Harper College will be closed on Wednesday, February 12 in observance of Lincoln's Day.
Program facts 
Become a personal trainer with this 26-credit-hour program. This program can be completed in two consecutive semesters and will teach you about the structure and function of the human body, exercise techniques, nutrition, and more.
The program is designed to give you practical experience working with clients under the supervision of faculty who are certified as personal trainers. Instruction is offered at the new state-of-the-art Health and Recreation Center (Building M).
Employment opportunities include personal training or positions available at health clubs, wellness centers, corporate fitness facilities, medical centers and senior centers.
This 26 credit-hour program prepares the student for entry-level employment in the fitness industry as a personal trainer with the option to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education or Sports Medicine, or continue in Allied Health. The program can be completed in two consecutive semesters and prepares students to pass a national certification exam from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
The curriculum emphasizes the application of the structure and function of the human body as it applies to movement integrating physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, and methodologies of exercise technique and programming. The program provides students with a comprehensive learning environment including practicum experiences, laboratory instruction, and face-to-face classroom interaction. The program is designed for the student to gain practical experience working with clients under the supervision of faculty who are certified as personal trainers.
Employment opportunities include personal training or positions available at health clubs, wellness centers, corporate fitness facilities, medical centers and senior centers.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| KIN 202 | Standard First Aid and CPR 1 | 3 |
Description: Provides a comprehensive first aid course which is taught under the guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA). Includes the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) component which covers adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Prepares students to respond to emergency situations with confidence in ther ability to perform the necessary skills. Two certificates are issued--Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heartsaver First Aid--after successful completion of the skills and written tests. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 214 | Exercise Technique and Instruction | 2 |
Description: Provides practical instruction for the safe and effective execution of resistance exercise for all of the major joints of the body. Introduces students to basic strength training techniques and principles with functional anatomy. Exposes students to a variety of forms of resistance training. Emphasizes coaching and instruction of exercise with correction of errors and progression strategies. Recommended: KIN 111 (Basic Weight Training) or equivalent experience. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 230 | Exercise Science | 3 |
Description: Provides an understanding of the physiological response and adaptation to exercise and other environmental stresses. Topics related to neuromuscular adaptation, metabolism, cardiorespiratory physiology and hormonal responses will be examined. In addition, te physiological effects of age, gender, body composition, and the environment on human performance will be discussed. Prerequisite: Placement into ENG 101 https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 231 | Fitness Assessment and Programming | 3 |
Description: Provides students with a study of the basic scientific components of fitness. Includes the measurement of different indices of physical fitness common to corporate, clincial and lab settings. Addresses principles of exercise programming. Test results are used in developing individualized exercise prescriptions to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, body composition and flexibility. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in KIN 230 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 234 | Personal Training Practicum | 3 |
Description: Provides students experience with practical applicaton of knowledge and hands-on skills in working with a diverse clientele. Students will conduct fitness assessments, design exercise programs, instruct clients in safe and effective program implementation, and evaluate the effectiveness of exercise regimens specific to client needs in a supervised fitness setting. The course includes a campus-based lecture series that provides review and supplemental knowledge of the personal training profession, with an emphasis on national certification exam preparation. Valid Heartsaver FIrst Aid CPR AED certification through the American Heart Association is required to participate in this course. Prerequisite: KIN 214 and KIN 231 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 3 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 236 | Functional Anatomy | 3 |
Description: Examines the structural and functional components of the human musculoskeletal system as it relates to normal and abnormal movement. Addresses joint structure and function, forces that effect motion and the resultant kinematics. Emphasis is on musculoskeletal anatomy. Prerequisite: Placement into ENG 101 https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php Also BIO 135, BIO 260 or equivalent is recommended. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| NTR 101 | Fundamentals of Nutrition | 3 |
Description: Introduces the science of nutrition and its relationship to health and disease. Nutrients found in foods, their digestion, absorption and metabolism by the body; cultural, socioeconomic and psychological influences on food selection; and application of these concepts to promote good nutritional health and prevent disease will be covered. (formerly DIT 101) Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication 2 | 3 |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Electives | ||
| Students must complete three credit hours from the following list of courses: | 3 | |
| BIO 260 | Human Anatomy | |
