Business
As a graduate of a Health & Exercise Science degree program at 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, Utah Career College encourages a student to pick a nationally accredited certification organization that meets that student’s specific needs, and certify through that agency. Health and Exercise Science courses at UCC 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 and Exercise Science degree, Bachelor’s in Exercise Science 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:
ACSM Certifications: (American College of Sports Medicine)
- www.acsm.org
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
- Health & Fitness Instructor (HFI) (*Requires Associate Degree)
- Exercise Specialist (*Requires Bachelor’s Degree)
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist (*Requires Master’s Degree)
NSCA Certifications: (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
- www.nsca-lift.org
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) (*Requires Bachelor’s Degree)
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 and Exercise Science students at Utah Career College 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 UCC 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.