Personal Trainer Certification
Earn Your Personal Trainer Certification in One Semester
Develop skills in personal training, health and wellness management, and lifestyle coaching in just one semester with our Personal Trainer Certification microcredential program. Get the knowledge you'll need to work with clients and potentially run your own personal training business.
Credits to earn your certification
Semester of study for most students
Continue at DCC and use your credits toward an associate degree
What You'll Study in Our Personal Trainer Certification Program
Our Personal Trainer program prepares you to take certifying exams, so you'll graduate ready for jobs in fitness centers or other settings.
You’ll learn how to demonstrate exercises for people of all ages and fitness levels. You’ll be able to design exercise programs and healthy lifestyle behavior modifications, according to individual needs and goals — giving them the motivation to keep on going!
If you want to continue your education, the credits you earn can be a jump-start toward completing an associate degree in Exercise Science & Wellness.
Note: Students taking this microcredential may be eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials. For more information email financialservices@sunydutchess.edu.
Note: Students taking this microcredential may be eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials. For more information email financialservices@sunydutchess.edu.
Sample Courses
WFE 101: Wellness and Fitness Education
How fitness, diet, and stress management reduce health risks and boost quality of
life
PED 202: Fitness Training Practicum
Under the supervision of a faculty member, you’ll act as a trainer in the DCC Fitness
Center
ESW 203: Personal Training Certification
The final exam for this course is your personal training certifying exam
Demonstrate Your Expertise with a Digital Badge
Upon successful competition of the Personal Trainer Certification Microcredential, you’ll earn a digital badge as proof of your accomplishment. Display it on your social media and online professional profiles to showcase your new skill set! Since digital badges are secure and verifiable, employers can have confidence knowing you possess the qualifications they’re looking for.
People Also Considered
Real World Fitness Experience
Some courses include hands-on experience in DCC’s Fitness Center or placement at other local centers.
Professional Certification
Graduate ready to take certifying exams in fitness instruction or personal training.
Short-Term Options
If you choose, start with a one-semester microcredential that you can later apply to the ESW program.
Stackable Health & Fitness Microcredentials
- Want to learn more? Consider DCC’s other health and fitness microcredentials, short-term programs you can complete one by one and later apply to an ESW degree.
- Our personal trainer, sports nutrition, and strength training options teach skills you can put to work right away. Some prepare you to take national certifying exams.
- Each requires three courses for a total of nine credits and can usually be finished in a semester.
How to Make DCC Work for You
Contact Us
Office of Admissions
101 Orcutt Student Services Center
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Phone: (845) 431-8010
Email: admissions@sunydutchess.edu
53 Pendell Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601