Physiology Requirement
Students must complete one of the two courses below.
certificate
Exercise Science Fitness Specialist
This program is ideal for those who want to join the fitness profession’s most elite, highly paid ranks as well as fitness enthusiasts and those seeking to change careers.
This program is perfect for...
- Personal trainers
- Fitness coaches
- Allied health professionals who want to add a lucrative specialty to their practice
- Yoga, Pilates, and other group exercise instructors
- Those planning to apply for an advanced degree
What you can learn.
- Human anatomy, nutrition, physiology, and exercise physiology
- Fitness testing and health/risk appraisal
- Resistance training fundamentals
- Exercise prescription, program design, and coaching techniques
Training for Wellness Professionals
The UCLA Extension Exercise Science Fitness Specialist Certificate is a nine-course program targeting professionals, enthusiasts and up-and-coming subject matter experts with instruction covering human anatomy and physiology, fitness techniques, exercise science, personal training, nutrition, customer service and more.
In addition to preparing students for exams through certifying agencies, the program provides training for exercise science careers, including jobs as fitness instructors, coaches and trainers. It is also a great training ground for advanced degrees that can lead to careers in physical education, physical therapy or exercise physiology.
Our curriculum is developed in collaboration with the UCLA Bruin Athletic Department and taught by highly qualified program course instructors.
14%
Projected growth for employment of fitness trainers and instructors from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The practical experience we gained from the Fitness Testing course is so valuable. I appreciated it even more after actually starting to work in the industry.
Alper Bekdogan
Exercise Science Fitness Specialist Certificate Graduate
Earn Continuing Education Credits
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the following home-study courses that are offered as electives in the Exercise Science Fitness Specialist Certificate:
Courses
Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.
Required Courses
Students must complete all of the courses below.
Electives
Students must complete two of the courses below (or 8 units).
Estimated Cost Breakdown
All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures
The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.
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