Health Enhancement, Exercise Science, and Physical Education

 

View Health Fitness (R): 157B
View Aging Studies (R): 600A 
View Health Education (R): 186
View Advanced Personal Trainer Certificate (R): 191B
View Personal Trainer Examination Letter of Recognition(R): 821
View Physical Education Teacher Preparation/Coaching (R): 159 

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Tracks in health enhancement, exercise science, and physical education are designed for students interested in adult fitness, personal training, work site wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, health promotion, community health, teaching health or physical education on the elementary or secondary level, and athletic coaching.

Career possibilities in physical education and health have expanded beyond the traditional school setting during the past decade. Americans have grown more interested in personal health, fitness, wellness, and leisure-time physical activities. This has created a demand for professionals with specialized training to provide leadership and service in adult fitness and health promotion. In response to these changing societal interests and the resulting job market, the Department of Health Enhancement, Exercise Science, and Physical Education offers four tracks from which students may choose to fulfill their career goals: exercise science/health fitness leadership, gerontology, health education, and physical education teacher preparation/coaching.

Each track provides the first two years of a typical four-year curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree. The A.A. in arts and sciences is awarded upon completion of all requirements in the specific track. Most career opportunities in fields related to these curricula require a bachelor’s degree. The program at Montgomery College prepares students to efficiently transfer and complete their upper-level coursework at a four-year institution. A certificate curriculum in personal training is also available.

Colleges and universities vary in their requirements. Thus, it is important that students contact the program coordinators or departmental advisers prior to registration to ensure the design of a program that transfers efficiently.

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Health Fitness A.A.

Revised: Effective Semester -  Spring 2012

This A.A. track is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career in health promotion, fitness, or corporate wellness. An analysis of job markets in fields related to health promotion shows that the fields are experiencing rapid growth expansion as our society continues to become more health conscious and aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. This track has been designed as a transfer program including an articulated program developed in conjunction with Salisbury University’s Exercise Science degree offered at the Universities at Shady Grove.  This Associates degree program is also appropriate for students interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in exercise science, health promotion, health education, or kinesiology from another college or university.

Students will acquire knowledge and skills and, will develop the abilities to apply theoretical information in practical real-life situations. Emphasis is on an understanding of the human body, health behavior, personal health, lifetime fitness principles and training techniques, nutrition, weight control, stress management, and other related healthy lifestyle topics. Students will learn to assess the different components of health and fitness, and they will acquire skills in the design, implementation, and supervision of healthier lifestyle programs for groups and individuals.  Students will also acquire the program assessment and evaluation skills needed for the successful implementation of health behavior change programming.

Completion of the A.A. requirements in Health Fitness will prepare students for fitness certifications through nationally recognized professional organizations such as the American Council on Exercise.  Upon completion of designated courses, students will be eligible to sit for various NCCA approved certifications for a reduced fee.  Upon completion of the Salisbury University degree, students will be eligible to sit for a variety of CoAES professional certifications including Certified Health Educator Specialist certification, ACSM’s Health Fitness Specialist certification, or NCSA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

General Education Requirements
Foundation courses
	English foundation*	3
HE 205	Emergency Medical Responder (HLHF)	3
MA 116	Statistics
OR
MA 180	Precalculus	3(4)
	Speech foundation	3
Distribution Courses
	Arts distribution	3
	Humanities distribution	3
	Arts or humanities distribution **	3
	Behavioral and social sciences distribution	3
	Behavioral and social sciences distribution**	3
BI 107	Principles of Biology I  (NSLD)	4
BI 204	Human Anatomy and Physiology I  (NSLD)	4
Program Requirements
BI 205	Human Anatomy and Physiology	4
EN 101	Techniques of Reading and Writing I	3
HE 200	Introduction to Health Behaviors	3
PE 202	Principles and Practice of Health-Related Fitness	3
PE 154	Introduction to Exercise Science	1
PE 228	Group Fitness Instructor Training	3
PE 230	Advanced Weight Training:  Theory and Program Design	3
PE 235	Fundamentals of Athletic Training/P.E. Majors	3
PE 237	Advanced Metabolic Assessment and Program Design	3
PE 238	Personal Training Techniques	3
PE 250	Prevention and Treatment of Exercise Injuries	3
	Health Elective	3
Total credit hours  64-65

 

* EN 101 if needed for EN 109/109 ** The two behavioral and social sciences courses must be in different disciplines. † †  Students participating in the articulated curriculum with Salisbury University - Shady Grove need an additional 9 health credits.  Students must check with departmental advisors for appropriate courses..

Program Outcomes for the Health Fitness A.A.

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

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Aging Studies  (R): 600A
Arts and Sciences A.A.

Revised: Effective Semester Fall 2007

This A.A. track is designed to provide students with the skills and content area knowledge to promote healthy aging on the individual, community and global level.  The program is designed to prepare students for further studies in areas related to aging and also to provide individuals already working in the field with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and expertise.  In addition, this program also seeks to include interested individuals from the community who desire information which will allow them to age well and experience an improved quality of life.  Should the student desire to continue studies in aging, health education, or related fields, this track has been developed according to standards set by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education ensuring transferability of credits earned to member institutions.

