Health & Fitness Technician

Program Description

The Health and Fitness Technician (HFT) program prepares students for entry-level work in the expanding health and fitness industry.

Students completing the first year courses will earn a certificate in Health & Fitness and are prepared for professional certification and employment. Students wishing to continue their education as a Health & Fitness Technician should pursue the Health & Fitness Technician, AAS by taking the second year courses.

First-year coursework includes foundations of personal training, anatomy and physiology for health and fitness, fitness testing, nutrition, kinesiology, principles of strength training, principles of cardiorespiratory training, and others. Second year course work includes group fitness instructor preparation, principles of exercise science, psychology, biology, introduction to business, and others. Common job titles include personal trainer, fitness trainer, fitness specialist, health coach, and group fitness instructor.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Health & Fitness Technician certificate program will be able to:

Be prepared to obtain an entry-level position in a health-fitness related workplace.
Be prepared to pass a nationally accredited Personal Trainer certification exam.
Demonstrate proficiency in developing and instructing safe and effective personal training programs to improve stability, mobility, and function.
Be prepared to use appropriate strategies to motivate clients to adopt healthier behaviors.
Demonstrate proficiency at basic fitness assessment and program design.
Demonstrate critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and technical and information literacy skills.

In addition, graduates of the Health & Fitness Technician AAS will be able to

Be prepared to pass a nationally accredited Group Fitness Instructor certification exam.
Demonstrate proficiency in developing and leading group exercise programs.
Be prepared to apply business and marketing principles in a fitness setting.

Entry into the Program

Please apply at Enrollment Services. The admission and registration guidelines are listed in the catalog and on the College’s website at www.skagit.edu. Students may only enter the Health & Fitness Technician program at the beginning of Fall quarter.

Work-Based Learning

Students will integrate their classroom learning with work-based learning by participating in Cooperative Education (HFT 199 ) at a supervised work site. Department Chair approval is required.

Program Certificate

A Health & Fitness Technician Certificate is awarded upon completion of required courses with a minimum 2.0 GPA in each course plus a high school diploma or GED.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree

An Associate in Applied Science Degree, AAS is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits of specified course work with a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each course plus a high school diploma or GED.

Degrees (Programs) & Courses

Programs

Courses

Health & Fitness Technician