Program Benefits

Preparation for Professional Certification
The Clark College Fitness Trainer program prepares students to pass the nationally accredited certification exam.

“The pass rate has been very good and something the department can boast about.”

“I was amazingly nervous about the CPT exam, and completely delighted to find out that I passed with an even higher score than required! You guys did an excellent job preparing us for the exam.”

Fitness Trainer Students, Class of 2008

Discounts on Professional Certification Exams and Materials:
Prepare to become certified as a Group Fitness Instructor and/or Personal Trainer. Take advantage of discounts on exams and materials associated with those certifications related to partnerships with several organizations.

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Academic Partnership.
• National Strength and Conditioning Association's Education Recognition Program.
• American Council on Exercise (ACE) Educational Partner.

Program Labs & Facilities
Clark College Fitness Trainer program has access to exceptional facilities for student learning and practice.

• Gymnasium, Multipurpose Room, Fitness Center, Free Weights Room
• State-of-the-art Fitness Equipment and Implements
  • Anatomical models
  • Cardio machines: Ellipticals, treadmills, spinning bikes, recumbent bikes, stair climber, Concept II rowers
  • Variable resistance weight machines
  • TRX
  • Bosu balls
  • Stability Balls
  • Kettlebells
  • Free weights
  • Weight lifting platforms
  • Tubing, bands
  • Medicine balls
  • Speed, Agility & Quickness tools
• Fitness Testing Laboratory Equipment
  • Bod Pod
  • Hydrostatic Weighing Tank
  • Metabolic Cart & lactate anaylsis
  • Bicycle Ergometers & Computrainer
  • Lange and Harpenden Skinfold Calipers
  • Gulick measuring tapes
  • Grip Strength dynamometers
  • Spirometers
  • Goniometers
  • Heart Rate and Blood Pressure monitors

Hands on Training
Students will experience close to 1,300 hours of instruction over two years. Courses include a variety of theory and practice. Fitness Trainer students have an opportunity to practice their fitness training skills with real clients by working with general education students in a Fitness & Wellness lab, as well as volunteer special population clients. In addition, the 120-hour internship provides practical real-world experience to hone their skills.

[in response to strengths of the program] "Hands on experience, proper lifting & spotting, program design, special populations. " (2011 graduate survey)

Competency-Based Approach
The focus of the program is to attain competency in a variety of skills needed to be exceptional fitness trainers in the field. In order to graduate from this program, students must demonstrate competency in the following areas: exercise techniques, appropriate communication of fitness concepts, fitness program planning, risk stratification, body composition testing, fitness testing, wellness coaching, and professional skills (including internal & external marketing, incentive programs, sales, resume' development, and professional interviewing).

Focus on Fitness
Students will participate in a variety of professional physical activity classes, as well as laboratories that include fitness activities. Students participate in a triathlon at the end of their program.

Exceptional Faculty
Our quality faculty each possess outstanding backgrounds in their area of expertise. Most program instructors have a master's degree in physical education/exercise science and have a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential from the National Strength and Conditioning Association or other related credentials.


Local Internship Sites Available
Students participate in an internship experience at local businesses during the final term of the program, often times leading to employment.

Job Placement
Graduates from the Clark College Fitness Trainer Program who responded to a survey (summer 2011) reported 100% job placement or transfer to a 4-year university.

Job Announcements
Local job opportunities are emailed to graduates of the Fitness Trainer program.

Degree deferring institution
One advantage of completing this program is that you also earn an associates degree from an accredited public college. Other programs may only offer certificates and may not provide transfer opportunities should a graduate decide to continue with their education.

Transfer Opportunities

Fitness Testing Laboratory Equipment

• Concordia University (located in North Portland) offers and Exercise and Sport Science degree. See Appendix F for degree worksheet.
• Central Washington University offers a Bachelor's of Applied Science degree for Information Technology and Administrative Management which focuses on management skills in a particular field. See Appendix F for degree worksheet.
• Portland State University: We are currently working on a transfer agreement with PSU in Physical Activity and Exercise. Most students who transfer to Portland State University from our program double major in Community Health Education.

Nearly half of the students who responded to a graduate survey were continuing their education. (2011 graduate survey)