Physiology Requirement
Students must complete one of the two courses below.
UCLA Extension winter holiday closure: December 21 through January 1. Learn More
certificate
Exercise Science Fitness Specialist
Prepare for a client-facing wellness career at a fitness club, corporate program, health center, recreational facility or hospital.
This program is perfect for...
- Aspiring personal trainers
- Individuals seeking foundational knowledge for fitness director jobs
- Students pursuing degrees in exercise physiology or physical therapy
- Yoga, Pilates and group exercise instructors; prospective fitness coaches or instructors
- Wellness-focused entrepreneurs
- Allied health professionals interested in adding a lucrative specialty to their practice
What you can learn.
- Study human anatomy and biomechanics
- Examine nutrition as it relates to health, wellness and exercise
- Learn physiology and exercise physiology
- Practice fitness testing and health/risk appraisal
- Explore resistance training fundamentals
- Become familiar with coaching techniques, fitness program design and creating exercise prescriptions
Training for Wellness Professionals
The UCLA Extension Exercise Science Fitness Specialist Certificate is a nine-course program targeting professionals, enthusiasts and up-and-coming subject matter experts with instruction covering human anatomy and physiology, fitness techniques, exercise science, personal training, nutrition, customer service and more.
In addition to preparing students for exams through certifying agencies, the program provides training for exercise science careers, including jobs as fitness instructors, coaches and trainers. It is also a great training ground for advanced degrees that can lead to careers in physical education, physical therapy or exercise physiology.
Our curriculum is developed in collaboration with the UCLA Bruin Athletic Department and taught by highly qualified program course instructors.
14%
Projected growth for employment of fitness trainers and instructors from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The practical experience we gained from the Fitness Testing course is so valuable. I appreciated it even more after actually starting to work in the industry.
Alper Bekdogan
Exercise Science Fitness Specialist Certificate Graduate
Earn Continuing Education Credits
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the following home-study courses that are offered as electives in the Exercise Science Fitness Specialist Certificate:
Courses
Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.
Required Courses
Students must complete all of the courses below.
Electives
Students must complete two of the courses below (or 8 units).
Estimated Cost Breakdown
All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures
The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.
Contact Us
Programs you may also like...
Corporate Education
Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.
Donate to UCLA Extension
Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.