Health and Wellness Management

Program Overview

Elgin Community College's Health and Wellness Management program equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the fitness industry, including personal training and group fitness instruction. Utilizing materials from ACSM and ACE, the program prepares graduates for nationally accredited certification exams and provides a comprehensive understanding of health, fitness, and wellness principles. Graduates are prepared for roles such as personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and health and wellness consultants.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
Elgin Community College's (ECC) Health and Wellness Management certificates prepares students to pursue a career in the fitness industry, including roles such as personal trainers and group fitness instructors. The program utilizes materials from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and prepares graduates to take nationally accredited certification exams in the field. It provides a comprehensive understanding of health, fitness, and wellness principles and prepares individuals to manage their own businesses or work effectively within established facilities.
• Objectives:
The program aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to:
• Apply fitness professional principles and techniques in various fitness settings
• Design and implement fitness plans for individuals and groups to meet their specific goals
• Understand human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology and incorporate this knowledge into fitness programs and classes
• Practice and promote safe and hygienic fitness practices for all clients in all settings

Outline:

Group Fitness Professional - Basic Vocational Specialist

• Course List:
HWM 100: Introduction to Health and Wellness (1 credit) HWM 132: Foundations of Exercise Science (2 credits) HWM 134: Group Fitness Instruction (3 credits)

Personal Training - Basic Vocational Specialist

• Course List:
HWM 100: Introduction to Health and Wellness (1 credit) HWM 132: Foundations of Exercise Science (2 credits) HWM 147: Personal Training I (3 credits) HWM 148: Personal Training II (5 credits) Individual Module Descriptions:
• HWM 100: Introduction to Health and Wellness:
Provides an overview of the fitness industry, certification processes, and current trends.
• HWM 132: Foundations of Exercise Science:
Covers anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and training principles for fitness professionals.
• HWM 134: Group Fitness Instruction:
Prepares students to become Group Fitness Instructors (GFIs), including class design, teaching strategies, motivation techniques, and legal responsibilities.
• HWM 147: Personal Training I:
Focuses on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Personal Trainer certification, covering areas such as fitness testing, exercise prescription, and lifestyle factors.
• HWM 148: Personal Training II:

Careers:

Opportunities and Outcomes:

Graduates of the Health and Wellness Management program are prepared for careers in the fitness industry, including:

• Personal Trainer
• Group Fitness Instructor
• Health and Wellness Consultant
• Fitness Specialist
• The program also prepares students to pursue advanced education in related fields such as Exercise Science or Physical Therapy.