Why study Personal Training?

This three credit hour course EXSC 2091 Individualized Fitness Programming Micro-Credential meets the requirements for students to be eligible to sit for an accredited personal training certification exam (exam fee not included in course material fees, must be 18 years old to take the exam). 

Here is a list of active organizations recognized by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This Micro-Credential is appropriate for those seeking employment in a gym or specialized setting such as a rehabilitation clinic or as a private personal trainer. 

 Recommended Certification: 

  • American Council on Exercise (ACE) 

Other Certification Options: 

  • ACTION Certification 
  • American College of Sports Medicine 
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine 
  • National Council for Certified Personal Trainers 
  • National Council on Strength and Fitness 
  • National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association 
  • National Exercise Trainers Association 
  • National Federation of Professional Trainers 
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association 
  • International Personal Trainer Academy 
  • WITS (World Instructor Training Schools)

 

 An updated list of available certifications can be found at the Institue for Credentialing Excellence website.

  • Under ‘Accreditation’ select NCCA
  • Under ‘Industry’ select Fitness & Wellness to view a list of all accredited fitness certifications, including Personal Training options. 

Admission Requirements

Please note Micro-Credentials are not eligible for any form of financial aid assistance.

A valid CPR-Provider card is not required to take the Micro-Credential course but is required to sit for the Personal Training Exam. Students will be able to register for one or more Micro-Credentials without academic pre-requisite.  It is recommended, but not required, that the students take an Anatomy & Physiology course. 

Successful students will be able to pass the Micro-Credential course of EX SC 2091 with a grade of C or better, and pass the ACE Personal Training exam. Details on eligibility for taking the exam and passing the exam can be found on the ACE website. 

Completing the Exercise Science Micro-Credential and earning eligibility to sit for the ACE Personal Training Exam provides a strong foundation for entering the health and fitness field. Graduates can begin careers as certified personal trainers in gyms, community organizations, corporate wellness programs, or private practice, supporting individuals in achieving their health and performance goals. This credential also lays important groundwork for advanced career paths such as exercise physiology, athletic training, or physical therapy—though those fields require additional degrees and professional licensure. By starting with this Micro-Credential, students gain both immediate career opportunities and a valuable steppingstone toward further study in allied health professions.

The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast. Their product, called Career Coach, combines extensive labor market data from Lightcast and the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides insights on industry, occupation, compensation, and projected growth for each profession. Economic and workforce information is available for various geographic regions. Some careers may require additional training or education.

Accessibility Resources

UC Blue Ash College is committed to providing all students equal access to learning opportunities.  Accessibility Resources is the official campus office that works with students who have impairments which may influence their performance in this course (learning, ADD, psychological, visual, hearing, physical, cognitive, medical condition, etc.). If you have a documented disability requiring reasonable accommodations, please contact the Office of Accessibility Resources. Muntz Hall, room 112L, Telephone: (513) 792-8625, and/or schedule an appointment via email: ucbadso@ucmail.uc.edu.

 Counseling Services

UC Blue Ash College Counseling Services provides high quality integrated health, counseling, and wellness services.  Counseling services are free of charge to students matriculated as UC Blue Ash College students. UC Blue Ash Counseling Services addresses a variety of student needs such as: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, family conflict, loss and grief issues, adjusting to life’s challenges, relationship problems, eating disorders, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and domestic violence.  An initial meeting with a counselor can be arranged by calling (513) 745-5670 or stopping by Room 140 Muntz Hall during business hours, Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment.  If after hours or for an immediate emergency, please call CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services - Clifton campus) using the 24 Hour Phone Consultation Line at 513-556-0648.  Clifton students may call UHS at 513-556-2564 or CAPS at 513-556-0648. For urgent physician consultation after-hours students may call 513-584-7777.

Students must achieve a grade of C or better in EXSC 2091 to graduate from the Micro-Credential. 

Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Allied Health

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Temesha Corbin
9555 Plainfield Road
Muntz Hall
Blue Ash, OH 45236
(513) 558-7922
corbinta@ucmail.uc.edu

Find related programs in the following interest areas:

Program Code: 28MC-EXSC-MC