General Education Requirements
Foundation courses
EN 102	Techniques of Reading and Writing II  (ENGF)	3
HE 101	Personal and Community Health  (HLHF)	3
	Mathematics foundation	3
	Speech foundation	3
Distribution Courses
	Arts distribution	3
	Humanities distribution	3
	Arts or humanities distribution	3
PY 102	General Psychology  (BSSD)	3
SO 101	Introduction to Sociology (BSSD)	3
BI 107	Principles of Biology I  (NSLD)	4
CH 101	Principles of Chemistry I (suggested) (NSLD)
OR
CH 109 A/B	Chemistry and Society Laboratory (NSLD)	4
Program Requirements
BI 204	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BI 205	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
HE 109	Personalized Health Fitness	3
HE 130	Introduction to Aging	3
HE 200	Introduction to Health Behaviors	3
HE 205	First Responder	3
HE 230	Health in the later Years	3
SO 210	Sociology of Age and Aging	3
Total credit hours  61

 

*Students should check prerequisites for EN 102.

Program Outcomes for the Arts & Sciences A.A. Degree -  Aging Studies

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

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Health Education (R): 186
Arts and Sciences A.A.

Revised:  Effective Semester - Fall 2009

This A.A. track prepares students to enter a diverse, people-oriented field in which professionals work to promote lifestyle wellness and improve the health status of society. Health educators assist people in making responsible decisions and changing behaviors to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Professionals in this fast-growing field are employed by public and private health care organizations, government agencies, hospital wellness centers, corporate-based worksite health programs, college and university health service centers, insurance companies, private health promotion corporations, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, family planning agencies, and health clinics, and as education representatives for textbook publishers and pharmaceutical companies. Graduates with school health degrees teach on the elementary, secondary, and college levels, in both private and public school settings. School health educators also qualify to work in many community and governmental agencies. Job titles include patient educators, health program managers, health education teachers, community health organizers, health promotion directors, and wellness coordinators.

General Education Requirements
Foundation courses
EN 102	Techniques of Reading and Writing II (ENGF)	3
HE 101	Personal and Community Health  (HLHF)	3
	Mathematics foundation	3
	Speech foundation	3
Distribution Courses
	Arts distribution	3
	Humanities distribution	3
	Arts or humanities distribution	3
PY 102	General Psychology  (BSSD)	3
SO 101	Introduction to Sociology (BSSD)	3
BI 107	Principles of Biology I  (NSLD)	4
CH 101	Principles of Chemistry I  (NSLD)
OR
CH 109 A/B	Chemistry and Society Laboratory  (NSLD)†	4
Program Requirements
BI 204	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BI 205	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
EN 101	Techniques of Reading and Writing I*	3
HE 120	The Science and Theory of Health	3
HE 200	Introduction to Health Behaviors	3
	Health Electives‡	8-9
Total credit hours  60-61

 

* Students who qualify for a waiver of EN 101 may select three credits of electives with approval of the department. † If CH 109 is selected, both CH 109A and CH 109B must be taken. ‡ Students must consult with departmental adviser before selecting electives from HE or other categories. Select electives from HE 107, HE 108, HE 109, HE 111, HE 112, HE 130, HE 150, HE 202, HE 204, HE 205 and HE 230.

Program Outcomes for the Arts & Sciences A.A.  -  Health Education

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

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Advanced Personal Trainer Certificate (R): 191A 

(formerly Personal Trainer Certificate - title change pending MHEC approval)

Revised:  Effective Semester - Spring 2012

The personal trainer certificate curriculum has been designed to develop fitness specialists who are knowledgeable and skilled in fitness, wellness instruction and program design. This curriculum blends science and theory with practical application and hands-on experience.

Students will acquire an academic foundation in the fundamental principles of exercise and nutrition in addition to a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Practical skill training will focus on the development of expertise in fitness assessment, health and fitness program design, safe exercise technique, training methodology, injury prevention and care, behavior change, exercise leadership, and personal training business practice.

The certificate curriculum offers the educational framework and basic competencies for career opportunities in the fitness industry. Successful completion of the certificate will prepare students for many of the nationally recognized personal training certification examinations.  Students will have the opportunity to sit for the ACE Personal Trainer examination at a reduced fee.

HE 108	Nutrition for Fitness and Wellness	3
HE 205	First Responder	3
PE 202	Principles and Practices of Health Related Fitness	3
PE 228	Group Exercise Leadership	3
PE 230	Advanced Weight Training:  Theory and Program Design	3
PE 237	Advanced Metabolic Assessment and Program Designs	3
PE 238	Personal Training Techniques	3
Total credit hours  21

Program Outcomes for the Advanced Personal Trainer Certificate

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and use of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal risk factors and appropriate use of health histories, physician referrals, and informed consent.
• Demonstrate knowledge and use of appropriate fitness assessments for the following fitness components, cardiorespiratory, strength, flexibility and body composition.
• Demonstrate knowledge and use of appropriated exercise program development for the following fitness components, cardiorespiratory, strength, flexibility and body composition.
• Demonstrate knowledge and use of specific behavioral strategies to enhance exercise and health behavior change
• Demonstrate knowledge and use of ability to communicate effectively and teach exercise participants proper exercise techniques, exercise progression, and lifestyle change.
  

