Is a Career in Exercise Science Right For You? Take The Free Quiz
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The Certified Fitness Trainer course is designed to equip graduates with the practical day-to-day skills necessary, as well as the theoretical knowledge needed to excel as a personal trainer serving the general public. Along with the necessary exercise science foundation, the course covers client assessment, program design, basic nutrition, and sports medicine along with business and marketing skills.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
This course covers the principles of general personal training including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, client assessment, exercise program design, general nutrition principles, motivation, special populations, and injury prevention.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR251 Certified Fitness Trainer - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR231 Certified Fitness Trainer - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
The Bodybuilding Specialist course provides graduates with the knowledge necessary to work with bodybuilders, figure competitors, and other individuals looking to achieve maximal muscle hypertrophy while minimizing body fat. Graduates develop the skill set to implement training, recovery, motivational, and nutritional strategies to elicit maximal muscle growth and optimize physical appearance.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
This course covers training, recovery, motivation, and nutritional strategies to prepare the personal trainer to work with bodybuilders. Upon successful completion of the certification examination (included in the course), students will earn professional certification through ISSA.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR260 Bodybuilding Specialist - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR260 Bodybuilding Specialist - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
This course provides graduates with the knowledge necessary to work with individuals who have acute and chronic movement dysfunctions. Graduates develop the skill set to identify the complex factors associated with poor movement patterns that to lead to injury and suboptimal human performance; and in turn correct them with the latest evidence based interventions to restore performance, improve performance, and reduce injury risk.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
This course covers the skills necessary to use evidence based corrective exercise interventions to restore physical performance, improve physical performance, and reduce injury risk for those with movement dysfunctions. Students learn to identify the complex factors associated with poor movement patterns and correct them with the simplest methods possible.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR258 Corrective Exercise Specialist - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR258 Corrective Exercise Specialist - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
This course provides graduates with the knowledge necessary to work with clients that need supervised exercise therapy programs specifically designed around chronic conditions. Graduates develop skills necessary to design exercise programs for individuals suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, cardiovascular conditions, orthopedic conditions, asthma, diabetes, cancer, and muscular dystrophy.
Pre-requisite: Certified Fitness Trainer.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
This course covers the principles of general personal training including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, client assessment, exercise program design, general nutrition principles, motivation, special populations, and injury prevention. Upon successful completion of the certification examination (included in the course), students will earn professional certification through ISSA LLC.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR253 Specialist in Exercise Therapy - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR253 Specialist in Exercise Therapy - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
The Specialist in Fitness Nutrition course blends nutritional science and practice in order to allow course graduates to successfully guide clients toward a better body through proper nutrition. In addition to the fundamentals of nutritional science, the curriculum includes a comprehensive approach to establishing a nutritional practice that includes how to prepare, collect and evaluate preliminary information, offer nutrition and supplement suggestions, set goals, monitor outcomes, make adjustments, and provide continuing ongoing support, all within the professional’s defined scope of practice.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
This course covers the principles of general personal training including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, client assessment, exercise program design, general nutrition principles, motivation, special populations, and injury prevention.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR259 Specialist in Fitness Nutrition - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR259 Specialist in Fitness Nutrition - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
This course provides graduates with the knowledge necessary to design and implement strength training classes for groups. Graduates develop skills necessary to design strength training classes for multiple participants and acquire knowledge surrounding programming, assessment, safety, exercises and equipment, class formats, performance nutrition, and marketing for groups classes.
Pre-requisite: Certified Fitness Trainer.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
Specialist in Group Fitness shows you how to use your knowledge and experience as an ISSA certified fitness trainer to design and lead safe and effective group training sessions. The course begins with the scientific foundations for group training design, including training-essential anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, as well as how training elicits various physical adaptations. Material then advances to the practical application of these concepts as they apply to group training program design and implementation. Advanced concepts include programming, assessment, safety, exercises and equipment, class formats, performance nutrition, and marketing your classes.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR257 Specialist in Group Fitness - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR257 Specialist in Group Fitness - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
Graduates of the Specialist in Senior Fitness course gain the skills and knowledge necessary to plan and implement fitness programs for seniors. Graduates acquire knowledge surrounding aging and exercise, exercise programming for older adults, strength and flexibility, motivation, and exercise considerations for chronic conditions common to the geriatric population.
Pre-requisite: Certified Fitness Trainer.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
Examines exercise programming for senior clients including topics on aging and exercise, chronic conditions for older adults, proper assessment, strength, flexibility, contraindicated exercises, and motivation.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR257 Specialist in Senior Fitness - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR257 Specialist in Senior Fitness - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
This course is designed to prepare graduates to develop training programs that allow athletes to expand the capacity of their bodies to perform the most difficult athletic feats while remaining strong and free from injury. Along with the scientific foundations of strength conditioning, graduates learn the principles of athletic assessment, programming for specific sports, seasonal periodization, athletic nutrition, and sports psychology.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
Covers all topics related to programming and motivation for athletes including anatomy, physiology, assessment, flexibility, strength, programming for specific sports, athletic nutrition, sports psychology, and injury.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR255 Specialist in Strength and Conditioning - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR255 Specialist in Strength and Conditioning - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
This course provides graduates with the knowledge necessary to help clients of all skill levels establish sustained positive health patterns. Graduates develop the skill set to implement motivational, commitment, and experience sampling strategies to influence behavioral patterns as they relate to physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Pre-requisite: Certified Fitness Trainer.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
This course integrates the theory of behavioral change with practical strategies for influencing behavioral patterns as they relate to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Students learn the skills needed to effect a qualitative shift in client behavior. Topics covered include the stages of behavioral change, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, commitment strategies, flow, and the experience sampling method.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR261 Transformation Specialist - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR261 Transformation Specialist - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
This course provides graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to work with youth in a training capacity. Along with basic pediatric and adolescent exercise science, graduates learn the specific training principles and restrictions appropriate for kids and teens, as well as how to design safe and comprehensive fitness programs for young people.
