Personal Trainer

Personal Trainer

Curriculum
Direct to Work, Stackable
Offered in the Classroom & 75% Online
Programs of Study

About the Program

Earn college credit while completing a personal trainer program at CCD. Completion of the personal trainer program will prepare participants for a career in health, wellness, and fitness. Students will use the knowledge gained in the program to educate a variety of diverse individuals and their communities on fitness and healthy behaviors.

In this certificate program, students will learn about the essentials of personal fitness training and foundational knowledge in nutrition and wellness. The personal trainer certificate prepares students with foundational skills to enter entry-level positions in areas around health and wellness and for those students interested in becoming a personal trainer.

Students who complete the certificate program are eligible to sit for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer (CPT) exam.

After successful completion of the three required courses, CCD students are eligible to take the NASM-certified personal trainer (CPT) exam if the additional requirements are met. 

  • Students will need to be 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course that includes automated external defibrillator (AED) training.
    • Note: All CPR courses must include a live skills check. Online-only courses cannot be accepted. Exam candidates in the U.S. and Canada must also have AED training included in their CPR course.

Certificate highlights:

  • Students can be eligible to take the NASM-CPT exam to become a Certified Personal Trainer
  • All courses are stackable into the AAS in Health and Exercise Science degree pathway that transfers to MSU Denver, where students can finish their BS degree in Exercise Science.
  • Direct to work
  • Much faster than average occupational growth in the field of fitness trainers (15%) and (11%) growth in the field of exercise physiology. 

Academic Support

Academic support is provided through CCD’s Excel Zone.

Accreditation

Students who complete the certificate program are eligible to sit for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer (CPT) exam.

Available Online

CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers 75 percent of its degree either online or through a hybrid program.

Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.

Online Experience Questions?

303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu

Course & Program Fees

Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.

Course Fees

The fees listed here are estimated and may change at any time. Please contact your advisor with any questions. The following courses have additional fees: 

COURSE DESCRIPTION FEE
HWE 255 Cers Pers Trainer Prep course fee 
(includes NASM curriculum and credentialing examination)
$422.00

Financial Aid Eligibility

The personal trainer certificate program is not eligible for federal student aid.

The personal trainer certificate program is not eligible for federal student aid as a stand-alone certificate. The Health and Exercise Science AAS degree, of which the personal trainer certified is embedded, is financial aid eligible. 

Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.

In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Apply at CCD.edu/Scholarships. There are even special scholarships available for short certificates, like our certificate in food, wellness & nutrition. Learn more about our short certificate scholarship program.

Internships & Service Learning Opportunities

Work-based learning opportunities are available for students thanks to our partnership with the Denver YMCA. 

Stackable

Personal trainer certificate credits stack into the AAS in Health and Exercise Science degree pathway.