Northland Pioneer College’s Physical Health & Performance program is designed to:
- Provide students with a better understanding of sports medicine and personal training and rehabilitation;
- Prepare students for a career as a physical therapy, occupational therapy, or chiropractor aide; and
- Prepare students to transfer for advanced education as a healthcare professional
The Physical Health & Performance program prepares students for employment in the area of health and fitness. This program also provides students with opportunities for continuing education and professional growth. Students wishing to transfer to four-year institutions will have the academic foundation applicable to various career fields across the healthcare industry.
The Personal Training and Rehabilitation Certificate of Proficiency (CP) prepares students for the Certified Personal Trainer exam. Both the Sports Medicine and the Personal Training and Rehabilitation CPs prepare students to work as an aide for a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or chiropractor. Courses in the Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Physical Health & Performance are designed for university transfer as a first step toward several different medical programs including bachelor’s degrees in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-physical therapy, pre-pharmacy and more.
For more information, please contact an NPC Academic Advisor. Also see the current NPC College Catalog and class schedule.
Program Locations
The Painted Desert, Holbrook campus offers courses and instruction for NPC's Personal Training and Rehabilitation Certificate of Proficiency (CP) program. Studies supporting NPC's Sports Medicine (CP) are provided online. The Certificate of Applied Science and Associate of Applied Science programs are offered through NPC's Holbrook, Hopi, Show Low, Whiteriver, and Winslow locations.
Work Environment
Most physical therapist assistants and aides work in physical therapists' offices or in hospitals. They are frequently on their feet as they set up equipment and help care for patients.
Fitness trainers and instructors work in facilities such as recreation centers, health clubs, and yoga studios. Many work variable or part-time schedules that may include nights, weekends, or holidays.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 24 percent from 2021 to 2023, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 25,500 openings for physical therapist assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment for fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 19 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 65,500 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Locations
Contact Information
1611 S. Main St.
Snowflake,
AZ 85937
Northland Pioneer College
Northland Pioneer College
CONTACT AN NPC ADVISOR!
Receive in-person or virtual Academic Advising, register for classes, learn about how you can pay for college, and get the tools you need to become a successful student.
NPC Spotlights
