Program Overview

Fitness and Wellness Specialist

Program Overview

Madison College's Fitness and Wellness Specialist Technical Diploma assists students in learning basic nutrition principles, anatomy and physiology for exercise, body structure, and function to help build a foundation for Nationally recognized certification programs through American Council on Exercise and Precision Nutrition. Content from this program also covers career exploration, First Aid/AED training needed for certification exams, practical experience, and networking.

Certification prep courses cover personal training, health coaching, and group fitness. With this degree, you will also have the opportunity to gain your Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coaching certification. The program faculty facilitate professional networking and community engagement to get you in the industry and employed in record time.

In your final semester, you will work with clients alongside faculty to gain industry-specific experience. You will also learn the technology trends used to enhance coaching such as online training, podcasting, social media marketing, sponsorships, selling principles, and business communication.

Program Details

• Program Number:
• Your Degree: Technical Diploma
• Area of Study: Culinary, Hospitality and Fitness
• Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person
• Estimated Time to Complete: 24 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 year
• Financial Aid Available: Yes

Tuition and Fees

• Estimated Program Cost: $4,924.42
• View Tuition and Fees: Tuition and Fees

Admission

To Apply

• Application Dates:
  • Summer 2025: Application open, Application completion deadline is July 15, 2025
  • Fall 2025: Application open, Application completion deadline is November 15, 2025
  • Spring 2026: Application open, Application completion deadline is April 15, 2026
• Admission Requirements:
  1. Admission Application: The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
  2. Education Completion: Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
  • High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
  • GED/HSED completion
  • College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
    • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
    • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
      • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
      • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
      • Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript

Curriculum and Experience

First Semester

• Introduction to Fitness, Recreation, and Wellness: 3 credits
• Group Fitness & Small Group Coaching: 3 credits
• Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals: 3 credits
• Precision Nutrition Coaching: 3 credits

Second Semester

• Health & Wellness Coaching: 3 credits
• Personal Training: 3 credits
• Fitness, Recreation, & Wellness Practical Lab: 3 credits
• Social Media Marketing: 3 credits

Career Outcomes

After completing the Fitness and Wellness Specialist program at Madison College, you will be able to:

• Relate foundations of physical fitness, health and wellness to the stages of the human lifespan.
• Facilitate physical activity to meet the needs of a variety of populations.
• Adhere to safety rules and regulations governing the fitness industry.
• Integrate leadership techniques to enhance fitness experiences for individuals and groups.
• Align fitness business procedures to management, marketing, and finance goals.

Graduate Summary

• Number of Program Graduates: 12 (2022), 6 (2023), 7 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Sent: 11 (2022), 6 (2023), 7 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Returned: 10 (2022), 5 (2023), 6 (2024)
• Percent of Surveys Returned: 90.9% (2022), 83.3% (2023), 85.7% (2024)
• Available for Employment: 8 (2022), 4 (2023), 3 (2024)
• Percent Available for Employment: 80.0% (2022), 80.0% (2023), 50.0% (2024)
• Not in Labor Market: 2 (2022), 1 (2023), 3 (2024)
• Percent Not in Labor Market: 20.0% (2022), 20.0% (2023), 50.0% (2024)

Graduate Employers

• A Better Body: Licensed Massage Therapist

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