Affordable
Quality education should not put you in the red. The cost of attending Irvine Valley College is very low compared to the private, UC, and CSU systems.
The program prepares students to serve as personal trainers, fitness instructors, and/or strength-training instructors. Those who complete the certificate will be educated in the principles of exercise science that apply to fitness evaluation, exercise recommendation, and application of appropriate exercise methods.
The demand for well-trained specialists is expected to increase well into the next decade. This positive industry trend will offer a host of opportunities for certified fitness specialists and other qualified health experts. The Fitness Professional program is unique in its design because it offers students an opportunity to learn in both a conventional classroom setting, and gain practical experience through an internship process. Interns fulfill a 50-hour assignment at the Life Fitness Center, a campus fitness facility. Here they have an opportunity to gain valuable hands on experience while working in a fitness environment. Classes for the certificate program meet during evening hours to provide access to working adults and other fitness enthusiasts. Students can earn the Fitness Specialist certificate in as little as one year, while maintaining current employment and income.
Program Length
The Fitness Professional program can be completed in two part-time semesters. Students should work with an IVC Counselor on building their Individual Education Plan, but sample schedules can be found in the Kinesiology Major’s Handbook.
Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates
Sample Academic Plans
Semester 1
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| KNES 93 | Movement Anatomy | 3 |
| KNES 106 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| NUT 2 | Sport Nutrition | 3 |
Semester 2
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| KNES 94 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| KNES 95 | Principles of Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| KNES 215 | Fitness Professional Internship | 3 |
Semester 1
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| KNES 85 | Introduction to Athletic Training (Fall Only) | 3 |
| KNES 86 | Theory of Coaching | 3 |
| KNES Major | Kinesiology Major Course from Strength and Fitness | 1 |
| KNES Major | Kinesiology Major Course from Individual or Team Sports | 1 |
Semester 2
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| KNES 10 | Introduction to Sport Psychology (Spring Only) | 3 |
| KNES Major | Kinesiology Major Course from Individual or Team Sports | 1 |
| HLTH 2 | First Aid: Responding to Emergencies | 3 |
AA = Associate of Arts | AS = Associate of Science | AA-T = Associate of Arts for Transfer | AS-T = Associate of Science for Transfer | COA = Certificate of Achievement | COC = Certificate of Completion | COP = Certificate of Proficiency | = Fast Track Career Path
Explore Careers
Not sure if Fitness Professional is the right fit?
Exploratory Interest Area
Explore Fitness Professional while still working toward your academic goals.
Talk with a Counselor
Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.
Why choose IVC?