Fitness Specialist: Health Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer
Associate in Science Degree Kinesiology · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This program provides students with theory necessary to be effective in the health fitness industry (health clubs, corporate fitness, etc.). Students in this program will learn scientific principles of exercise and physical conditioning, techniques for the measurement of human performance, and methods for establishing healthy nutritional patterns.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will have the knowledge, skills & experience necessary to assess an individual’s level of physical fitness and design appropriate exercise programming to improve physical fitness.
- Students will be qualified for careers as fitness instructors, exercise testing technicians, strength coaches, or personal fitness trainers.
- Develops a strong understanding of the business aspects of personal training, including effective practices, professional ethics, marketing, record keeping, and communication.
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KIN A270 | Fitness and Health | 3 |
| KIN A280 | Strength Conditioning/Theory | 3 |
| KIN A282 | Introduction to Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| KIN A296 | Personal Trainer | 3 |
| KIN A297 | Fitness Specialist Practicum | 2 |
| KIN A298 | Fitness Specialist Internship | 2-3 |
| Restricted Electives - Select 3-5 units: | 3-5 | |
| BIOL A220 | Human Anatomy | |
| BIOL A221 | Anatomy-Physiology | |
| BIOL A225 | Human Physiology | |
| KIN A202 | Introduction to Kinesiology | |
| KIN A271 | Drugs & Sports | |
| KIN A272 | Movement Analysis | |
| KIN A273 | Sports Medicine | |
| KIN A279 | Sports Management | |
| KIN A283 | Nutrition, Fitness, and Performance | |
| orFN A136 | Nutrition, Fitness and Performance | |
| Any Kinesiology active participation course KIN A105-A159, A206-A259 | ||
| Total Major Units | 19 - 22 | |
| OCC AS General Education | up to 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirements | varies | |
| Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| KIN A270 | Fitness and Health |
| KIN A280 | Strength Conditioning/Theory |
| KIN A297 | Fitness Specialist Practicum |
| KIN A296 | Personal Trainer |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| KIN A282 |
| KIN A298 |
| CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 1 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| OCC AS GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 1 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 5 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 1 |
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS