Exercise Science Program

"A rewarding career for those interested in developing sound exercise prescription for others, while promoting fitness"

Career Opportunities are available in:

• Human Performance Centers
• Personal Training
• Wellness Centers
• Strength and Conditioning Centers
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Corporate Wellness Centers
• Community Centers

Program Description

Career/Transfer

Associate Degree Program

The Exercise Science program is designed to provide fundamental and theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills necessary to assume the role of a personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, or health fitness professional. With an emphasis on exercise science and health, the program integrates cutting edge research with fundamental theories of learning and basic clinical skills. Students will be prepared for a career in health fitness and will receive an educational background that will provide opportunities for further education leading to careers in exercise physiology and allied health. Successful completion of the program leads to the Associates in Science Degree and prepares the student to sit for National Certification Exams.

Program Outcomes

Upon Successful Completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of physiological and anatomical responses of the human body to acute and chronic exercise.
• Demonstrate entry level knowledge and skills necessary for safe and appropriate screening, exercise testing, and exercise prescription with a variety of populations.
• Exit the program with the necessary CPR/AED certifications needed for entry level employment.
• Practice sound and prudent administrative duties necessary to supervise a health fitness facility as recommended by specific industry guidelines.
• Develop leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills necessary to be an effective professional if this career path.

Admissions Process

Contact the Admissions Office to learn more about the opportunities available at NCC. Call (203) 857-7060 or 857 7160.

For specific information about the Exercise Science Program, call Paul Gallo at (203) 857 7194 or e-mail him at pgallo@ncc.commnet.edu.

The Support System

NCC offers a complete student support system with a variety of services and activities designed to help you enjoy a successful college career.

• Career Center
• Child Development
• Counseling
• English as a Second Language
• Financial Aid
• Learning Skills Center
• Everett I.L. Baker Library
• Orientation
• Services for Students with Disabilities
• Servicios Para Los Hispanos
• Student Activities
• Student Employment Services
• Student Support Services
• Student Success Center
• Tutoring Center
• Wellness Center

Exercise Science Facts

Scientists and doctors have known for years that substantial benefits can be gained from regular physical activities.

-Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service

An important mission of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is to promote increased physical activity and fitness to the public. In order to advance this mission, exercise program professionals must be familiar with existing public health statements that relate to physical activity and must stay abreast of the evolving scientific literature related to current and future physical activity recommendations.

-American College of Sports Medicine

It is recommended that all adults in the United States accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intense physical activity on most, and preferably all days of the week.

-Center for Disease Control

A large body of laboratory- and population-based studies has documented the many health and fitness benefits associated with physical activity and endurance exercise training, such as improved physiologic, metabolic, and psychological parameters, as well as decreased risk of many diseases and premature mortality.

-American College of Sports Medicine

The challenge is to mobilize the nation where a mere 25% or less of the population exercises regularly, despite the fact that most of them intuitively know they should. It is clear that not everyone is motivated by health issues and requires an added incentive. This brings us back to the instructor. Of all the variables that can affect compliance, perhaps the most important is the quality of the exercise instructor.

-American Council on Exercise