Southwestern Board approves new PE certificates

The Southwestern Oregon Community College Board of Education approved two new Certificates of Completion in Physical Education under the Pathways model at its regular meeting on Monday night.

The Personal Trainer: Group Exercise Leader Certificate of Completion is a five-course, 12- to 14-credit program to prepare students for work as personal trainers, aerobics instructors and group exercise specialists. The Personal Trainer: Aging Adult Specialty Certificate of Completion is a six-course, 16- to 18-credit program to prepare students to become personal trainers specializing in working with older adults.

Both pathways for Certificates of Completion prepare students to take the national certification exam in one of the following areas:

• Personal Trainer Certification;
• Group Fitness Instructor;
• Clinical Exercise Specialist; or
• Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.

Once students complete the initial certification, they can continue working toward an Associate of Science degree with a physical education emphasis, which then can be applied to a baccalaureate degree in physical education through an articulation agreement with Eastern Oregon University. The certification provides a solid foundation for those wishing to work as personal trainers or, with more education, as coaches and scouts; health and physical education teachers; or clinical exercise physiologists.

The Pathways method of curriculum design already has been applied to several Southwestern programs, including Human Services, Fire Science and Medical Assistant. Students in these programs take courses as they can, working toward several small certificates and building skills leading up to a degree. The Pathways Certificate of Completion in Physical Education proposals now will be forwarded to the state of Oregon for final approval.

Press Release Date: March 19 , 2007