The Certificate Program
The Online Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training (PFT) is a collaboration between West Virginia State Community and
Content and curriculum within each course in the program is designed to present the student with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement a unique medically-based fitness model for their future or current clients. Students will learn how to apply their client’s health history, goals, and abilities integrating exercise science curriculum and practical training techniques into a systematic model that teaches students to progress their clients through different training levels and phases.
The program is offered in partnership with the American Council on Exercise (ACE), IDEA Health & Fitness Association, and Personal Fitness Professional (PFP). ACE provides graduating certificate students a preferred discount on the ACE Personal Training Certification Exam and study materials. IDEA has provided content/curriculum in the program; in addition, students receive a complimentary 6-month membership to the digital edition of IDEA Fitness Journal. PFP is providing students with a 3 year free subscription, which includes 9 print issues per year, a monthly e-newsletter, access to their digital magazine and an interactive website with blogs, polls, articles and much more. In addition, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has approved the Certificate in Personal Training program for 150 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs), the Advanced Certificate program for 90 CPEUs and the Optional Field Internship Course for 60 CPEUs for both Registered Dietitian (RDs) and Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTRs).
Who Should Attend?
The Certificate Program is designed to supply essential educational pathways and career opportunities to those seeking to start a career in the emerging fitness/health industry, for established fitness professionals who desire advanced education, and for allied health and medical professionals from all fields seeking to broaden their careers to become full or part-time personal trainers/fitness instructors.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau publication Occupational Outlook Handbook, overall employment for personal trainers is expected to increase 44% from 2002 to 2012.
Certificate Structure and Start Dates
To earn the certificate you are required to complete all five core courses. You may also elect to take the optional field internship course. The five core courses plus the optional field internship are offered in a three-module format; each module consists of two courses that are offered simultaneously. You are not required to take the courses in any order; however, it is highly recommended that you begin with the two courses in Module 1: (Introduction to Exercise Science, Level I and Level II). You may also register for individual courses if desired. The three-module series is offered three times per year in the fall, spring, and summer. The program can be completed in as little as five months but you must complete the requirements within two-years.
Students may also elect to register for the Advanced Certificate Program Courses. Students that have completed the core Certificate may then register for the Advanced Certificate which requires three additional courses. The Advanced Certificate is designed for students interested in furthering their personal training education by incorporating specialized resistance training, functional movements, and nutritional programs for their clients in partnership with RDs.
Professional Certificate and Advanced Certificate Start and End Dates
Summer Schedule 2009
Module 1: June 15 - July 26, 2009 (Registration Deadline is June 12)
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level I (Anatomy and Kinesiology)
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level II (Exercise Physiology)
Module 2: July 27- Sept 6, 2009 (Registration Deadline is July 24)
Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques
Business Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers
Module 3: Sept 7 - Oct 18, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Sept 4)
Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations
Optional-Field Internship in Personal Fitness Training
Advanced Certificate
Module 1: Oct 19 - Nov 29, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Oct 16)
The Science and Biomechanics of Resistance/Weight Training Techniques
Functional Flexibility, Core and Balance Training
Nutritional Analysis and Management
Fall Schedule 2009
Module 1: Sept 21 - Nov 1, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Sept 18)
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level I (Anatomy and Kinesiology)
Introduction to Exercise Science-Level II (Exercise Physiology)
Module 2: Nov 2 - Dec 13, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Oct 30)
Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques
Business Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers
Module 3: Dec 14 - Jan 24, 2010 (Registration Deadline is Dec 11)
Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations
Optional-Field Internship in Personal Fitness Training
Advanced Certificate
Module 1: Feb 8 - Mar 21, 2010 (Registration Deadline is Feb 5)
The Science and Biomechanics of Resistance/Weight Training Techniques
Functional Flexibility, Core and Balance Training
Nutritional Analysis and Management
Module 1: Feb 8 - Mar 21, 2010 (Registration Deadline is Feb 8)
Introduction to Exercise Science - Level I (Anatomy and Kinesiology)
Introduction to Exercise Science - Level II (Exercise Physiology)
Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques
Busniess Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers
Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations
Optional - Field Internship in Personal Fitness Training
The Science and Biomechanics of Resistance / Weight Training Techniques
Nutritional Analysis and Management
Workplace Advantages and Benefits
· On-going guidance, instruction, and interaction from instructors that hold either a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in exercise science, biomechanics, exercise physiology, kinesiology, physical therapy, nutrition or an exercise science-related degree. Our instructors will support their students and become valuable resources and mentors well after they graduate.
· Optional Personal Training Internship Course: Students have three internship options. They may elect to intern at a partnered internship site, a facility of their choice located anywhere in the
· A professional certificate from an accredited institution.
· College courses provide CECs or CEUs for personal trainers and allied health/medical professionals seeking re-certification, re-licensure, or career advancement.
· Networking opportunities with industry experts.