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Gainful Employment Disclosure

Institution OPEID:  006911
Program CIP: 31.0599

Program Length: 3 semesters (this does not include time for developmental or AELP courses)

Related Occupations:  Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

Cost:

• Cost for entire program completed in 3 semesters:  $3,353
• Total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program: $1,200
• More cost information

Montgomery College does not offer on-campus housing

Debt at Program Completion:

Between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011:

• 0 students completed this program; 0 of them had student loan debt upon completing the program
• Median cumulative debt for all students (both borrowers and non-borrowers): 
  $0 Federal student loan debt
  $0 Private loan debt

Program Completion in Normal Time:  0 of 0 students completed the program within 3 semesters

Job Placement: This program is not required to collect job placement information by the college's accrediting agency.  This information will be updated as it becomes available.

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Personal Trainer Examination Letter of Recognition  821

New:  Effective Semester - Spring 2012

This letter of recognition is designed to prepare individuals interested in working in the fitness industry to successfully pass national personal training certifications such as ACE’s Personal Trainer certification.  Students will acquire the basic knowledge and skills to apply theoretical fitness information in practical real-life situations. Emphasis is on an understanding of the human body, lifetime fitness principles and training techniques, nutrition, weight control, and other related healthy lifestyle topics. Students will learn to assess the different components of health and fitness, and they will acquire skills in the design, implementation, and supervision of healthier lifestyle programs for healthy individuals. A grade of “C” or better is required in each course.  This certification is designed so that individuals can complete this certification in one semester.

HE 107	First Aid & CPR	2
HE 108	Nutrition for Fitness and Wellness	3
PE 183	Personal Fitness I	1
PE 202	Principles and Practices of Health Related Fitness	3
Total Credit Hours		9

 

Program Outcomes for the Personal Trainer Examination Letter of Recognition

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

• Define health and describe the dimensions of wellness and healthier lifestyles. 
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics as it relates to health and exercise programming
• Demonstrate understanding of the impact of individual health related behaviors on individual’s health status.
•  Demonstrate ability to describe the concept of risk and risk factors as related to development of acute and chronic illness and ability to recognize risk factors that may require further evaluation before participation in physical activity.
• Demonstrate understanding of the principles of
   A healthy lifestyle including physical fitness, nutrition and weight management.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safety plans, emergency procedures, and first aid techniques needed during fitness evaluations, and exercise training
• Demonstrate basic understanding of the health/fitness instructor's responsibilities, limitations, and the legal implications of carrying out emergency procedures
• Identify and demonstrate proper procedures and skills for fitness assessments and program design including proper technique for cardiovascular and strength machines.

 

 

 

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Physical Education Teacher Preparation/Coaching (R): 159
Arts and Sciences A.A.

Revised:  Effective Semester - Fall 2009

This A.A. track provides the first two years of a teacher preparation program for the elementary and secondary grade levels.

Physical educators plan and direct appropriate learning experiences that focus on helping students learn to enjoy physical activity as a lifelong pursuit. Physical education specialists are trained to create teaching/learning environments where students improve movement abilities, enhance performance knowledge and motor skills, increase physical fitness, and experience personal growth both socially and emotionally.

This track also includes foundation courses for students interested in coaching athletes on the interscholastic and other levels. Athletics involves recruiting, coaching, managing, and administering teams that compete against other athletic programs. Athletic programs have significantly different goals from physical education, yet often share facilities, equipment, fields, and teachers.

General Education Requirements
Foundation courses
EN 102	Techniques of Reading and Writing II  (ENGF)	3
HE 101	Personal and Community Health (HLHF)	3
	Mathematics foundation	3
	Speech foundation	3
Distribution Courses
	Arts distribution	3
HS 118	History of Sport in America	3
	Arts or humanities distribution	3
SO 212	The Sociology of Sport  (BSSD)	3
	Behavioral and social sciences distribution*	3
BI 107	Principles of Biology I  (NSLD)	4
BI 204	Human Anatomy and Physiology I  (NSLD)	4
Program Requirements
BI 205	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
EN 101	Techniques of Reading and Writing I†	3
HE 205	First Responder	3
HE 108-202	Health electives†
OR
PE 200	Foundation of Elementary School Physical Education
OR
PE 101-238	Physical education skills and theory‡	6-7
PE 183	Personal Fitness I	1
PE 101-238	Physical education skills and theory ‡	2
PE 202	Principles and Practices of Health-Related Fitness	3
PE 203	Overview of Physical Education	3
Total credit hours  60-61

 

* Students must consult with departmental adviser before selecting electives from HE, PE, or other categories. †Students who qualify for a waiver of EN 101 may select three credits of electives with approval of the departmental adviser. ‡ The two behavioral and social sciences courses must be in different disciplines.

Program Outcomes for the Arts & Sciences A.A. - Physical Education/Teacher Preparation

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

Refer to course description pages to identify courses with prerequisites. Courses in italics meet General Education requirements.