Health and Fitness Science A.A.S.

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.

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.

Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities in commercial fitness clubs, YMCA’s/YWCA’s, wellness programs in business and industry, Parks & Recreation Departments, and other organizations implementing exercise & fitness programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), there are currently 267,000 jobs in the field with an average of 33,500 being added over the next few years. For more information, contact Rhonda Davidson at (828) 398-7843 or rhondaldavidson@abtech.edu

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a minimum grade of "C": ACA, BIO, HEA, and HFS

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACA-115		1
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals. View course details for Success & Study Skills ‌‌
ENG-111		3
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition. View course details for Writing and Inquiry ‌‌
HFS-110		4
This course is a survey of scientific principles, methodologies, and research as applied to exercise and physical adaptations to exercise. Topics include the basic elements of kinesiology, biomechanics, and motor learning. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and describe physiological responses and adaptations to exercise. View course details for Exercise Science ‌‌
HFS-116		3
This course provides information about the care and prevention of exercise injuries. Topics include proper procedures, prevention techniques, and on-site care of injuries. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and care for exercise-related injuries. View course details for Pvnt & Care Exer Injuries ‌‌
MAT-143		3
This course is designed to engage students in complex and realistic situations involving the mathematical phenomena of quantity, change and relationship, and uncertainty through a project and activity-based assessment. Emphasis is placed on authentic contexts which will introduce the concepts of numeracy, proportional reasoning, dimensional analysis, rates of growth, personal finance, consumer statistics, practical probabilities, and mathematics for citizenship. View course details for Quantitative Literacy ‌‌
PED-110		2
This course is designed to investigate and apply the basic concepts and principles of lifetime physical fitness and other health-related factors. Emphasis is placed on wellness through the study of nutrition, weight control, stress management, and consumer facts on exercise and fitness. Upon completion, students should be able to plan a personal, lifelong fitness program based on individual needs, abilities, and interests. This course has been approved for the transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Fit and Well for Life ‌‌

Take one PED elective: PED-117, PED-118, PED-119, PED-120, PED-122, or PED-217.

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
BIO-155		3
This course covers the biochemistry of foods and nutrients with consideration of the physiological effects of specialized diets for specific biological needs. Topics include cultural, religious, and economic factors that influence a person’s acceptance of food, as well as nutrient requirements of the various life stages. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the functions and sources of nutrients, the mechanisms of digestion, and the nutritional requirements of all age groups. View course details for Nutrition ‌‌
BIO-168		4
This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement for transferability as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Anatomy and Physiology I ‌‌
COM-231		3
This course provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is placed on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in a group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Communication. View course details for Public Speaking ‌‌
HFS-111		4
This course introduces the student to graded exercise testing. Topics include various exercise testing protocols with methods for prescribing exercise programs based on exercise tolerance tests and the use of various equipment and protocols. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct specific exercise tests and the use of various equipment. View course details for Fitness & Exer Testing I ‌‌

One Humanities course required. See advisor allowed courses.

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
PSY-150		3
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for General Psychology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
BIO-169		4
This course provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Anatomy and Physiology II ‌‌
BUS-137		3
This course is designed to be an overview of the major functions of management. Emphasis is placed on planning, organizing, controlling, directing, and communicating. Upon completion, students should be able to work as contributing members of a team utilizing these functions of management. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Principles of Management ‌‌
HEA-112		2
This course introduces the basics of emergency first aid treatment. Topics include rescue breathing, CPR, first aid for choking and bleeding, and other first-aid procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills in providing emergency care for the sick and injured until medical help can be obtained. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for First Aid and CPR ‌‌
HFS-120		3
This course introduces the concepts and guidelines of instructing exercise classes. Topics include program designs, working with special populations, and principles of teaching and monitoring physical activity. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic skills in instructing an exercise class and monitoring workout intensity. View course details for Group Exer Instruction ‌‌
HFS-218		4
This course introduces health risk appraisals and their application to lifestyle changes. Topics include nutrition, weight control, stress management, and the principles of exercise. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct health risk appraisals and apply behavior modification techniques in a fitness setting. View course details for Lifestyle Chng & Wellness ‌‌

Take one PED elective: PED-117, PED-118, PED-119, PED-120, PED-122, or PED-217.

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
HFS-114		4
This course provides information about related components of fitness and general information about the industry. Topics include the study of the components of fitness, theories of exercise and fitness, and information about the industry. Upon completion, students should be able to identify fitness components and demonstrate these in an exercise setting. View course details for Phys Fit Theory & Instr ‌‌
HFS-118		4
This course provides information about the management and operation of health and fitness facilities and programs. Topics include human resources, sales and marketing, member retention, financial management, facility design and maintenance, and risk management. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a fitness facility. View course details for Fitness Facility Management ‌‌
HFS-210		3
This course introduces the student to the aspects of personal (one-on-one) training. Topics include training systems, marketing, and program development. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate personal training techniques and competencies of the same. View course details for Personal Training ‌‌
HFS-212		3
This course provides information about organizing, scheduling, and implementation of physical fitness programs. Topics include programming for various age groups, competitive activities, and special events, and evaluating programs. Upon completion, students should be able to organize and implement exercise activities in a competent manner. View course details for Exercise Programming ‌‌
WBL-111		1
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies. View course details for Work-Based Learning I ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

MAT courses higher than MAT-143 may be accepted in place of MAT-143.

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Note: Graduates of the Health and Fitness Science program will be required to sit for the American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Certification Exam before graduation. Graduates may also be eligible to sit for a variety of other examinations that pertain to the health and fitness industry.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.