Personal/Fitness Trainer
Certificate
This short-term certificate program will prepare students for careers as personal fitness trainers to meet the growing demand as individuals seek to improve their health and employers recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees.
700
Scholarships available – and one might have your name on it
Along with classroom lecture in principles of exercise and nurtrition, students will work the floor of the ICC fitness Center during their final semester, where they will design workouts, perform exercise testing, and lead group fitness classes.
Admissions Office
Upon successful completion, students will be able to sit for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or National Conference of Fitness (NCF) personal trainer exam.
Network with other students through ICC student organizations including Rotaract, the Student Government Association, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Personal Trainer, Exercise Instructor, Aerobics Instructor, Fitness Trainer, Athletic Trainer
COMPLETION TIME
12 Months
if Full Time
2 Semesters14 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$2,240
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
15 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
The Personal/Fitness Trainer Certificate is appropriate for community members who have an interest in teaching others how to lead healthy and active lives.
Brett Kelley, Coordinator, Physical Education & Fitness
How Do I Get Into the Personal/Fitness Trainer Program?
Turn you interest in health and wellness into a career as a personal trainer. Connect with an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 700 scholarships.
- Being physically fit, flexible, and having stamina are essential for a career as a personal trainer.
- Excellent communication skills and people skills are also needed to work with various clients.
What Can I Expect As A Personal/Fitness Trainer Student?
- Learn principles of training, exercise testing, and nutrition.
- A personal training field experience requiring six hours per week on the ICC Fitness Center fitness floor/group exercise area.
- Gain an understanding of human anatomy and how the body functions.
- Be prepared to sit for a national certification exam to become a personal trainer after successfully completing the certificate.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.