Description: Introduces the anatomy of the human body; the following systems studied either regionally or systemically: integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive. Includes some introductory histology. Specially designed for students in health careers, biology, and physical education. Strongly recommended preparation: One year of high school biology with a grade of C or better taken within the last five years, or BIO 110. (NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 160. IAI BIO920C Prerequisite: Placement into college-level English without support. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| BIO 261 | Human Physiology | |
Description: Emphasizes physiological principles at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and system level, as they pertain to the human organism. The following systems are studied in detail: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and endocrine. In this course, special applications will be made to meet the needs of students in health careers, biology and physical education.(NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 161. IAI BIO920C. Prerequisite: BIO 260 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HED 200 | Health | |
Description: Provides an in-depth look at the physical, psychological, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental factors which contribute to the overall quality of a person's life. An investigation of how our lifestyle compares with other people in the world and the role and impact of the World Health Organization is emphasized. Mental health, nutrition, fitness, communicable and non-communicable diseases, killer diseases, drugs, human sexuality, family living (marriage, divorce, parenting), middle and old age issues, and death and dying are some of the topics covered. Physical and psychological assessments are included in this class. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HED 204 | Women's Health | |
Description: Focuses on health issues as they pertain to women and the barriers unique to women in gaining a higher status. Includes physical, mental and spiritual aspects of health; women's anatomy and physiology; pregnancy, childbirth and infertility; violence against women; body image and eating disorders; and societal, historical and poliitcal influences of the global woman. Discusses the detection, treatment and illnesses in women. (formerly PED 271) Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HSC 112 | Medical Terminology | |
Description: Emphasizes the origin and the basic structure of medical words, including prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms and plurals. Offers pronunciation, spelling, and definition of medical terms based on the body systems approach. Emphasis on rendering a professional vocabulary required for work in the health care field. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 111 | Basic Weight Training | |
Description: Provides the basic knowledge of the proper use of weight training equipment. Students will learn about the specific muscle groups used during weight training and the different methods of developing muscular strength and endurance. Students will also be able to apply the principles that they have learned and ultimately develop their own individualized program. This course may be taken twice for credit. This class is designed for students who are able to safely participate in cardiorespiratory and resistance activities and may include the use of equipment. This class is not designed for students who may have known heart, pulmonary, metabolic, physiologoical diseases and/or orthopedic challenges. By registering for this class, you assume the full risk of any injuries, damages or loss which may be sustained and are responsible for any associated medical costs or individual damages. Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 200 | Introduction to the Field of Kinesiology | |
Description: Provides a fundamental introduction to the academic content areas that make up the discipline of kinesiology including: anatomy and physiology, exercise science, biomechanics, motor control and learning, psychology and sociology. Introduces the professional field of kinesiology and looks at career paths within the major such as rehabilitation, sports management, personal training, and physical education. This course asseses students' personal traits and professional skillsets, with emphasis on development for increased candidacy in academic and/or professional pursuits related to the field of kinesiology. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 203 | Wellness for Life | |
Description: Provides students with the knowledge of how to become fit and well, and the information and tools which will assist teem in formulating a personal fitness/wellness program. The course will cover physical fitness, nutrition, weight management, addictive behaviors, diseases which are lifestyle related, and stress management. Students are actively involved in their learning process through the use of computers and lab sessions and will be required to attend weekly workout sessions in the fitness center. This class is designed for students who are able to safely participate in cardiorespiratory and resistance activities and may include the use of equipment. This class is not designed for students who may have known heart, pulmonary, metabolic, physiologoical diseases and/or orthopedic challenges. By registering for this class, you assume the full risk of any injuries, damages or loss which may be sustained and are responsible for any associated medical costs or individual damages. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 223 | Sports Psychology | |
Description: Provides an overview of sport and exercise psychology by focusing on human behavior in certain types of situations in sport and exercise settings. Examines what motivates people, how they regulate their thoughts, feelings and emotions and how their behaviors can become more effective. Also teaches students how to apply these psychological concepts. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology 2 | |
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with an emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 26 | |
Students who currently have American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heartsaver First Aid certificates may choose to substitute a 3 credit hour course from the list of electives in place of KIN 202.
Students must meet the prerequisite of placement into ENG 101 prior to registering for this course.
For more information about personal training courses at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.