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With increasing disability, disease, and medical costs associated with inactivity, the importance of highly qualified fitness professionals has never been greater. Better health and fitness translates to fewer sick days, lower insurance rates, and an overall improvement in personal and professional lives.
All of this means that the need for qualified fitness professionals will continue to rise. The Oregon Employment Department forecasts Portland area employment of fitness trainers will grow 22.6% through 2033.
Why choose Exercise Science at PCC?
Salary
The Oregon Employment Department reports Portland Metro area fitness trainers earn from $17.85 to $40.70 per hour. The average annual salary is $58,976.
The Portland Community College Exercise Science program, located primarily at the Sylvania Campus, provides high-quality education and practical experiences to prepare you to successfully join the workforce as a fitness professional.
You will gain knowledge and hands-on experience in practical lab facilities with equipment that mirrors what professionals may use in the field, including:
- Adaptive exercise equipment
- Various cardio and weight machines
- Fitness testing equipment for cardio, muscle, flexibility, and body composition
- Free weights and functional training equipment
- Submaximal and maximal metabolic cart VO2 testing
- Force Plate technology to measure foot pressure and bi-lateral balance
- Graded exercise testing with ECG monitoring
- Anatomy models and skeletons for hands-on learning
- Balance, gait, and posture assessments
- CPR, first aid, and AED equipment
Students who earn their AAS Degree in Exercise Science at PCC can transfer into OHSU–Portland State University’s Applied Health and Fitness bachelor’s degree program as juniors. See the program overview page for more information on program specifics, certifications recommended, and program costs.
Award information
| Award | Length (attending full-time) | Financial aid eligible | Currently accepting students? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree: Exercise Science | 2 years | Limited entry, see how to apply to Exercise Science | |
| Career Pathway Certificate: Group Fitness Leader | Less than 1 year | Limited entry, see how to apply to Exercise Science | |
| Career Pathway Certificate: Healthy Older Adult Fitness | Less than 1 year | Limited entry, see how to apply to Exercise Science | |
| Career Pathway Certificate: Personal Trainer | Less than 1 year | Limited entry, see how to apply to Exercise Science | |
| Career Pathway Certificate: Yoga Teacher | Less than 1 year | Limited entry, see how to apply to Exercise Science |
Locations
SylvaniaWhat will you learn?
Class information
Our Exercise Science program provides coursework, education, and hands-on experience so you can successfully join the workforce as a fitness and wellness professional. You will learn:
- Anatomy and physiology basics
- Applied kinesiology
- Exercise physiology
- Fitness assessment and programming
- Fitness promotion
- Interpersonal skills
- Fitness nutrition
- and many other fitness and wellness-related topics
You can earn all four pathway certificates, along with an AAS Degree in Exercise Science, within two years if attending PCC as a full-time student.
What will you do?
The fitness professional performs a variety of instructional and administrative responsibilities, including:
- Exercise programming
- Fitness testing
- Training and instruction
- Coaching and leadership
- Client acquisition and retention
- Business operations
Educated and certified fitness professionals are hired in:
- Athletic clubs
- Fitness/Wellness Studios
- Senior Living Communities
- Community recreation centers
- Corporate fitness centers
- Hospital or allied-health clinics
- Vacation resorts
Professionals working in this field are known by a variety of titles within the industry, including but not limited to:
- Personal trainer
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Exercise specialist
- Fitness instructor
- Group exercise leader
- Yoga Teacher
- Wellness specialist
- Member services specialist
Transfer option
Students who complete the PCC AAS Exercise Science degree can transfer to Portland State University as a junior in the Bachelor’s degree in Applied Health & Fitness program.
Next steps
Applying to PCC is free and only takes a few minutes.Apply now
Limited entry awards have an additional application process. See each award page for all prerequisite requirements.
Not quite ready to apply?
We can help you get the info you need.
Related programs
PCC offers more than 90 programs.