Program Overview

Performing Arts Health & Fitness Certificate

Program Overview

The Performing Arts Health and Fitness Program prepares students to be leaders in performing arts health and fitness, whether they are performing artists, performing arts educators, exercise physiologists, certified personal trainers, certified strength and conditioning coaches, massage therapists, or other fitness professionals.

Career and Salary Possibilities

Fitness instructors, exercise physiologists, and massage therapists have mean salaries ranging from $39,820 to $49,270 per year. PAHF training adds to the skill set of these professionals. The fitness industry has a projected 13% growth rate. Performing artists need health and fitness conditioning like their athlete counterparts.

Graduates will work in secondary and higher education, dance studios, sports performance centers, massage practices, and fitness studios. It is projected that 90-100% of alumni will add their PAHF training to their current employment settings as a specialization.

Skills Learned

• Kinesiology of dance, music theater, and instrument playing
• Nutritional needs of the performing artist
• Strength and conditioning needs for various genres of dance, musical instruments, and music theater performers
• Mind and body techniques for mental wellness and fitness for performing artists
• Use of current research and best practices for promoting health and fitness in performing artists
• Implementation of health and fitness training programs for performing artists

Program Structure

This 15-credit graduate certificate program is delivered in a hybrid format, featuring online programming across two years with two total on-campus live seminars on the Winchester campus.

Course Requirements

• Year 1 – Summer Semester
  • PAHF 700 Musculoskeletal Terminology for Performing Artists (1 credit)
• Year 1 – Fall Semester
  • PAHF 702 Anatomy & Kinesiology of Performing Artists (3 credits)
  • PAHF 703 Nutrition for Performing Artists (3 credits)
• Year 1 – Spring Semester
  • PAHF 705 Health and Fitness for Performing Artists (3 credits)
• Year 2 – Summer Semester
  • PAHF 706 Research Seminar (2 credits)
• Year 2 – Fall Semester
  • PAHF 708 Internship (2 credits)
• Year 2 – Spring Semester
  • PAHF 709 Capstone (1 credit)

Meet the Faculty

Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom, preparing students to serve as compassionate athletic trainers, critical thinkers, and ethical leaders. Small class sizes enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture academic and professional development.

Application Information

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in dance, dance education, musical theater, dance science, exercise science, kinesiology, music therapy, music (education or performance), health science, dance movement therapy, or a related degree approved by the program director. Required prerequisite courses include Anatomy I (4 credits) and Biomechanics, kinesiology, or exercise physiology (3 credits). Course substitution can be approved by the program director. The following credentials may be submitted in substitution of required prerequisite courses: Certified professional trainer (CPT), Licensed Massage Therapist, or NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS).