# Personal Trainer (Certificate of Achievement)

San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Exercise Science

Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/17540/18643/18644/17541/17696

### Summary

Students who earn this award are trained to be group exercise leaders and personal trainers. Students learn the principles of exercise and physical conditioning, techniques of leading exercise sessions, appropriate methods of establishing healthy behavior and the designing of personalized exercise programs. Students develop safe, effective exercise plans for a variety of clients.

The Personal Trainer Certificate of Achievement trains students for positions, entry-level or higher, in the growing fitness industry.

Graduates are qualified to be exercise testing technicians, fitness instructors, strength training instructors, aerobics instructors, and personal fitness trainers.

The fitness industry continued to experience growth and has an ongoing need for trained instructors and trainers in health clubs, fitness centers, and sports medicine clinics.

Please note that students enrolled in an occupational program must earn a grade of "C" or better in courses required for the major.

**Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Personal Trainer Program will be able to:**

1.  Develop of new programs in the areas of Aquatics and Wellness Coaching to prepare students to think critically about safety, health and wellness as it relates to lifelong learning activities.
2.  Apply core critical thinking skills of analysis, interpretation, evaluation and explanation in the development of nutritional and fitness plans and the acquisition of skill development including proper techniques, physiological principles and kinesthetic awareness.
3.  Demonstrate effective and sensitive verbal, nonverbal and written communications skills.
4.  Value and implement physical fitness activities, wellness strategies and principles in support of a healthy lifestyle.
5.  Display the attributes of sportsmanship and teamwork as it pertains to physical education and athletic competition.
6.  Utilize current technology to research and compile information in health and wellness, human performance and athletic competition.

### Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:** | | 16-24 |
| EXSC 282 | Techniques of Weight Training | 2 |
| EXSC 283 | Exercise and Fitness Assessment | 2 |
| EXSC 285 | Exercise for Special Populations | 2 |
| EXSC 286 | Techniques of Exercise Leadership | 2 |
| EXSC 288 | Personal Training Professional Preparation | 1 |
| EXSC 270 | Exercise Science Internship / Work Experience | 1-4 |
| **Select one course from the following:** | | 2-4 |
| EXSC 280 | Applied Exercise Physiology | 2 |
| or BIOL 235 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| **Select one course from the following:** | | 2-4 |
| EXSC 281 | Applied Kinesiology | 2 |
| or BIOL 230 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| **Select one course from the following:** | | 2-3 |
| EXSC 284 | Fitness and Sports Nutrition | 2 |
| or NUTR 170 | Nutrition and Fitness | 3 |