Kinesiology Certifications

Personal Fitness Trainer

The MiraCosta College Personal Fitness Trainer Program is working with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) to prepare students to take the NASM-Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) national certification.  Upon completion of the PFTP Certificate of Competence, students will be eligible to take the NASM -CPT examination. The usual fee for the examination is $500, but MiraCosta College students will be eligible for a reduced fee of $399. 

The course work for the certificate will also prepare students to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CPT), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CPT) national certifications.  MiraCosta’s Personal Fitness Trainingprogram will also be working with many local fitness facilities to help students take advantage of top employment opportunities upon successful completion of the certificate.

Courses required for the new Certificate of Achievement: (19.5-21 units)

  • KINE 190 Introduction to Kinesiology
  • KINE 204 Techniques & Analysis of Fitness and Weight Training
  • KINE 210 Exercise Prescriptions for Special Populations
  • KINE 203 Introduction to Athletic Training
  • HEAL 100 Nutrition Today 
  • HEAL 101 Principles in Health
  • NURS 151 Body Systems Survey for Health Professionals
  • KINE 292 Internship

Download Program Flyer (PDF)

Yoga Certification

The Yoga Instructor Certificate of Achievement is designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled Yoga Instructors as well as for those wishing to deepen their personal Yoga practice. The required courses meet the licensure requirements for the Allied Yoga Registry, which enables the student to become nationally licensed. This program is comprehensive and wisdom based, using history, anatomy, physiology, philosophy, and English and Sanskrit terminology. It is developed to give the student a broad as well as defined background and practical experience. Immersion into this Yoga Certification program allows the student to set intentions, learn proper alignment, and gain knowledge from the old masters as well as the new Yoga Instructors. Graduates can expect employment in health clubs, spas, Yoga studios, hospitals, the health industry as well as opening one's own Yoga Studio.  

Courses required for Certificate of Achievement: (14 units)

  • KINE 145 - Yoga Essentials (3.0 units)
  • KINE 147 - Yoga Core (3.0 units)
  • KINE 149 - Yoga Mastery (3.0 units)
  • KINE 152 - Yoga (1.0 unit)
  • BIO 190 - Survey of Human Musculoskeletal System (1.0 units)
  • BUS 130 - Small Business Management (3.0 units)

Massage Therapy - 250 Hours

This certificate program satisfies State requirements to be certified as a Massage Practitioner by requiring 250 hours of instruction, including anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health and hygiene, and business ethics, with at least 100 hours devoted to these curricular areas. To apply for State certification, applicants must be 18 years old and have completed the entire theoretical background and practical experience to work in the industry. Graduates of the program can expect employment in physician offices, spas, and the salon industry.

Courses required for Certificate of Achievement: (12 units)

  • HEAL 110 - Therapeutic Massage I (3.0 units)
  • HEAL 210 - Therapeutic Massage II (3.0 units)
  • HEAL 215 - Massage Clinical Practicum (2.0 units)
  • BIO 190 - Survey of Human Musculoskeletal system (1 unit)
  • NURS 151 - Body Systems Survey for Health Professionals (3 units)

Download Program Flyer (PDF)

Massage Therapy - 500 Hours

This certificiate program satisfies State requirements to be certified as a Massage Therapist by building upon the Massage Practitioner (250 Hours) Certificate (see above) and requiring 500 hours of instruction.

Courses required for Certificate of Achievement: (24 units)

  • HEAL 110 - Therapeutic Massage I (3.0 units)
  • HEAL 210 - Therapeutic Massage II (3.0 units)
  • HEAL 215 - Massage Clinical Practicum (2.0 units)
  • BIO 190 - Survey of Human Musculoskeletal system (1 unit)
  • NURS 151 - Body Systems Survey for Health Professionals (3 units)
  • HEAL 218 - Chair Massage (1 unit)
  • HEAL 220 - Sports Massage (2 units)
  • HEAL 222 - Stress Management (2 units)
  • HEAL 101 - Principles of Health (3 units)
  • BIO 210 - Human Anatomy (4 units)

Students may also earn a Massage Therapist Associate in Science Degree. Students should refer to the current college catalog and/or meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.

Download Program Flyer (PDF)

GO HOME