Mar 28, 2024  
2019-20 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2019-20 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Health & Fitness Science, A.A.S. (A45630)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

The Health and Fitness Science curriculum prepares multi-skilled fitness professionals to be qualified to perform various skills in the health and fitness industry. Graduates of the Health and Fitness Science program will be required to sit for an accredited certified personal trainer exam before graduation. Graduates may also be eligible to sit for a variety of other examinations that pertain to the health and fitness industry. Employment opportunities include YMCA’s, fitness studios, parks and recreation departments, hospitals, sports performance facilities, and other health and fitness areas.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

  1. Demonstrate competency and knowledge of kinesiology and exercise physiology.
  2. Demonstrate, instruct, and administer proper exercise testing methods.
  3. Design, plan, and lead individual and group exercise programs.
  4. Demonstrate competency in the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be a successful and proficient personal trainer.
  5. Design and implement corporate and worksite wellness programs.

Course Selection Information

Students, to help you progress in your degree program, take prerequisite courses along with English and Math early in your academic career. This will align you for greater success in completing your program of study. Click on the courses listed below to ensure you are aware of prerequisites. The order shown below under the student program priorities is a guide.

Student Program Priorities:

  1. HFS 110  
  2. HFS 111  

Admission Information


Students applying for admission to the Gaston College Health and Fitness Science (HFS) program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college. Admission to the general college does not guarantee admission to the Health and Fitness Science Program.

To be eligible to submit an application to the associate degree health and fitness science program applicants must:

  1. Submit a Gaston College Application
  2. Complete Residency Determination for in-state tuition
  3. Apply for financial aid
  4. Meet with an advisor / Attend an information session
  5. Submit official transcripts
  6. Provide proof of course placement requirements:

Students must demonstrate readiness for College level reading and math. Students can demonstrate that readiness in the following ways:

  1. Provide proof of unweighted US High School GPA of 2.8 or higher within the last ten years.
  2. Provide proof of an associate or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  3. Provide proof of satisfactory scores on ACT, SAT, GED, NCDAP, COMPASS, ASSET or ACUPLACER within the last ten years.

Students who do not have recent high school transcripts or test scores within the past 10 years should prepare to take the placement test and demonstrate:

Mastery on RISE (Reinforced Instruction for Student Excellence) English placement Tier 2 and RISE Math placement Tier 3; OR successfully complete ENG 002 through TIER 2 (grade of P2) and MAT 003 through Tier 3 (grade of P3).

Competitive Admission Criteria

The following may be considered by the Health and Fitness Science Program Admissions Committee in the selection process of qualified applicants:

  • College degree/diploma
  • College level Anatomy & Physiology course
  • College level English course
  • College level Math course
  • College level Physical Education/Health courses
  • CPR Certification (current)
  • College level Psychology course
  • Accredited Fitness Certification (current)
  • Previous fitness work experience

Additional Requirements Upon Admission to the Health and Fitness Science Program

In addition to maintaining a 2.0 GPA and earning a minimum grade of “C” in all Health and Fitness Science curriculum courses, applicants accepted into the HFS program must meet the following requirements in order to enroll and continue HFS courses.

  • A completed Gaston College Health and Human Services Student Medical form documenting satisfactory emotional and physical health signed by a health care practitioner.
  • The documentation of additional non-academic criteria includes criminal background checks, urine drug testing, and proof of immunizations. Students are to complete these requirements by registering and paying a fee to a third party vendor. Instructions will be provided by the compliance specialist.

Clinical agencies reserve the right to deny a student access to the facility based on failure to meet the above requirements. Requirements are subject to change by the clinical agency.

Professional liability insurance (malpractice insurance) is arranged through the Gaston College Business Office.

Applicants should be aware that travel in “out-of-service” areas may be required for clinical externship work experiences (Work-Based Learning (WBL) courses).

Program Costs

In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of this program include the following: a physical examination, immunizations, criminal background check, drug screen, and the fees for the required Certified Personal Trainer Examination (re-test only).

FIRST YEAR


SECOND YEAR


Total Program Hours: 70


Note(s):


A math course is required for all HFS students. The College will advise all HFS students to take three (3) hours in math. An additional Chemistry course is available for those HFS students who will be preparing for their Baccalaureate degree at UNC Charlotte.

Related Careers

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study