Award of the Certificates:
· Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training: complete all five core courses within a period of two years
· Advanced Certificate in Personal Training: complete the Professional Certificate and all three Advanced Certificate core courses within a period of two years
· Complete and receive a passing grade of C or above in all courses. Grades will be based on quizzes, exams, written/research projects, and class assignments.
Why Online Learning?
· Learning occurs in a user-friendly environment and is accessible to participants with little or no computer experience.
· Online courses give you the knowledge and tools you need to stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing professional marketplace.
· Online education allows students to access their courses from anywhere there is an Internet connection even if you are traveling for business or on vacation.
· Flexibility: Students can attend class in the comfort and convenience of their own home, office, library, or internet café and complete assignments after breakfast, during lunch, late at night, while on vacation, or any time that is convenient for the student.
· Cost-effective: expenses related to facilities, travel, and non-productive time is reduced.
Continuing Education Credits
The following National Organizations/Associations have approved the Personal Fitness Training program/courses and the Advanced Personal Fitness Training program/courses for Continuing Education Credits/Units (CECs/CEUs):
· The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has approved the Certificate in Personal Training program for 150 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs), the Advanced Certificate program for 90 CPEUs, and the Optional Field Internship Course for 60 CPEUs for both Registered Dietitian (RDs) and Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTRs).
· The American Senior Fitness Association (SFA) / 2.0 CEUs per course
· The National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) / 10 CEUs per course
· The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) 1 CEC per course, equivalent to an entire 6 month CEC requirement.
Cost Per Course
$275.00 for all Certificate courses and $299.00 for the Elective Internship Course.
Textbooks/course materials are a separate purchase. A listing and directions for ordering is available from the Program Specialist (304 766-5727).
A 10% discount will be applied for persons who wish to enroll and pay for all five core courses or all three Advanced Certificate courses at once.
Please ask the Program Specialist for information about available financial aid for this training.
Once a registration password is assigned, there will be no refunds. An Incomplete (INC) grade can be requested and that course can be completed in the next scheduled session for that specific course.
Demo
For an online demo go to www.efs.pageout.net
Registration Information
To register for courses call 304 766-5113 or 304 766-5727. You can also email woodworth@wvsctc.edu or workshops@wvsctc.edu to request complete information and directions.
For program information contact:
Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
Ken Baldwin, M.ED., is the Program Coordinator and an instructor for the Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training Program. He is the former Chair of IDEA’s National Personal Trainer Committee and Chair of the Senior Fitness Subcommittee for the
Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
Program Coordinator
Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training
IDEA Personal Trainer of Year Award Winner
Email Address: kbpft@yahoo.com
Instructors:
Dan Ritchie, Ph.D, CSCS
Dan Ritchie, Ph.D, CSCS has a broad background in the fitness industry including training and management in commercial and university/hospital-based fitness, for-profit, not-for-profit and educational facilities. His primary areas of expertise are in personal training for special populations: athletes, pregnancy, blind, stroke recovery, Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, etc. He has worked with Division I athletes, as well as on state funded research on exercise for severe dementia Alzheimer’s type. He regularly presents at national and regional conferences and has been active on committees for the
Melissa Halas-Liang, RD, MA, CNSD, CDE
Melissa Halas-Liang, RD, MA, is a registered dietitian, with a Masters in Nutrition Education, and a certification in nutrition support. In addition to working as a clinical dietitian, she assist’s in clinical trials, has taught small group diabetes classes, and counseled patients on weight loss. She has spoken on a wide range of topics in the community from diet and fitness to high school sports nutrition. She has spoken at the Woman’s Health Symposium on Fad Diets and on Weight Management and Disease Prevention. Melissa has published articles in periodicals on healthy eating and edited textbook nutrition sections. She developed curriculums for medical residents and lectured to health care professionals for continuing education credits on a variety of topics. Melissa's enthusiasm for healthy eating is contagious and her outgoing and interactive approach to learning motivates her audience to commit to new lifestyles.
Certificate Course Descriptions
Course 1: Introduction to Exercise Science-Level I
Instructor: Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
In this course, students gain an understanding of musculoskeletal and functional anatomy and the effects of exercise placed on joint structures during exercise movements. Emphasis is placed on learning about proper body alignment, joint range of motion (ROM), basic biomechanics, and kinesiological principles to the development of safe and effective exercise programs.
Dates: Sept 21 - Nov 1, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Sept 18)
Feb 8 - Mar 21, 2010 (Registration Deadline is Feb 5)
Fee: $275.00
Course 2: Introduction to Exercise Science-Level II
Instructor: Dan Ritchie, PhD, CSCS
This course is designed to teach the personal trainer how the muscular, skeletal, and cardiorespiratory systems function with and without exercise conditioning. Additional topics include energy metabolism, neuromuscular function, and the physiology of exercise in relation to training programs and environmental considerations.
