Close | Print
WINTER 2010 Career Planning Guide

HEALTH/FITNESS TECHNICIAN

Spokane Falls Community College
Spokane Falls Community College
3410 West Fort George Wright Drive
Spokane, WA 99224-5298
http://www.spokanefalls.edu/

Completion Award: AAS

Start: Fall, Winter, Spring

Tuition and Fees: http://www.ccs.spokane.edu/iCatalog/Fees.pdf

Additional Costs
Books$250
* Approximate quarterly costs
PROGRAM WEBSITE: http://www.spokanefalls.edu/healthfitness
Program Description

The Health/Fitness Technician program is a two-year professional technical curriculum offered at Spokane Falls Community College. This program is designed for students who are looking toward a career in the health/fitness industry. Students who complete the two-year program and receive an associate in applied science degree (AAS) can enter the job market immediately. Students interested in transferring to a four-year college can utilize an articulation agreement with Eastern Washington University. This agreement allows students the option of transferring directly into the Exercise Science program at EWU.

Certification for fitness professionals, with its emphasis on safety, reliability and high standards, is required in most fitness facilities. The HFT program prepares students for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s personal trainer exam. The NSCA-CPT exam is the only accredited personal trainer exam in the nation. SFCC is a host site for this national exam in June and December each year.

The HFT program provides instruction in professional areas such as exercise physiology, anatomical kinesiology, sports nutrition, care and prevention of injuries, functional training, personal training, health screening, and exercise prescription. Related courses include stress management, therapeutic massage, first aid/ CPR and exercise for older adults.

Students interested in athletic training can work with experienced college trainers. Students can gain valuable experience working with a wide variety of sports and athletes.
Program Goals

Upon completion of the program students should be able to:

  • Sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Personal Training exam.
  • Obtain employment as a fitness professional.
  • Perform a variety of tasks related to health and fitness including, but not limited to, matching the appropriate exercise for each of the major muscle groups, demonstrate proper exercise technique, carry out basic health and fitness assessments, and develop exercise programs for a variety of clientele.
  • Exhibit professional behaviors which include empathy, respect, communication skills, and ethics.
Career Opportunities
Job opportunities in the fitness industry are increasing in response to an expanding fitness market. A recent survey published in the Journal of Business reported that the number of full-time fitness jobs has increased to approximately 300. There are about 400 part-time jobs in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. The most recent increases are in the areas of personal training, youth fitness, and programs for the elderly. The average starting wage for a HFT student with a two-year degree is between $8 and $10 an hour. Certified personal trainers can earn $15 to $30 an hour depending on the health club.

HEALTH/FITNESS TECHNICIAN
AAS: SFCC
Suggested Course of Study WINTER 2010
Consult Adviser/Counselor for Program, Planning and Selection of Electives
AAS
First Quarter
BUS102Math Skills for Business 3
FMT204Health Appraisal and Exercise Prescription 5
FMT230Therapeutic Massage 3
HLTH174First Aid 3
14
Second Quarter
BIOL&160General Biology w/Lab 5
CMST&101Introduction to Communication 5
FMT106Anatomical and Physiological Kinesiology 5
15
Third Quarter
BIOL&241Human A & P 1 5
FMT111Physiology of Exercise 5
FMT115Leadership Dynamics 3
Elective 3
16
Fourth Quarter
BIOL&242Human A & P 2 5
FMT119Principles of Strength Training 3
FMT219Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation 5
PE187Cross Training 2
15
Fifth Quarter
ENGL&101English Composition I 5
FMT209Exercise and the Cardiovascular System 5
HLTH104Stress Management 3
PE270Nutrition for Fitness 3
16
Sixth Quarter
FMT112Exercise and Aging 3
FMT225Personal Training 3
PE266Cooperative Education Seminar 1
PE267Cooperative Education Work Experience 2
Elective 5
14
90 credits are required for the AAS
Disclaimer: The college cannot guarantee courses will be offered in the quarters indicated. During the period this guide is in circulation, there may be curriculum revisions and program changes. Students are responsible for consulting the appropriate academic unit or adviser for more current and specific information. The information in this guide is subject to change and does not constitute an agreement between the college and the student.