Fitness Professional - FAQ
Do you still have questions about the program, careers after graduation, or how to get started? Take a look at the frequently asked questions or talk with an advisor to get the help you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Normally, the fitness professional certificate program takes one year of full-time study. Some students take longer because they can't attend full-time or need help with reading, writing, or math.
In addition to a certificate, if you complete the fitness professional certificate program, you'll:
- Identify, analyze, and apply behavior modification strategies to promote health and fitness to clients.
- Apply advanced exercise principles to create responsive, adaptive, and personalized exercise programs for a diverse population.
- Describe national standards of professional practice, including ethical business practices, confidentiality, adherence to legal requirements, and professionalism as they relate to the fitness professional.
- Administer and analyze various fitness assessments, including cardiovascular endurance, power, speed, body composition, anthropomorphic measurements, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility.
- Identify and implement widely accepted procedures and protocols for emergency cardiac care, airway obstruction, automated external defibrillators, and basic first aid.
Mt. Hood Community College has several student resources on campus to help students connect with employers and find a job placement both during and after their time at MHCC. Learn more through career planning.
If you're 18 or older, you can start without a high school diploma or GED® certificate. But if you haven't finished high school, you can work on it here while beginning your career. Students under 18 without a diploma should talk with an advisor to get the assistance you need to get started.
You can start a course or two without them. But it's best for all students, whether full-time or part-time, to take the placement test soon, especially if you're aiming for a degree or certificate. The test covers reading, writing, and math and is free. To schedule a placement test, contact testing services.
No, most required Fitness Professional classes are available in all regular academic terms, including summer. Please meet with an academic advisor to plan your path to graduate.
Yes, some classes are available at night or online, but it may take you longer to complete your program that way. Not all classes are available at night every term, so meet with an advisor to plan carefully.
Sometimes, yes. Some classes must be taken in order, and some have prerequisites. Check the catalog or talk to an academic advisor to plan your classes.
There's no special application for students in the fitness professional certificate program, but you must apply to MHCC.
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