College Expands Certificate Programs in Health and Fitness

These online certificate programs provide continuing professional education for current fitness/health/medical professionals as well as for the development and education of students seeking careers in the emerging fitness and health industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, fitness trainer was listed among the fastest growing occupations, expected to grow 44 percent through 2012. Earning a Professional Certificate can provide a significant competitive edge in a field that continues to experience explosive growth.

To earn a certificate, students study online with the support of mentors who are experts in the specific health and fitness area of the course. Students have up to two years to complete certificate requirements, but can accelerate to completion within three to five months depending upon their time commitment and personal goals. The online format is convenient and intuitive and requires no previous experience with online learning. Busy adults nationwide have discovered that the convenience of online learning helps them achieve their goals, despite work and family time commitments.

Many national health-related credentialing agencies have reviewed and supported specific programs including the American Council on Exercise® (ACE), which offers graduates a discount on the ACE Certified Personal Trainer® Certification Exam (an NCCA accredited examination) and on study materials; the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association (ADA); and IDEA Health & Fitness Association and Health Club Managers, Inc. The Women’s Exercise Training and Wellness Certificate is offered in partnership with the Women’s Health Foundation and Healthy Moms® Fitness.

Details on all programs and course descriptions, fees, mentors, credentialing partners, and registration procedures are on the College’s Web site at www.tesc.edu/spcs under the Fitness, Health and Wellness section. Students may also email the School at spcs@tesc.edu with specific questions.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING STUDIES
The School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Thomas Edison State College offers a broad array of high-quality professional certificates, seminars, workshops and other noncredit programs specifically designed for the working adult to develop and enhance knowledge, skills and competencies in the workplace. In addition to programs available for individual enrollment, the School works with corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations to develop customized professional development programs. Further information about the School of Professional and Continuing Studies may be obtained via e-mail at spcs@tesc.edu or by visiting the College Web site at www.tesc.edu/spcs.

ABOUT THOMAS EDISON STATE COLLEGE
Thomas Edison State College provides flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults. One of New Jersey’s 12 senior public institutions of higher education, the College offers associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees in more than 100 areas of study. Students earn degrees through a wide variety of rigorous and high-quality academic methods that can be customized to meet their individual needs. Identified by Forbes magazine as one of the top 20 colleges and universities in the nation in the use of technology to create learning opportunities for adults, Thomas Edison State College is a national leader in the assessment of adult learning and a pioneer in the use of educational technologies. The College is home to The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy. The New Jersey State Library is an affiliate of Thomas Edison State College. Further information about admission to the College may be obtained by calling (888) 442-8372, via e-mail at info@tesc.edu or by visiting the College Web site at www.tesc.edu.