Dates: Sept 21 - Nov 1, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Sept 18)
Feb 8 - Mar 21, 2010 (Registration Deadline is Feb 5)
Fee: $275.00
Course 3: Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques
Instructor: Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
This course teaches students how to assess and evaluate cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular testing techniques, joint ROM, flexibility, body-fat analysis, blood pressure, and body measurements based on ACSM guidelines. Topics include client screening procedures, medical and health history intake forms, identifying high-risk clients, determining the appropriate test, conducting the test, and evaluating the results.
Dates: July 27 - Sept 6, 2009 (Registration Deadline is July 24)
Nov 2 - Dec 13, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Oct 30)
March 22 - May 2, 2010 (Registration Deadline Mar 19)
Fee: $275.00
Course 4: Business Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers
Instructor: Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
This course gives personal trainers a solid background in developing or starting a personal training business and prepares them for financial management, marketing strategies, and business plan development. Techniques for effective management include standards and guidelines, facility/studio personnel management, and operational issues from a small personal training (PT) studio to managing a PT department at a large health facility.
Dates: July 27 - Sept 6, 2009 (Registration Deadline is July 24)
Nov 2 - Dec 13, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Oct 30)
March 22 - May 2, 2010 (Registration Deadline Mar 19)
Fee: $275.00
Course 5: Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations
Instructor: Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
This course teaches how to develop an exercise prescription in relation to health implications for normal/special populations related to age, medical condition, and fitness level. Topics include cardiac conditions, diabetes, physical disabilities, HIV and AIDS, asthma, sensory impairments, pregnancy, and program design for children to senior populations. This course is designed as a research-based class with emphasis on designing a step-by-step process to creating individualized exercise programs.
Dates: Sept 7 - Oct 18, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Sept 4)
Dec 14 - Jan 24, 2010 (Registration Deadline is Dec 11)
May 3 - June 13, 2010 (Registration Deadline is April 30)
Fee: $275.00
Optional Elective Course
Optional Field Internship in Personal Training
Instructor: Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
Prerequisite: 5 Core Courses and CPR Certification
NOTE: This course is an optional course and is not required to receive the Professional Certificate. Learn to work with professionals in the fitness and health industry for a hands-on experience working with members at fitness facilities and health centers. Students intern for 60 total hours in this course
Dates: Sept 7 - Oct 18, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Sept 4)
Dec 14 - Jan 24, 2010 (Registration Deadline is Dec 11)
May 3 - June 13, 2010 (Registration Deadline is April 30)Fee: $299.00
Advanced Certificate Course Descriptions
Course 1: Nutritional Analysis and Management
Instructor: Melissa Halas-Liang, RD, MA, CNSD, CDE
Students will study the basic nutrition principles and how to apply them when designing structured nutritional programs for clients in collaboration with registered dietitians and nutritionists. The focus will be on vitamin, mineral, and supplement knowledge; the effects of nutrition on the exerciser and non-exerciser; strategies for successful weight management; and recognizing normal to disordered eating patterns.
Dates: Oct 19 - Nov 29, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Oct 16)
June 14- July 25, 2010 (Registration Deadline is June 11)
Fee: $275.00
Course 2: Functional Flexibility, Core, and Balance Training
Instructor: Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
Students will study principles and techniques for evaluation and implementation of exercise prescriptions that include instruction in flexibility, core, and balance training. Students will learn how the beginning phases of an exercise program are based upon the starting point/level of the client based upon performance of initial assessments, neurological ability, and individual goals. In addition, students will learn to implement the Sequential Exercise Training (SET) Model to enhance posture, body alignment, stability, proprioception, and awareness to more complicated exercise movements or functional movements.
Dates: Oct 19 - Nov 29, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Oct 16)
June 14- July 25, 2010 (Registration Deadline is June 11)
Fee: $275.00
Course 3: The Science and Biomechanics of Resistance/Weight Training Techniques
Instructor: Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
This course teaches an educational systematic approach to teaching resistance/weight training movements. The practical application of anatomy, physiology, and body alignment is introduced to analyze weight training techniques, exercise equipment, and the risk/benefit analysis of a specific exercise chosen. Equipment modalities reviewed include stability balls, exercise bands, free weights, body weight, and commercial strength equipment.
Dates: Oct 19 - Nov 29, 2009 (Registration Deadline is Oct 16)
June 14- July 25, 2010 (Registration Deadline is June 11)
Fee: $275.00
Student Testimonials
Read below for what our past students have to say about the Online Certificate in Personal Fitness Training.
“I love these on-line courses. It allows me to be flexible with my time and the pace of the course is perfect. I recommend on-line courses to anyone who has the desire to continue to learn and improve themselves”. C.
“The online Personal Fitness Trainer program is a great way for working fitness professionals to add to their educational credentials.” J.
“The first two classes in Module One have inspired me to help others become more fit. They have provided a strong foundation to become more knowledgeable in the fitness industry. I am looking forward to the next classes.” N.
“This program opened a new career path for me that is exciting, timely, and rewarding.” J.
