Harper College will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor 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 positions available at health clubs, wellness centers, corporate fitness facilities, medical centers and senior centers.
This 17 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 17 | |
Students who currently have both American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heartsaver First Aid certificates should have their advisor reach out to the program coordinator for this program to receive Credit for Prior Learning for KIN 202.