EXERCISE SCIENCE
Associate of Science

PERSONAL TRAINER
Certificate of Achievement

What You Will Learn

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Exercise Science at CCM is based on the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommended core competencies for health and fitness professionals. The curriculum is grounded in scientific principles and their practical application for maintaining health through fitness and nutrition, training and performance, rehabilitation, and wellness. Graduates with an AS in Exercise Science can evaluate risk factors, conduct fitness assessments, prescribe exercise, and motivate individuals to adopt healthy behaviors.

The Personal Trainer Certificate of Achievement at CCM prepares students for one of the national certified personal trainer (CPT) exams through organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the America Council on Exercise (ACE), or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Students will get hands on experience with health risk appraisal, biometric fitness testing, exercise programming, exercise monitoring and instruction, business planning, and sales and marketing.

Why Study Exercise Science and Personal Training at CCM?

Student success is our mission and the faculty at CCM are qualified and passionate educators. Faculty share their current and past career experiences, allowing students to connect learning to the real-world. Our professors have either masters or doctorate degrees in their respective areas of study. Our students enjoy small classroom sizes, and comfortable modern classrooms. Opportunities abound for student involvement in clubs and organizations, community service and internships.

The Exercise Science laboratory provides hands-on experience using computerized state-of-the-art metabolic equipment, bioelectrical impedance analysis equipment, hydro densitometry equipment, cycle ergometers, medical treadmills, ECG equipment, spirometers, skinfold calipers and more.

Career Opportunities

There are a wide variety of career paths with an associate degree in Exercise Science. It is also an excellent major to prepare students for graduate study in healthcare. Examples include:

  • Athletic Coaching
  • Athletic Training
  • Biomechanics
  • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Chiropractic
  • Corporate Fitness
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Fitness Management
  • Personal Training
  • Physician
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physical Education
  • Physical Therapy
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaching

Where You Can Go

With an A.S. in Exercise Science, graduates are prepared for entry level jobs in the fitness industry. The program is designed for transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree which provides additional opportunities
in careers such as:

  • Athletic Coaching
  • Corporate Fitness
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Fitness Training
  • Physical Education
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaching

 

Exercise Science is often used as a stepping stone
degree to prepare students for graduate school in
allied health careers such as:

  • Athletic Training
  • Biomechanics
  • Chiropractic
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • Medical School
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Sports Nutrition

 

CCM has articulation agreements for Exercise Science with
the following universities:

  • Bloomsburg University
  • East Stroudsburg University
  • William Paterson University
  • The College of New Jersey

 

According to Salary.com the average Exercise Physiologist salary in the U.S. is $55,336 in 2022, and the range typically falls between $49,189 and $62,937. Employment of personal trainers and instructors is projected to grow 39 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average. About 69,100 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected annually over the next decade as per the U.S.
Bureau of Labor.

Contact Info

Health and Exercise Science Department
973-328-5328
Health and Physical Education
Building, Room 225

Kelly Miniter
Chairperson
kminiter@ccm.edu
973-328-5335