Fitness Trainer: Personal

Location(s): Catonsville, Essex, Owings Mills, Online

Program Description

Personal Fitness Trainers coach or instruct groups or individuals in exercise activities. They demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain corrective measures necessary to improve participants’ skills. Design and execute individual and small group fitness goals in a healthy and safe manner and conduct screenings and assessments to understand the needs of the client.

This program features entry-level skills needed to work in athletic centers, gyms, senior centers, recreation centers, and private clients’ homes. Maintain a level of client confidentiality, personal integrity, and professional standards.

Meet the eligibility requirements to be certified as a personal fitness instructor through AAAI/ISMA.

Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a projected growth of 11% or higher. Employment trends represent the estimated change in total employment from 2021-2031.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

function more effectively as a personal fitness instructor working with individuals or small groups;
design and execute individual and small group fitness goals in a healthy and safe manner;
proficient in conducting screenings and assessments to understand the physical needs of the client;
meet the eligibility requirements to be certified as a personal fitness instructor through AAAI/ISMA;
maintain a level of client confidentiality, personal integrity, and professional standards;
continue employment as a personal fitness instructor and pursue options to maintain the American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association (AAAI/ISMA); and
assume responsibility for continued professional and personal development through lifelong learning/continuing education.

CCBC Pathway

Social Sciences Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

Successful Completion:

CCBC Credential: Students will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential: Successful completer will receive a fitness certification from the American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association (AAAI/ISMA)

Certifying Organization: American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association (AAAI/ISMA) www.aaai-ismafitness.com

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Length of Training

7 hours per course to complete the class and written exam.

Courses are offered at CCBC Catonsville, CCBC Essex, CCBC Owings Mills, and online.

Program Requirements

Current CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid certifications.

Students should be computer literate and have Internet access.

Recommended: High School Diploma or GED; prior experience and/or interest in fitness and nutrition.

This program is eligible for Baltimore County Public Schools Blueprint funding

Application Process

Provisional Entry – Verification of required certifications.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Course Number	Course Title	Course Hours	Textbook Information (approximate cost; subject to change)	Costs T=Tuition/F=Fees
FIT627	Personal Fitness Trainer Certification	7	Studies in Exercise Science and Personal Fitness Trainer Supplement; $44 for both. Both study guides must be purchased and read prior to the start of class.	$144 T-$44/F-$100
FIT745	Personal Fitness Trainer: Phase II (Master Personal Trainer)	7	Advanced Personal Fitness Training by Joe Cannon; $29. This study guide must be purchased and read prior to the start of class.	$144 T-$44/F-$100
*Course Series Totals:*		14	$73	$288 T-$88/F-$200

A stringent attendance policy will be enforced.

Students who earn a minimum score of 80% on the written exam and a passing grade of ”CC” for completing the course will receive their certification.

Additional Information

Skills for Success:

Previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience in health and fitness is required for fitness trainer occupations. Employees in these positions usually need one or two years of training that involve both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced personal trainers or fitness instructors.

Detail-oriented; dependability; self-control; ability to follow safety rules; ability to follow directions; cooperation; integrity; persistence; manual dexterity; mechanical aptitude; mathematical aptitude; ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to lift 35 pounds; excellent communication and customer service skills.

Career Opportunities:

Train to work in entry-level skilled positions such as Personal Fitness Trainer, Aerobics Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor, Group Exercise Instructor, Fitness Coordinator, Fitness Director, Fitness Technician, Fitness Trainer and Private Trainer.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA. Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Contact Information