Certificate of Completion in Personal Training: Advanced

Exercise Science
Become a Student

Program Information

Learn more about the Exercise Science program.

General Help

Ask general questions at our support center.

Print icon   Print this page

Course Sequence

Field of Interest

Field of Interest: Health Sciences

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Personal Training: Advanced is designed to prepare students for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer certifications. These certifications are generally required for employment in personal training positions and/or professional advancement within the fitness industry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment in positions such as personal training within health and fitness clubs, wellness centers, and public and private recreation facilities. The curriculum includes the foundational courses required for the CCL in Personal Training coupled with advanced hands-on courses that foster the development of critical thinking and leadership skills important for developing, implementing and leading exercise programs. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Exercise Science: Health, Fitness, and Sports Performance and an Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Exercise Science are also available for students interested in continuing their studies in this field.

Details

Details icon Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Personal Training: Advanced (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5445
Total Credits Required
30-30.5
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Apply a foundational understanding of the relevant scientific concepts of physiology, biomechanics and psychology.
  2. Locate and evaluate relevant scholarly literature.
  3. Conduct advanced, evidence-based assessments of health and human movement.
  4. Design evidence-based physical activity programs tailored to client goals and needs.
  5. Implement evidence-based physical activity programs tailored to client goals and needs.
  6. Apply theories of motivation and behavior change to develop and implement basic strategies for improving exercise adoption and adherence.
  7. Adapt instructional techniques to ensure client safety and goal attainment.
  8. Apply industry standards of care to mitigate risk and ensure the safety of clients.
  9. Demonstrate communication behaviors appropriate to the field.
  10. Demonstrate industry-accepted professional, ethical, and business standards.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

$49,393

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EMT101 or
WED106
Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Health Care Providers or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) OR Current CPR/AED 0–0.5
EXS101 Introduction to Exercise Science Critical course Gateway course 3
EXS125 Introduction to Exercise Physiology 3
EXS146 Introduction to Exercise Testing 1
EXS215 Resistance Training and Recovery Techniques 3
EXS217 Cardiorespiratory and Flexibility Training 3
FON100 or
FON241
Introductory Nutrition or Principles of Human Nutrition or SG 3
PED101RT or
PED101ST
Resistance Training for Improved Sports Performance or Strength Training 1
RE Restricted Electives 1

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EXS246 Advanced Exercise Testing 2
EXS255 Program Design: Muscular Fitness and Performance 3
EXS257 Program Design: Cardiorespiratory Fitness 3
PED+++++ Select one PED Courses from list in notes area PED101BC, PED101BS, PED101CY, PED101GF, PED101KB, PED101LD, PED101PC, PED101PS, PED101SR, PED101TC, PED101TX, PED101YG, PED101YH, PED101YO, PED101YP, PED101YR, or PED101ZU 1
(EXS270) or
(EXS270AA and
EXS270AB)
or
(EXS275) or
(EXS275AA and
EXS275AB)
or
(EXS270AA and
EXS275AB)
or
(EXS270AB and
EXS275AA)
(Exercise Science Internship) or (Sport Science Internship) or (Sport Science Internship and Sport Science Internship) or (Exercise Science Internship and Sport Science Internship) or (Exercise Science Internship and Sport Science Internship) 3

Restricted Electives

Complete one (1) credit from one of the following course options not already selected in the Required Courses area. Choose a course that best aligns with your academic and professional goals. Consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor as needed.

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EXS+++++ Any EXS Exercise Science course 1
FON+++++ Any FON Food and Nutrition course 1
HES+++++ Any HES Health Science course 1
PED+++++ Any PED Physical Education course 1
IFS110 Critical Research for College Success 1

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EXS101 Introduction to Exercise Science Critical course Gateway course 3
EXS125 Introduction to Exercise Physiology 3
PED101RT or
PED101ST
Resistance Training for Improved Sports Performance or Strength Training 1

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EXS146 Introduction to Exercise Testing 1
EXS215 Resistance Training and Recovery Techniques 3
EXS217 Cardiorespiratory and Flexibility Training 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EMT101 or
WED106
Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Health Care Providers or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) OR Current CPR/AED 0–0.5
EXS246 Advanced Exercise Testing 2
FON100 or
FON241
Introductory Nutrition or Principles of Human Nutrition or SG 3
PED+++++ Select one PED Courses from list in notes area PED101BC, PED101BS, PED101CY, PED101GF, PED101KB, PED101LD, PED101PC, PED101PS, PED101SR, PED101TC, PED101TX, PED101YG, PED101YH, PED101YO, PED101YP, PED101YR, or PED101ZU 1
RE Restricted Electives 1
EXS270AA or
EXS275AA
Exercise Science Internship or Sport Science Internship Students must complete three (3) credits from the following EXS internship course options:
(EXS270) or (EXS270AA and EXS270AB) or (EXS275) or (EXS275AA and EXS275AB) or (EXS270AA and EXS275AB) or (EXS270AB and EXS275AA)
0–1

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EXS255 Program Design: Muscular Fitness and Performance 3
EXS257 Program Design: Cardiorespiratory Fitness 3
EXS270AB or
EXS275AB
Exercise Science Internship or Sport Science Internship Students must complete three (3) credits from the following EXS internship course options:
(EXS270) or (EXS270AA and EXS270AB) or (EXS275) or (EXS275AA and EXS275AB) or (EXS270AA and EXS275AB) or (EXS270AB and EXS275AA)
0–2

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EXS270 or
EXS275
Exercise Science Internship or Sport Science Internship Students must complete three (3) credits from the following EXS internship course options:
(EXS270) or (EXS270AA and EXS270AB) or (EXS275) or (EXS275AA and EXS275AB) or (EXS270AA and EXS275AB) or (EXS270AB and EXS275AA)
0–3

Restricted Electives

Complete one (1) credit from one of the following course options not already selected in the Required Courses area. Choose a course that best aligns with your academic and professional goals. Consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor as needed.

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EXS+++++ Any EXS Exercise Science course 1
FON+++++ Any FON Food and Nutrition course 1
HES+++++ Any HES Health Science course 1
PED+++++ Any PED Physical Education course 1
IFS110 Critical Research for College Success 1

Ready to get started?

Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.

Become a Student

Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.

Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Exercise Science program.

General Help

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=178662).

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Personal Training: Advanced