Kinesiology
Kinesiology, Personal Training and Fitness Coaching Classes
Gain an edge in the competitive world of fitness training with a kinesiology degree. Study nutrition, exercise, weight management, athletic coaching and more. Choose from an associate degree or certificate programs in fitness coaching and personal training.
Give Your Career the Competitive Edge
Using Pierce College Fort Steilacoom's Health Education Center, the Kinesiology program melds classroom instruction with the most technologically advanced laboratory equipment available. In the Health Assessment Laboratory, students gain critical, hands-on experience performing health tests and assessments, including hydrostatic weighing to test body composition and Max VO2 assessment with a metabolic cart. Knowing how and when to perform these critical tests gives students a competitive edge in various athletic and healthcare careers.
Requirements for the Kinesiology AAS-T degree can be completed in two years. The Personal Training Certificate and Athletic Coaching Certificate can be finished in one year.
Career Pathway Course Maps
“I think Pierce College is one of the best schools in the nation. When you get here, you get into small classes, you can communicate with your professors directly, and everybody cares about you.”
Tony Nguyen - Doctorate of Physical Therapy, MBA and Pierce College Alumnus
Launch your future at Pierce College. Apply now to get started.
Careers in Kinesiology
Stand out in the competitive, growing world of fitness training by earning a Kinesiology degree from Pierce College. Learn from our scientifically inclusive curriculum of human movement, studying mechanical, anatomical, neural, developmental, physiological and psychological mechanisms. Gain a well-rounded understanding of all aspects of human function as it pertains to movement and exercise.
You will learn how to design group or individual exercise programs that improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance or flexibility. You will also develop skills in health risk stratification, health and physical fitness assessments, interpretation of results, and motivational strategies to help healthy individuals and those with medically controlled diseases.
If you pursue a degree in Kinesiology, you will also earn a certificate in personal training. Personal training — as practiced by a personal trainer, fitness trainer, fitness professional or exercise professional — is emerging as one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. The job outlook for this profession is expected to grow much faster than average, according to the Department of Labor.
A degree in Kinesiology can lead to many diverse employment opportunities. Kinesiology graduates can pursue jobs in the healthcare field, including physical and occupational therapy, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and lifestyle and weight management. In addition to careers in personal training, you might choose to specialize in aerobics, yoga or group fitness. Your degree allows you to meaningfully impact the health and wellness of others while joining a fast-growing field of employment.Transfer Information
Pierce College's AAS-T Kinesiology Degree and one-year Personal Training Certificate will help you pursue national certifications, employment in the health and fitness/coaching industries, or transfer to a four-year university. Pierce College Kinesiology graduates have the option to directly transfer to Pacific Lutheran University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology.
Transfer Institutions
Lisa Murray
Department Chair and PTA Program Advisor – Kinesiology
LMurray@pierce.ctc.edu
253-964-6482
Antonio Brito
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
AGBrito@pierce.ctc.edu
253-912-3702
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Our Community
Not all learning happens in the classroom. When you're looking to take a break from the books, the Office of Student Life offers opportunities to grow and find community at Pierce College. Represent your fellow students on the student leadership team or join the staff of our award-winning student newspaper, The Pinnacle. Squeeze in a workout between classes at our on-campus Health Education Centers — membership is free for students!