Personal Trainer Certificate (PRTR)

Personal trainers instruct and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, general health and nutrition.

With a certificate, you are able to obtain employment in:

• Country clubs
• Fitness or recreation centers
• Gyms
• Health clubs
• Hospitals
• Pilates studios
• Resorts
• Universities
• Yoga & Pilate's studios

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Our certificate is a total of 200-hours that is to be completed over the course of 20-weeks.  The course consists of blended learning with in-person lectures, hands-on lab activities, online independent work, and assistance in arranging an optional internship opportunity. Classes are held twice a week along with 4 hours of study through virtual learning.

We will prepare you to:

• Identify the key elements of how the body reacts and adapts to exercise
• Identify the role that vitamins and minerals play in health and performance
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and nutrition
• Develop communication and coaching skills
• Conduct and interpret fitness assessments for each component of physical fitness - energy balance in weight management, body composition and performance
• Discuss and design interventions for clients using relevant behavior modifications
• Develop appropriate exercise programs within their scope of practice
• Sit for a National Certification Exam like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam or National Science of Sports Medicine Exam (NASM) as examples

Funding may be available for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and VA participants.

• View summaries of our noncredit courses at HACC by browsing our schedule.

• Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

Our program is designed to lead you directly into the workforce. However, opportunities are available for you to continue your education and earn an associate degree at HACC once you've completed the certificate. When you complete your associate degree, you can transfer credits to a four-year school.

Classes are conducted twice a week with four hours of study online. You may complete this program is offered at the Harrisburg Campus through a combination of mixed modalities (e.g., on-campus/in-person instruction, hybrid, flex, remote instruction and/or virtual learning).

Yes! Through the HACC Foundation, scholarships are available. Please visit hacc.edu/scholarships for details and deadlines.

Please contact us using the information listed in the "How Can I Learn More" section to find out about when to apply. The dates and times of the classes are based on location.

We are excited to connect with you and answer your questions. For more information, please email Mtherapy@hacc.edu.