Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Academics

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Whether your plan is to take classes and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away, Rock Valley College has what you are looking for. Select from one of our more than 60 transfer areas or more than 30 career programs.

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Course Listing Check out a comprehensive list of courses offered at RVC...

Admission

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At Rock Valley College, you're not just a number. Our highly respected faculty have master's degrees, doctorates and real-world experience. You won't be competing for attention in a huge lecture hall. Our average class size is 21, so you'll get a chance to interact, challenge and be challenged by your instructors.

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Get Started! Find out how to get started at RVC! We make it easy for you to pursue your goals...

Student Life

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Have fun. Try stuff. RVC gives you opportunities to get involved. There are lots of student activities to choose from. We offer more than 20 clubs and organizations. Try your hands at student government. Join the staff of our campus newspaper. What's it going to be?

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Get Engaged! Join a club, attend events, become a student leader. What's your passion?

Student Services

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Whether you are new to the college or know your way around, we have a variety of services designed to help you succeed. We're here for you every step of the way.

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How can we help? Our focus is on student success. We're here to ensure you reach your goals.

Athletics

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RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, baseball, softball, and men's and women's tennis. Not to brag, but we're pretty good at it. Our teams have won seven national championships and we have had more than 100 All-Americans.

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Camps RVC volleyball is hosting three camps this summer. Register now!

Library

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The Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College features nearly 75,000 volumes and more than 650 periodicals, and access to the interlibrary loan system. It also features spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby!

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Library Catalog Search our online catalog.

Coaching Education & Personal Training Certificates

What is it?

Students work out in the RVC Fitness LabThe FWS certificates provide students with the educational and practical experiences needed to prepare for certification as qualified personal trainers or athletic coaches. Each 24-credit hour certificate can be completed in as little as three consecutive semesters.

The Personal Training certificate prepares students to successfully complete the National Strength & Conditioning Association's Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) exam. This credential is one of the most respected in the personal training industry. The RVC Personal Training certificate program is an approved NSCA Education Recognition Program. One of the benefits of this recognition is that students receive discounted certification exam fees.

The Coaching Education certificate helps students obtain the American Sport Education Program's (ASEP) coaching certification. The ASEP coaching certification is required by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for high school varsity coaches who are not certified teachers. Several other sport organizations require this certification as well. The RVC Coaching Education certificate program is an approved IHSA coaching education classroom certification program.

What kind of jobs are we talking about?

Students who complete either certificate will have the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain a position in personal training or coaching.

Personal training certificate students may seek employment as a personal trainer in private health clubs, public fitness centers, college/university fitness centers or personal fitness studios.

Coaching Education certificate students may seek employment as an assistant or head coach at all levels between youth sports and high school varsity sports.


What's the big deal about this program?

Golden Eagles Women's BasketballIn addition to helping prepare students to obtain professional certifications, students will complete an internship as part of their certificate requirements. Personal Training students will complete their internship while training RVC employees under the direct supervision of FWS staff. Coaching Education students will complete their internship with the athletic department of one of the following local organizations – Rockford School District 205, Harlem High School, Belvidere & Belvidere North High Schools, Rockford Boys & Girls Clubs, or an approved program of the student's choice.

The FWS department is housed in the newly renovated Physical Education Center (PEC). The PEC has a 6,350 square foot fitness center, a 1,500 square foot dance studio, and six classrooms featuring state-of-the-art instructional technology.

All of the FWS courses are taught by highly trained faculty and staff with several years of educational and hands-on experiences. Below is a list of the full-time faculty in the FWS department.

Coaching Education (9010)

Suggested Course Schedule by Semester

Fall       Spring    
Prefix Course Title Credits   Prefix Course Title Credits
FWS 253 Introduction to Coaching 3   FWS 254 ASEP Sport First Aid and CPR 3
FWS 261 Nutrition for Exercise and Sport 3   FWS 255 Sociology of Sport 3
FWS 235 Drug and Alcohol Education 3   FWS 258 Sport and Exercise Psychology 3
FWS 126 or
FWS 121		 Beginning Weight Lifting or
Cardio Fitness & Conditioning
 1   FWS 127 Advanced Weight Lifting 2

 
  FWS 276 Athletic Coaching Internship 3
    10       14

Disclaimer: For students concerned about completetion of program in two years, it is strongly suggested that you explore summer course offerings at RVC. Several general education and degree program courses are available during summer session. 

Refer to course descriptions for details on any of the above FWS courses. Refer to the college catalog for other course descriptions.

Requirements for admission to the program:

  1. Complete Rock Valley College enrollment steps
  2. Complete application for FWS division
  3. Receive follow-up acceptance letter
  4. Attend required orientation program for FWS

Educational Planning

Download this helpful Advising Sheet to help you better plan each semester.


Gainful Employment Program Requirements

Name & Number of Certificate Program:  Coaching Education 9010    
Information
 
  2010-11
 2011-12
1. Length of Program in Months (based on FT status) n/a 12
2. Cost of programs (tuition/fees only) n/a $2,232.00
3. Additional Fees (program-specific) n/a $60.00
4. Estimated cost of books and supplies (program-specific) n/a $640.00
5. SOC Code
27-2022.00

6. Completers

n/a

2

Personal Training (9020)

Suggested Course Schedule by Semester

Fall       Spring    
Prefix Course Description Credits   Prefix Course Descriptions Credits
FWS 266 Concepts of Applications of PT I 3   FWS 267 Concepts and Applications of PT II 3
FWS 237 or
FWS 261		 Nutrition for Optimal Living or
Nutrition for Exercise and Sport		 3   FWS 243 or
FWS 254		 First Aid and General Safety or
ASEP Sport First Aid and CPR		 3
FWS 263 or
FWS 265		 Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Control or
Personal Fitness and Wellness		 3   FWS 258 Sport and Exercise Psychology 3
FWS 126 or
FWS 121		 Beginning Weight Lifting or
Cardio Fitness & Conditioning		 1   FWS 127 Advanced Weight Lifting 2
        FWS 275 Personal Training Internship 3
    10       14

Disclaimer: For students concerned about completetion of program in two years, it is strongly suggested that you explore summer course offerings at RVC. Several general education and degree program courses are available during summer session. 

Refer to course descriptions for details on any of the above FWS courses. Refer to the college catalog for other course descriptions.

Requirements for admission to the program:

  1. Complete Rock Valley College enrollment steps
  2. Complete application for FWS division
  3. Receive follow-up acceptance letter
  4. Attend required orientation program for FWS

Educational Planning

Download this helpful Advising Sheet to help you better plan each semester.

Gainful Employment Program Requirements

Name & Number of Certificate Program:  Personal Training 9020    
Information
 
  2010-11
 2011-12
1. Length of Program in Months (based on FT status) n/a 12
2. Cost of programs (tuition/fees only) n/a $2,232.00
3. Additional Fees (program-specific) n/a $85.00
4. Estimated cost of books and supplies (program-specific) n/a $530.00
5. SOC Code
39-9031.00

6. Completers

n/a

4


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