Prairie State College provides real-world training beyond the classroom in the growing health and fitness industry. 

Students receive hands-on training with professional equipment and knowledgeable instructors. To gain practical experience, students participate in internships, with over 90 percent of Personal Training certificate graduates being hired by their internship sites. It is important to note that internship sites may have requirements such as immunizations and background checks.

Programs

Fitness and Exercise (A.A.S. Degree)

The Fitness and Exercise program provides students with the necessary skills for careers in the fitness and exercise industry. It offers a comprehensive academic foundation covering the basics of exercise and nutrition, human anatomy and physiology, and principles of fitness. Practical training focuses on fitness assessment, designing effective health and fitness programs, using proper exercise techniques, and implementing training methods. Students also learn about lifestyle change strategies, leadership in personalized exercise, and business practices. The program includes courses in English, math, communication, exercise physiology, working with special populations, and managing exercise facilities to ensure students are well-rounded and qualified fitness professionals.
Course Number Course Description Credits
ENG 101 101 Composition I - with a grade of C or better 3
COMM 101 Principles of Communication 3
  Humanities 3
  Mathematics (demonstrated competence required) Placement into MATH 095 or completion of MATH 090- with a grade of C or better  
BIOL 111 Cellular and Molecular Biology 4
PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology 3

 


Course Number Course Description Credits
 BIOL 108 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology 4
BUS 101 Introduction to Modern Business 3
FRESP 101 First Responder 3
HLTH 101 Health and Wellness 2
 PES 210 Lifestyle Fitness Coaching 2
 PES 215 Group Fitness Instructor Training 3
PES 220 Fitness Assessment / Exercise Program Design I  3
 PES 225 Weight Training: Theory and Application 2
PES 230 Nutrition for Sports and Exercise 3
PES 235 Athletic Training Techniques 3
 PES 250  Kinesiology 3
 PES 255 Special Populations  3
 PES 260 Fitness/Exercise Facility Management  3
 PES 265 Physiology of Exercise 3
PES 298 Internship Seminar 1
 PES 299 Internship for Personal Trainers  3
 PSYCH Select one course from PSYCH 102, 212 3

 


Course Number Couse Description Credits
 PE 105 Aerobics I  1
Aerobics III Aerobics II 1
 PE 107 Aerobics III 1
 PE 108 Aerobics IV  1
 PE 202 Cultural Dance I 2
     

 


 

Group Fitness Instructor (Certificate)

Group Fitness Instructor prepares students to provide group fitness instruction. They gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and nutrition related to weight management. They also receive training in first aid, CPR, and AED, and  learn various instructional strategies to effectively motivate students.
Course Number Course Description Credits
BIOL 108 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology 4
FRESP 101 First Responder 3
PES 215 Group Fitness Instructor Training 3
PES 230 Nutrition for Sports and Exercise 3

 


Course Number Course Description Credits
PE 105  Aerobics I 1
PE 106 Aerobics II 1
PE 107 Aerobics III 1
PE 108 Aerobics IV 1

 


 

Personal Trainer (Certificate)

Personal trainers acquire an academic foundation in exercise principles, nutrition, human anatomy, and physiology. They also gain practical skills in fitness assessment, creating personalized fitness programs, using proper exercise techniques, training methods, prescribing lifestyle changes, leading personalized exercise sessions, and managing their business.
Course Number Course Description Credits
BIOL 108 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology. 4
BUS 101 Introduction to Modern Business 3
FRESP 101 First Responder 3
HLTH 101 Health and Wellness 2
PE 210 Lifestyle Fitness Coaching 2
PE 215 Group Fitness Instructor Training 3
 PE 220 Fitness Assessment / Exercise Program Design I 3
PE 225 Weight Training: Theory and Application 2
PE 230 Nutrition for Sports and Exercise 3
PE 235 Athletic Training Techniques 3
PE 250 Introduction to Kinesiology 3
PE 298 Internship Seminar 1
PE 299 Internship for Personal Trainers 3

 


 

For more information,

Contact Us
Marie Hansel, Interim Dean of Allied Health and Emergency Services
Email: mhansel@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-2947