four people on stationery bikes

Personal Trainer Program

Become a Personal Trainer

Earn a Certificate of Achievement

Select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

For program requirements and full course listings, view certificate information

About the Program

You can complete the 35-unit Personal Trainer Certificate in Achievement in one year. If you work full time, you may prefer to complete program courses in four or more quarters.

Our program emphasizes anatomy, exercise physiology, and psychology, as well as small business practices and a fitness industry internship.


I truly appreciate the diverse curriculum covered in the personal trainer program.We cover recreational and athletic fitness. We also learn how to work with clients from all walks of life, including older adults and special populations. I highly recommend this program.

- Alex C., Personal Trainer Student

You’ll receive leading-edge theoretical and technical instruction to help you develop knowledge of exercise science, fitness assessment, program design and implementation, nutrition, injury prevention and rehabilitation, equipment training, and small business administration.

You’ll develop important job skills that employers demand, including interpersonal communication, collaboration, creativity, honesty, leadership and motivation, teamwork, patience and enthusiasm, as well as the ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Rewarding Career Opportunities

Work as a fitness paraprofessional

  • Athletics coach
  • Group exercise/physical activities leader
  • Lifestyle management consultant
  • Physical education instructor
  • Special populations director
  • Strength coach.
  • Prepare to take exams for certifications awarded by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise and American College of Sports Medicine.

  • Gain the foundation for a related career as a physical therapist, chiropractor or adapted physical education instructor.

Prerequisites

  • You may enroll in the program at any time.
  • To register, submit the free application for admission to Foothill College  and create a myportal.fhda.edu account. There is no fee to apply!
  • To earn the certificate, you must complete the prescribed courses with a minimum grade-point average of 2.0, and demonstrate proficiency in math and English.
  • The certificate also complements the Foothill College Associate in Science Degree in Athletic Injury Care and Associate in Arts Degree in Physical Education.

Program Course Overview

For a list and decriptions of program courses, see certificate requirements.

 

Trainer helping a female client

Questions?
I'm Here to Help!

Don Mac Neil, Personal Trainer Program Director

650.949.7248


macneildon@foothill.edu


Building 2700, Office 2701



Gainful Employment Disclosures

Division Office Contacts

KINESIOLOGY & ATHLETICS DIVISION
Office: Building 2700, Room 2701
Mike Teijeiro, Division Dean & Athletic Director
Phone: 650.949.7380
Email: teijeiromike@fhda.edu
Crystal Chen
Senior Administrative Assistant
Phone: 650.949.7742
Email: chencrystal@foothill.edu
Kinesiology & Athletics Division

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