The WITS Personal Trainer Program is not currently offered.
Check back for program updates in 2022.
Job Description
A fitness professional is one who possesses the knowledge and skills to work one-on-one implementing safe and effective exercise and fitness programs; and who provides instruction and assistance to help individuals reach their personal health and fitness goals.
Employment Outlook
According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, the 2018 average hourly wage for Fitness Trainers/Aerobics Instructors is $24.05 per hour.
Admission Requirements
There are no prerequisites for this course: however, this course requires a high degree of commitment to successfully complete.
Program Description
MCC’s 30-hour Personal Trainer course is developed and taught by the World Instructor Training School (WITS), and prepares students for the written and practical exams that lead to National Certification by WITS.
The W.I.T.S. Personal Trainer certification course is taught at colleges across the country. W.I.T.S. was recently certified by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This challenging course is comprised of 15 hours of classroom lecture and 15 hours of practical training. The National Certification Exam is held in the final week. More information is available on the WITS website: www.witseducation.com. Students are allowed to miss only one classroom and one lab class and still be able to sit for the exam. A 200-page student workbook is included with the course fee.
Upon passing this course, students now qualify for two Certification Levels (exam vouchers included):
- Level 1 Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) – Pass both Written and Practical Skills exams, and provide proof of CPR/AED certification before exam. Certificates are issued after the exams, and students can start working immediately
- Level 2 Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) – Level 1 CPT plus the completion of a 30-hour internship (more information to be given in class by the instructor). There is no extra cost to obtain Level 2 certification.
Lecture topics include anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, and health screening.
For the Fitness Center sessions, students must wear appropriate workout clothes and non-marking athletic shoes. Please also bring a combination lock in order to store your personal belongings during these workout sessions, and a lunch.
The required textbook, Fitness Professional’s Handbook, 7th edition (ISBN 9781492523376), is available at the MCC Bookstore for approximately $110. The textbook should be purchased in advance and the following chapters read prior to the first class: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 26.
This course is approved for six continuing education units (CEUs) by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); 16 CE hours by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB); and six CEUs by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET). You may contact WITS after completing the course to obtain your credential for CEUs or you may present your WITS certificate directly to your accrediting organization to confirm your CEUs.
Please note: This course requires a high degree of commitment to complete successfully.
Time Commitment
The course meets for 12 sessions (two week nights per week for six weeks). Please refer to the Catalogs and Calendars web page for the current Non-credit Catalog and course schedule:
This challenging course is comprised of 15 hours of classroom lecture and 15 hours of practical training, plus six hours of a written and practical exam. A subsequent 30-hour internship (not included with this course and optional) and proof of CPR/AED training will complete your Personal Trainer certification and prepare you to work successfully in the fitness field.
Payment Information
Course Fee: $799
Textbook: approximately $110
Easy Ways to Register
More Information
For more information about Personal Trainer certification, please see the Fitness & Recreation section of the Non-credit Catalog.
Manchester Community College
Non-credit Programs, Continuing Education
Stephen Campiglio
Program Coordinator of Personal & Professional Development and Community Programs
860-512-2824