Certifications, Licensures, Memberships
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8/16/2010 - Registration for Fall Quarter Starts
9/3/2010 - Registration for Fall Quarter Ends
9/6/2010 - Labor Day (School Closed)
9/24/2010 - Early Fall Classes End
10/4/2010 - Fall Classes Begin

National Certifications for Trainers & Fitness Specialists


As a graduate of a health fitness specialist degree program at Broadview University (formerly Utah Career College), you will be prepared to sit for a variety of national certification exams. There are currently no state or federal licensures for personal trainers, group fitness instructors or other health and fitness promotion specialists. However, many employers hiring fitness professionals require national certifications through accredited organizations in direct response to concerns about personal trainer qualifications.

Selecting a sports or fitness certification, exam preparation

Due to the variations on certifications, Broadview University encourages a student to pick a nationally accredited certification organization that meets that student’s specific needs, and certify through that agency. Health fitness specialist courses at our school prepare students for such certification exams.

Professional health and fitness organizations offer accredited certifications that vary depending on specific eligibility requirements. Some certifications require a minimum of a high school diploma and/or equivalent while others require an associate in health fitness specialist degree, bachelor's in health fitness specialist degree, or associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related area. All certifications require a certification in CPR/First aid and AED. Not only are there specific eligibility requirements for each certification, but many employers require employees to have certain certifications. Certification prices also vary from agency to agency.

Nationally accredited Health & Fitness Certification agencies:

Muscle Activation TechniquesTM (MAT) (through elective seminars in the bachelor's degree program)

  • Jumpstart 1
  • Jumpstart 2
  • Jumpstart 3

Resistance Training Specialist (RTS) (through elective seminars in the bachelor's degree program)

  • RTS 1
  • RTS 2
  • RTS 3

ACSM Certifications: (American College of Sports Medicine)

NSCA Certifications: (National Strength and Conditioning Association)

NASM Certifications: (National Academy of Sports Medicine)

  • www.nasm.org
  • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  • Optimal Performance Training (OPT)

ACE Certifications: (American Council on Exercise)

  • www.acefitness.org
  • Personal Trainer
  • Group Fitness Instructor
  • Lifestyle & Weight Management (*Personal Trainer Cert Required)
  • Clinical Exercise Specialist (*Bachelor Degree Required)

AFAA Certifications: (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America)’

  • www.afaa.com
  • Personal Fitness Trainer
  • Primary Group Exercise Instructor

Group Fitness Certifications offered by various independent agencies:

  • Yoga / Pilates / T’ai Chi
  • Kickboxing / Body Combat / Boot Camp
  • Cycle / Spinning
  • Aquatics / Water Aerobics
  • Step Aerobics
  • Latin Dance / Hip Hop / Funk
  • Body Pump / Power Pump

Fitness student activities and memberships

Health fitness specialist students at Broadview University enjoy a variety of opportunities to interact with peers and professionals in the fitness and wellness industries, including memberships at Salt Lake City area gyms and health clubs as part of their coursework, and participation in the Student Advisory Committee (SAC).

If you are interested in our program, please call or e-mail us today. A representative will help you evaluate our programs in light of your personal goals, arrange a tour of a campus and on-site fitness lab, and help you with any administrative processes.