The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

New, available May of 2007! This interactive, comprehensive Web-based Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training (PFT) is a collaboration between industry experts, internship affiliates, national organizations, and Educational Fitness Solutions Inc., and their board of advisors. 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. Students will also have the unique opportunity to receive an onsite practical experience in personal training with an optional field internship elective course. The program is offered in partnership with the American Council on Exercise® (ACE), allowing graduating certificate students a preferred discount on the ACE Personal Training Certification Exam and study materials. 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) and the Optional Field Internship Course for 60 CPEUs for both Registered Dietitian (RDs) and Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTRs).

This certificate program includes:

• Personal Fitness Training career path development or advanced education for current health/fitness/medical professionals

• Study of the exercise sciences, kinesiology, and biomechanics

• A medically-based fitness model

• Knowledge of business administration and management systems in fitness

• Conduct health and fitness testing techniques

• Understand the ACSM screening processes

• Analyze exercise movements and performance

• Develop exercise prescriptions for all age groups

• Optional Field Internship Course: Students that enter the program may complete an optional internship course that is 6 weeks/60 hours in length

• 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

• The program is offered in partnership with the American Council on Exercise® (ACE). Graduates of the Certificate Program will receive a preferred discount of 20% to take the ACE Certified Personal Trainer® Certification Exam (an NCCA accredited exam) and on study materials

By completing the Certificate in Personal Fitness Training, students will:

• Prepare or receive advanced education for a career as a personal trainer or fitness professional.
• Learn how to implement a medically-based fitness model and the ACSM Risk Stratification process for clients.
• Understand the process to conduct a detailed health and fitness assessment.
• Identify the business fundamentals of administration, marketing, and management in personal training.
• Gain information regarding exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, neurology, client testing and assessment, functional anatomy, and exercise programming.
• Explore the profession as a potential career choice with the optional field internship experience.
• Prepare to take personal training certification exams from ACE, ACSM, and other national organizations.
• Prepare to work as a personal trainer in the health and fitness industry.