The information session is designed to supply applicants to the Exercise Science program with accurate information and guide the applicant through the application process.
Successful completion of an information session is a mandatory step in the application process and must be completed before applying to the program.
At the end of the presentation, there is a post test to be completed as verification of reading the informational session material.
Objectives
Upon completion of this informational session you should able to:
The goal of this information session is to define the Exercise Science Program, explain the difference between the two Exercise Science certificates and the Associate of Applied Science degree, give you a brief overview of the roles and responsibilities that you should expect as a Personal Fitness Trainer , and to provide you information about the job market and application process.
The Exercise Science program prepares students for a variety of careers within the rapidly growing fitness and wellness industry. In general, students will use their knowledge of fitness, exercise, and a proper diet to help individuals or groups improve their health and well-being.
Graduates are qualified to work with gyms, corporations, or individuals.
Students in the Exercise Science program receive skilled instruction in aerobic training, strength training, fitness assessment, exercise prescription, equipment use and safety, and wellness concepts which deal with issues such as smoking cessation, stress management, and weight control.
Aging baby boomers - are concerned with staying healthy, physically fit, and independent. They have become the largest demographic group of health club members.
Reduction of physical education programs and childhood obesity - The reduction of physical education programs in schools, combined with parents’ growing concern about childhood obesity, has resulted in rapid increases in children’s health club membership.
Youth athletes and young professional adults - Increasingly, athletic youth also are hiring personal trainers, and weight-training gyms for children younger than 18 are expected to continue to grow. Health club membership among young adults also has grown steadily, driven by concern with physical fitness and by rising incomes.
In addition, the job market continues to expand and diversify in areas that are not so typical.
What are common job expectations for the Trainer?
Based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors in can be found at the US Department of Labor.
Click here to view certificate plan
The Fitness Specialist certificate can be completed in one semester. This certificate is designed to train individuals who seek employment as a support staff member in a fitness facility but not as a personal trainer. Included in the 17-hour certificate are instruction in fitness evaluation, wellness concepts, facility operation, and human anatomy and physiology.
Click here to view the certificate plan
The certificate is designed to train individuals who seek employment as a Personal Trainer. This certificate is designed to offer focused instruction in the field of exercise science with specific training in fitness evaluation and testing, program design and implementation, and advanced training methods and nutrition. Along with appealing to individuals who want to learn the skills and knowledge to be a Personal Trainer, this is also an excellent choice for current professionals wanting to update their skills.
Students must hold current adult CPR/AED certification to be awarded the Certificate.
Click here to view the degree plan
The Associate of Applied Science is a 60 hour, two-year degree program.
The degree may offer more employment opportunities by facilities which require a higher level of education.
Students must hold current adult CPR/AED certification to be awarded the Personal Fitness Associate of Applied Science Degree.
The degree is designed to integrate the educational and practical training skills needed to be an exercise professional as well as cater to the individual who may have plans to continue his/her education at a four-year institution.
The program incorporates material specific to national certification preparation for exams such as those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (C-PT), National Strength and Conditioning Association (C-PT), and the American Council on Exercise (PT)
The prospective student interested in the Associate Degree must meet with the Department Chair to develop a degree plan. Course suggestions will vary greatly depending on individual student college transcript. Please note that an associate degree pursuant can be begin with a Fitness Specialist Level 1 Certificate, move on to the Personal Fitness Trainer Level 1 Certificate, and then complete the Exercise Science Associate of Applied Science degree.
Typical start is Fall semester.
The Exercise Science program establishes technical standards and essential functions to insure that students have the abilities required to participate and potentially be successful in all aspects of the respective programs with or without reasonable accommodations due to a documented disability.
Fitness experts must have a variety of personal attributes and abilities to be successful in this challenging field. Technical Standards are required to be met by applicants to the program. Please review the technical standards located on page 2 of the Exercise Student Handbook.
Students are required to meet technical standards and essential functions for the Exercise Science program as indicated above. If an applicant or student is unable to meet all of the outlined standards, he/she may be withdrawn from the program.
Exercise Science student handbook.
Priority for acceptance is given to individuals who:
Have displayed academic success previous to applying to the program and can pursue either the certificate or the AAS degree as a full-time student. Although, part-time status does not exclude a student from the program.
Each year approximately 12 to 16 students are accepted into the program to begin coursework in the Fall.
Application Process
Please NOTE: Acceptance into ACC does not guarantee acceptance into the Program.
You have concluded the informational session for the Exercise Science program.
Many resources are available to Exercise Science students at ACC through:
Counselors are available in ACC’s Student Services to discuss academic, career, and personal matters.
Students who need financial assistance should contact the ACC Financial Aid Office. The college offers a variety of grants, loans, work-study programs and scholarships.
Student Accessibility Services & Assistive Technology (SAS) offers assistance for students with special needs and is available at each ACC campus.
Pam Soto, Department Chair
Office 1134-A
Riverside Campus (RVS)
1020 Grove Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78741
Phone: 512.223.6040
Email: psoto@austincc.edu