Co-requisite: Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid.
Discusses growth and development, metabolism, physiology, body composition, training, endurance, flexibility, strength, plyometrics, program structure, sports psychology, nutrition, and injury as each relates to children and teens.
Choose ONE of the following methods of study:
PTR254 Youth Fitness Trainer - Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
PTR254 Youth Fitness Trainer - Independent Study Requirements are completed as a guided online course.
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn a certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
The Elite Trainer course is designed to fully equip graduates with a comprehensive foundation of both the science and practice of personal training, fitness nutrition, and fitness programing for special populations. The curriculum prepares graduates to properly assess, train, and motivate the general population, clients needing fitness nutrition coaching, and special populations.
Required
Choose Two
Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
Independent Study: Requirements are completed as guided online courses.
Required
Choose Two
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199 per certification course
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 per course, paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
The Master Trainer course is designed to fully equip graduates with a comprehensive foundation of both the science and practice of personal training, fitness nutrition, and fitness programing for special populations. The curriculum prepares graduates to properly assess, train, and motivate the general population, clients needing fitness nutrition coaching, and special populations.
Required
Choose Five
Professor-led: Requirements are completed as professor-led undergraduate distance education courses. Courses are structured for optimal transferability with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, instructor interaction, and online classroom discussion.
Independent Study: Requirements are completed as guided online courses.
Required
Choose Five
$333 per credit
Certification Fee: $199 per certification course
Technology Fee: $25 per quarter
Proctor Fee: $22.50 per course, paid to ProctorU, if services used
Books: $0
Upon successful completion of the course† and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, students will earn certification from ISSA. ISSA certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA terms. Please note that the title of the credential on the certification will reflect what ISSA has determined to be the most accepted and marketable within the industry at the time of issuance and may differ slightly from the academic course title. †Minimum total course score of 75% required in each course to qualify.
Lionel University has been a life-changing experience. I recommend it to all my co-workers, friends, and family members who have a passion for fitness and want to continue their educational journey.
I currently serve on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. I originally began my journey with Lionel U pursuing the Master Trainer certificate. Upon completion, I decided to continue my education and earned my associates in exercise science through Lionel University. Now I instruct at the Force Fitness Readiness Center where we train new Force Fitness Instructors for the Marine Corps. I couldn’t have done it without Lionel University.
My experience with Lionel University has been life changing in the best way. Not only have I learned so many new skills, but my resume is quite long due to all of the Special Certifications I have received. I was recently contacted by another “women-only” trainer with her own business who was looking to expand. She almost immediately offered me a job as her first hire, almost sight-unseen! Now, I work at two gyms and can offer training to different types of populations. I have no doubt my educational qualifications had something to do with the ease of which I have been able to stay successful in this rapidly emerging profession.
The education and experience at Lionel University has been absolutely amazing. I am proud to have earned my Associate degree and Master Trainer certificate and am excited to continue in the Bachelor's degree program. I can't wait to apply what I have learned to help my clients to lead active, healthy and rewarding lives.
Lionel University helped me add tools to my toolbox. I now have the knowledge and education to succeed and can implement my training in my client sessions. It is amazing to see how my clients have benefited from my education.
When I started at Lionel University I thought I was going to just get my personal training certification. The courses opened my eyes and showed me how much the field of exercise science has to offer and how much more there was for me to learn. As I continue through the curriculum I find myself get equipped with the tools I need to make me successful in this field.
A week after graduation I was hired at a gym. I attribute this to the knowledgeable staff and outstanding curriculum at Lionel University. While attending classes I got the support I needed from counselors and teachers and I’ve now earned multiple certifications as well as the Master Trainer Certificate and an Associate’s degree. The education I received gave me the ability to formulate programs that produce positive changes in a wide variety of clients lives through fitness.
My experience with Lionel University has been amazing. This journey has helped to build my brand more and more. Overall this is the best place to get the knowledge and help you need to get to the next level of training.
I'm so grateful to Lionel U for my Associate Degree in Exercise Science. I am the Gym Manager, Strength & Conditioning Coach and CrossFit Instructor at Derby City MMA & Derby City Barbell in Louisville, Kentucky. I transitioned very easily into the coaching role because Lionel U prepared me so well. I used to dread getting up and going to my boring office job which I did for 19 years, now I wake up and can't wait to get to the gym. It's not like a job, it’s fun and I love it. Thank you Lionel University for helping me turn my professional career into something I love.
Lionel University gave me the practical knowledge I need both inside and outside of the gym. My education gave me the ability to earn my college degree, obtain multiple fitness certifications, and work in the industry all at the same time! Lionel University is the place to be for any future fitness professional.
I am beyond thrilled to have been awarded the Fredrick C. Hatfield Scholarship! Being a fitness model/influencer, I have made it my goal to spread my passion for fitness with others in hopes that it can help the lives of many in the ways that it did mine. Living with Anxiety was a constant battle growing up until I made the choice to start going to the gym. In no time, the gym became my therapy. I have improved both mentally and physically in ways that I never thought possible. I am determined to use my past experiences as well as my new-found education as a guide to helping those who have the drive to improve their overall wellbeing.
There is absolutely no commitment and no credit card required. The application is designed as an investment in you—to help you name what you truly want, evaluate all that you juggle, and design your future. Stop and start the application as needed. Your work is saved as you go.
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