Program Overview
The Kinesiology and Health Sciences (KHS) Department at MCC provides two levels of credentials designed to prepare and/or enhance preparation for new and/or existing health-fitness careers. The Exercise Specialist certificate is a great starting point and can be completed in as little as three consecutive semesters. For those seeking a degree, the AAS in KHS can be completed in as little as two years. You will find great flexibility with both of these programs, as all of the courses found in the Exercise Specialist certificate can be applied to the AAS in KHS. Many students will gain employment after receiving the Exercise Specialist certificate and continue working towards their degree.
Health-fitness professionals hold a variety of positions including personal fitness trainer, small-group exercise instructor, exercise testing and prescription technician, and fitness/exercise instructor. Health-fitness management positions include personal training manager, fitness manager, and supervisor of wellness services. An additional, new and emerging professional area is known as fitness or wellness coaching.
Certifications
The MCC curriculum incorporates learning resources from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and other national governing bodies. As students complete coursework, they are also preparing for a variety of national certifications. Most students choose to pursue at least one of these certifications before they graduate, making themselves more marketable in the field.
The primary purpose of an Associate in Applied Science degree is to prepare students for employment. The AAS degree is not designed specifically for transfer; however, there are opportunities to apply some coursework or the whole degree to a bachelor’s degree program. For more information, see an academic advisor and the program advisor/department chair.
For more information, visit: www.mchenry.edu/kinesiology
Kinesiology and Health Studies, AAS Sample Semester Pathway
Kinesiology and Health Studies, Sample Transfer Pathway
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