Personal Trainer

Certificate of Achievement Exercise Science · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog

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

CourseTitleUnits
COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:16-24
EXSC 282Techniques of Weight Training2
EXSC 283Exercise and Fitness Assessment2
EXSC 285Exercise for Special Populations2
EXSC 286Techniques of Exercise Leadership2
EXSC 288Personal Training Professional Preparation1
EXSC 270Exercise Science Internship / Work Experience1-4
Select one course from the following:2-4
EXSC 280Applied Exercise Physiology2
orBIOL 235Human Physiology4
Select one course from the following:2-4
EXSC 281Applied Kinesiology2
orBIOL 230Human Anatomy4
Select one course from the following:2-3
EXSC 284Fitness and Sports Nutrition2
orNUTR 170Nutrition and Fitness3

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