationed in Germany and her Master of Education while stationed at Fort Sill, OK. Her initial education and training was in the mental health field before moving into education. Outside of work, Laura likes to spend time with her four kids, walking the trails, cuddling with her tiny dog and reading a ton of books!