Diploma in Fitness & Nutrition
- Students preparing to earn a diploma in fitness and nutrition will complete areas of study determined by their school of choice. Exact curriculum descriptions will vary, but students can expect to study human anatomy, kinesiology, group fitness leader training, First Aid, cardiovascular training, strength resistance training and chiropractic exercise rehabilitation in the realm of fitness.
The diploma’s nutrition component typically involves some study of organic and inorganic chemistry, physiology, statistics, biochemistry, food sources, food evaluation and the relationship of nutrition and health. - The Stratford Career Institute offers online career diplomas in fitness and nutrition following a six-module curriculum. Students learn at home at their own pace, using both online tools and hands-on materials delivered by the school. Completion time can vary between six months and two years.
The University of Central Missouri offers an undergraduate bachelor's degree in nutrition with a fitness component. The four-year program combines liberal arts education with technology and research to prepare students for earning a diploma in fitness and nutrition.
The Penn Foster Career School is another online institution offering career diplomas in fitness and nutrition. Students study a seven-section program at home, but have online and telephone access to instructors. Students work at their own pace, with completion times ranging from several months to two years.
Stratford Career Institute
8675 Darnley Rd
Mount Royal, Quebec, Canada H4T 1X2
1-800-254-4070
scitraining.com
University of Central Missouri
P.O. Box 800
Warrensburg, Missouri 64093
660-543-4290
ucmo.edu
Penn Foster Career School
925 Oak Street
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18515
1-800-275-4410
www.pennfoster.edu - Some schools, including the University of Central Missouri, require students to complete industry-related internships including up to 1,200 hours of supervised clinical experience. Internships may last between nine and 12 months.
Additionally, students may need to pass specific professional exams before using a fitness and nutrition diploma to work in the field. For example, students may need to pass the National Registration Examination before registering as a dietitian in some states. - The cost of a fitness and nutrition diploma varies, depending on the school of choice. The Stratford Career Institute career model is relatively inexpensive, costing between $689 and $989 in 2010. Penn Foster Career School career diplomas cost within a similar range: $689 in 2010.
Students earning a bachelor's degree in fitness and science will pay more. University of Central Missouri tuition cost roughly $7,100 per year in 2010 for in-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition, at $390.60 per credit hour compared with $195.30 per credit hour for in-state tuition, would cost roughly $13,044 in 2010. - Graduates of fitness and nutrition programs may work professionally as a recreation leader, personal trainer or fitness and nutrition consultant. Possible venues for employment include gyms, health clubs, resorts, hospitals and clinics.
