FITNESS EDUCATION GETS PUMPED
COLLEGE CREATES PERSONAL TRAINING CERTIFICATE
BY JAMES HARLEY
Going to college can be financially stressful. However,
there is a new program that only takes one year to
earn, which could save time and money.
Clackamas Community College currently offers
a one-year certificate in fitness technology. The
certificate gives students core skills and experience
needed to enter the fitness industry at an entry-level
position. The outcome of the program could present
career opportunities as a personal trainer, health
coach, nutrition specialist, athletic coach and many
other careers.
The program has only existed for about a year and
a half and currently has about 50 students enrolled.
Instructors at CCC such as Tracy Nelson, who is a
National Council on Strength and Fitness Certified
Personal Trainer, encourage students who have
any interest in fitness and health to consider the
program.
“ We would love to have as many people who are
interested in doing it,” said Nelson. “ We just want
to let people know we have this program because it
is fairly new, and we want to help everybody who
goes through this program get jobs.”
Nelson said there are a lot of cooperative work
experience options designed to get students to
work w ith fitness professionals to get hands-on
experience.
Kendra Goulter is currently enrolled in the program.
She said that all the classes are fun and the teachers
.are mostly funny, sarcastic and entertaining, which
makes taking the classes much easier.
“I’ve always been in fitn ess,” said Goulter. “ I
heard about the program when I started at CCC and
it was perfect because I’m interested in becoming
a personal trainer or health coach.”
As for her experience with the program, she said,
“There is a lot of learning on your own, and it can get
overwhelming if you are not familiar with Moodle
and taking a lot of online classes, but all the classes
are pretty simple and enjoyable for m e.”
Because the program is fairly new, some students
have not heard about it until recently.
Ryley Tishendorf, a first-year student at CCC, is
currently taking a fitness class. He had never heard
of the program but thought it sounded convenient.
Tishendorf said,“ From w hat I know, there is a
demand for personal trainers, and it doesn’t sound
too hard to earn it [the certificate] if you get it at
CCC.”
The certificate program could be a good option for
students who want to go straight into the health and
fitness industry instead of transferring to a four-year
university. New or returning students can get their
certificate within about a year and be able to have
experience and find jobs.
“ Even though the program is at a com m unity
college, I feel like the stuff I learn is equivalent to
going to a university,” said Goulter. “ So I’d definitely
recommend it to other students.”
Kara Neils uses a stationary bike during her workout.
In the weight room, CCC student Terrel Hood works out using the bench press.
8 Clackamas Print FEBRUARY 17.2016 thedackamasprintcom