Coaching Education and Personal Training Certificates

Program Overview
 

The 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.
 

Work and Employment
 

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.

Network Opportunities
 

In 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)

See FWS program advisor for more information.

Requirements for admission to the program:

1. Complete Rock Valley College enrollment steps.
2. Complete application for FWS department.
3. Receive follow-up acceptance notification.
4. Meet with FWS program advisor.
   
   

Educational Planning

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

Personal Training (#9020)

See FWS program advisor for more information.

Requirements for admission to the program:

1. Complete Rock Valley College enrollment steps.
2. Complete application for FWS department.
3. Receive follow-up acceptance notification.
4. Meet with FWS program advisor.

Educational Planning
 

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

Gainful Employment Program Requirements
 

Choose the year to view Gainful Employment information for this program/certificate. Gainful Employment information includes program costs, length of time to complete the program, potential occupations tied to this program, as well as success rates and job placement rates where applicable.

Potential Careers & Wages