The Health and Fitness Science program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the fitness and exercise industry.
Fitness professionals develop and implement fitness programs for individuals to help enhance fitness and modify risk factors for disease to improve health.
Students will be trained in exercise science and be able to administer basic fitness tests and health risk appraisals, teach specific exercise and fitness classes, and provide instruction in the proper use of exercise equipment and facilities.
Students will develop exercise programs for individuals, work with individuals on goal setting, develop motivational skills, and learn therapeutic taping and bracing for exercise-related injuries.
A-B Tech’s Health and Fitness Science Associate Degree program has an articulation agreement with Appalachian State University for students to transfer into the Exercise Science Bachelor Degree program.
Programs
| Title | Credential | Credit Hours | Link to program details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Fitness Science A.A.S. | Degree | 69 | |
Career Opportunities
Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities in commercial fitness clubs, YMCAs/YWCAs, wellness programs in business and industry, Parks & Recreation Departments, and other organizations implementing exercise and fitness programs. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer exam.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016), there are currently 299,200 jobs in the field with an average of 10 percent growth in job outlook. Specific job types include personal/fitness trainer, fitness club manager, recreation worker, wellness coach, corporate wellness, and exercise instructor.
Good to know
Rhonda Davidson
Chair, Health & Physical Education
- Phone: (828) 398-7843
- Email: rhondaldavidson@abtech.edu
Full-Time Instructors
Rhonda Davidson
Chair, Health & Physical Education
- Phone: (828) 398-7843
- Email: rhondaldavidson@abtech.edu
Marisa Romeo
9-month Instructor, Health and Physical Education
- Phone: (828) 398-7377
- Email: marisaromeo@abtech.edu
Adjunct Instructors
Kim Andersen
- Email: kimberlymandersen@abtech.edu
John Baldwin
- Email: johnrbaldwin@abtech.edu
Adam Bonsignori
- Email: adamdbonsignori@abtech.edu
Cheryl Coulson
Instructor, Physical Education
- Email: cheryllcoulson@abtech.edu
Alicia Hedges
- Email: aliciafhedges@abtech.edu
Anna Szymanski
- Email: annafszymanski@abtech.edu
- Patrons must sign in and out.
- Patrons must present an A-B Tech ID to participate.
- Appropriate athletic apparel must be worn. A shirt and closed-toe athletic shoes are required.
No Street Clothes (i.e. sandals, open-toe shoes, hard-soled shoes, cargo pants/shorts, dress slacks, khaki pants/shorts, or jeans). Anything that compromises the safety and professionalism of the weight and fitness rooms is prohibited. - The College is not responsible for any personal belongings. Lockers are available for use (individuals must provide their own lock and notify staff of locker number) or you may place items on the bleachers.
- No visitors are allowed in the fitness areas.
- No food, or drink other than plain water is allowed. If you wish to carry water with you, it must be in a plastic container with a lid/cap.
- Observe proper personal hygiene by showering regularly, wearing clean clothing, and using deodorant. Showers are available in the locker rooms (individuals must provide their own towels and toiletries)
- Return all equipment to its original location when you are finished. This includes body bars, weights, dumbbells, stability balls, jump ropes, bands/chords, steps/risers, and medicine balls.
- Do not drop weights on the floor or allow weights to slam against the machine.
- Wipe equipment with sanitizer when you are finished.
- Patrons should use extreme caution in lifting weights to avoid potential injuries to themselves or others. Do not attempt to use equipment if unfamiliar with the proper use. Please ask the Gym Assistant for assistance.
- In the event of an injury or accident, please notify the Gym Assistant or HPE faculty immediately.
- All equipment must be used in the manner for which it was designed. Do not attempt to modify the equipment.
- No outside personal training is permitted in the facility.
- Please direct all questions, concerns, and maintenance needs to the HPE Faculty and/or Gym Assistant on duty.
- Profanity, excessively loud, suggestive, or derogatory language will not be tolerated. This includes music selection.
- Please allow other patrons to “work-in” during rest periods on weight machines. Limit time to 40 minutes if there is a line for cardio machines.
The policies of the A-B Tech weight and cardio rooms have been developed to keep the facility and equipment in good condition and to assure your safety while using the facilities. If you have any questions or need assistance, please go to the A-B Tech Gym Assistant or the HPE Faculty (Coman 105 and 106).
Use of the A-B Tech fitness facilities is a privilege. Failure to comply with policies and directions of the staff governing participation, equipment, and/or conduct may result in suspension from the A-B Tech fitness facilities and/or its programs.
- Patrons must sign in and out.
- Patrons must present an A-B Tech ID to participate.
- Open basketball is only available during designated times.
- Appropriate athletic apparel must be worn. A shirt and closed-toe shoes are required.
No Street Clothes (i.e. sandals, open-toe shoes, hard-soled shoes, cargo pants/shorts, dress slacks, khaki pants/shorts, or jeans). Anything that compromises the safety and professionalism of the weight, fitness, and gym areas is prohibited. - Non-marking athletic shoes only.
- Hanging on rims is not permitted.
- Students may bring their own basketball or they may check one out during open hours (limited supply).
- The College is not responsible for any personal belongings. Lockers are available for use (students must provide their own lock and notify staff of locker number) or you may place items on the bleachers.
- No visitors are allowed in the fitness areas.
- No food, or drink other than plain water is allowed. If you wish to carry water with you, it must be in a plastic container with a lid/cap.
- Observe proper personal hygiene by showering regularly, wearing clean clothing, and using deodorant. Showers are available in the locker rooms (students must provide their own towels and toiletries)
- In the event of an injury or accident, please notify the Gym Assistant or HPE faculty immediately.
- Please direct all questions, concerns, and maintenance needs to the HPE Faculty and/or Gym Assistant on duty.
- Profanity, excessively loud, or suggestive language will not be tolerated. This includes music selection.
The policies of the A-B Tech weight and cardio rooms have been developed to keep the facility and equipment in good condition and to assure your safety while using the facilities. If you have any questions or need assistance, please go to the A-B Tech Gym Assistant or the HPE Faculty (Coman 105 and 106).
Use of the A-B Tech fitness facilities is a privilege. Failure to comply with policies and directions of the staff governing participation, equipment and/or conduct may result in suspension from the A-B Tech fitness facilities and/or its programs.