2015-2016 Student Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Student Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Personal Training, Certificate


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Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:    Certificate
HEGIS Code:            5299
SUNY Code:             2227
Major Code:             PTRN

The Career

This two-semester program will serve those who would like to work in the fitness industry as personal trainers. The program is designed for students who have never worked in a fitness-center setting, those who are currently employed non-certified personal trainers in a fitness setting who desire to upgrade their educational background and other fitness-industry professionals seeking the personal trainer designation. The program will prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to work as personal trainers and certify through the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) after graduation at a reduced rate.

The NCCC Approach

Core courses of Personal Training, Nutrition and Healthful Living make up the core of the curriculum. The life sciences component of Human Biology paired with the elective Kinesiology prepares students with a practical and applicable understanding of the human body. Additional emphasis in communications, psychology and mathematics complete the liberal arts experience and prepare candidates for the elements of varied experiences they may encounter in this profession. Professional development activities and career exploration will be emphasized early and throughout the Personal Training certificate program.

In addition to earning a Certificate in Personal Training, students are positioned to take the National Council on Strength and Fitness Certification Personal Trainer Exam upon graduating from this program.

Admission

Students admitted in fall, spring and summer.

The Personal Training program is a full-time program with coursework available both day and evening. Some courses are also available online through Distance Learning.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To provide students with skills in personal fitness training
  • To assist students in completing three general education areas specifically chosen to develop knowledge of interpersonal communication, body systems and of writing skills for industry
  • To prepare students to obtain NCSF certification

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate fundamental training skills such as nutritional analysis, physical assessment, biomechanical analysis and exercise programming
  • Examine the unique needs of individual clients based on needs analysis
  • Communicate relevant programming information to clientele
  • Accommodate diversity in body types and the special needs of diverse clients
  • Demonstrate skills in the area of training instruction such as spotting, technique and tempo correction and effective breathing techniques

Program Requirements (PTRN)


  1. A total of 32-credit hours with a minimum curriculum grade-point average of 2.0. Academic Foundations courses do not count toward the certificate.
  2. Health and Physical Education: A minimum of 13-credits to include:
    HED 201 - Healthful Living ***
    HED 205 - Nutrition & Health 
    HED 214 - Advanced First Aid and CPR 
      ** OR (see Business electives)
    HPE 260 - Personal Trainer  
     
    PED 107 - Movement Analysis I  OR
    PED 155 - Weight Training  OR
      
  3. Biology:  A maximum of 4-credit hours to include:
    BIO 117  -  Human Biology  
    BIO 117L  -  Human Biology Lab  
  4. Humanities: A maximum of 6-credits to include:
    ENG 101 - Writing I ***
      OR
    SPE 103  -  Interpersonal Communication  
  5. Social Sciences: A maximum of 3-credits to include:
    PSY 110  -  Introduction to Psychology ***
  6. Mathematics: A maximum of 3-credit hours to include:
    MAT 104 - Mathematics with Business Application *, *** OR
    MAT 106 - Contemporary Mathematics **, ***
  7. Business Elective: A maximum of 3-credits to include:
      OR
    BUS 122 - Small Business Management * OR
    HPE 225  -  Kinesiology/Exercise & Sport **
     

Typical Program


Note:


*Recommended for individuals interested in owning and operating their own facility.

**Recommended for individuals interested in working for a pre-existing facility.

***Available online

Facilities


The Personal Training certificate (PTC) program is housed within the Athletics Building. A 2,500 square foot fitness center includes the latest Cybex equipment and a number of the most popular cardiovascular machines currently on the market. In addition, the NCCC Athletics facility houses an Olympic-size pool, two gymnasiums, dance studio, racquetball and squash courts. The NCCC Athletics & Intramural/Recreation Department is comprised of its men’s and women’s athletic teams and numerous intramural and recreation programs and events. Our technology, aimed at the professional development of our students, is exemplary. To enhance our Personal Training certificate program and provide students with the most up-to-date technology-based information, wireless computers have been added to a brand new classroom where you will also find Dartfish (this assessment tool debuted on the world stage during the 2000 Sydney Olympics), Polar (heart rate monitors and monitoring software), and Tri- Fit (health screening) technology to be used in various capacities throughout your PTC educational experience.

Scholarship Opportunities


There are several scholarships available to NCCC students.  Scholarship deadline dates vary each semester.  For more information, please visit the scholarship webpage at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships . The NCCC Scholarship Office is located within the Financial Aid Complex, A-114 or by phone (716) 614-6205.

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