Program Overview
A Health Fitness Specialist is a fitness professional with expertise in designing, implementing, and managing personalized fitness and wellness programs for individuals and groups. They often work in various settings such as gyms, wellness centers, corporate fitness programs, rehabilitation facilities, or community health organizations. Their role blends exercise science, health education, and motivational strategies to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals.
You will learn exercise science and physiology, fitness assessment and program design, group fitness instruction, health and wellness coaching, nutrition and lifestyle management, special populations and injury prevention and professional and business skills.
About Delta's Program
During this two-year program, students will personally train clients for eight consecutive weeks, perform dietary and nutritional counseling, lead various forms of group exercise and administer fitness assessment tests to multiple individuals.
Students are required to complete a 300-hour internship at the end of the program.
The Delta College Health Fitness Specialist Program is an Education Recognition Provider for the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American Council on Exercise.
Delta College is a test site of the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Personal Exam and the American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam. For an additional fee, students can register for and take these national certification exams on the Delta College campus.
Professional licensure
Program completers are eligible to take a national group fitness and personal fitness certification exams that is recognized in all states. Please contact program coordinator for further information.
Why you should choose Delta
Students have an option to earn a dual associate degree in General Management with their Health Fitness Specialist associate degree. It's a great way to get that business background and increase your earning potential.
Delta College is the only community college in the United States that is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Associations' Education Recognition Program.
Get additional experience and meet new people. The Health Fitness Specialist Student Club offers free group exercise classes to the community. Students also train clients and offer nutrition education for free to the public.
Facts & Figures
Our students have a pass rate of 100% when taking the National Strength and Conditioning - Certified Personal Trainer exam.
A 300 hour internship at the end of the program gives our students on the job experience within the health promotion field.
Related Programs
Delta College offers over 140 degree, certificate and training options. Continue exploring and advancing your education with these related programs:
- Group Fitness Instructor - Certificate
- Personal Trainer - Certificate
- Physical Therapist Assistant - Associate
"Seeing someone totally turn their lifestyle around is the coolest thing. It's great to be a part of that."
Health Fitness Specialist graduate
Fitness business owner