Personal Training

Personal Training
News: Our Personal Training Program is currently Ranked #1
Personal trainers design and deliver exercise programs for both individuals and small groups. Students in our Personal Training Program are trained to become evidence-based personal trainers. Students are taught by and mentored under our diverse faculty, including entrepreneurs, strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers, exercise physiologists, athletic trainers, and nutritionists (e.g. PN-1 and CISSN). They learn and use the principles of personal training, while using an individualized approach to assess, educate, motivate, and train clients in a variety of settings. With an understanding and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, sports nutrition, exercise and fitness assessment, proper exercise technique, and exercise leadership, students obtain the skills needed to be a successful personal trainer. They design safe, effective, and evidence-based exercise programs, while providing guidance to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the field of health and fitness and provides the necessary knowledge and skills needed to go on to earn a nationally accredited personal trainer certification. Please review the following:
Personal Training Program Course Sequence
Hear from our Personal Training Graduates
Questions?
Please contact Matthew Cain, PhD, RSCC - Mcain@sdccd.edu
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Students may also be interested in the following Programs:
Exercise & Nutritional Sciences Program
This program’s related interest areas:
The Personal Training program prepares its graduates for the following careers:
- Personal Trainer
- Fitness Specialist
- Group Exercise Instructor
Certificates & Degrees
Personal Training (Certificate of Achievement)
- Personal Training
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Personal Training program will be able to:
- Apply appropriate exercise science and kinesiology-related principles to design safe and effective exercise sessions.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills and teaching strategies when working one-on-one with clients.
- Instruct safe and effective exercise sessions for both individuals and small groups.
Personal Training Program | Total Program Units x Cost Per Unit | Estimated Costs (California Residents) |
---|---|---|
Personal Training Certification | 19-22 x $46 | 900 - 1,100 (with fees) |
Other fees (i.e. health fees, etc.) | ||
Please see Financial Aid for more information for exact Program cost | ||
Other costs to consider (not included) - transportation, textbooks, etc. |
Enrollment Fee
The current enrollment fee is $46.00 per unit. The enrollment fee is assessed on all students, including nonresidents.
Exemptions from the enrollment fee are available to students who qualify for one of the following:
- California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI)
- General Assistance Program
- Indentured apprentices are exempt from enrollment fee for Apprenticeship Program classes only
- Special admission concurrently enrolled high school students
Additional Financial Aid may be available to students who qualify for assistance.
See Financial Aid for more information.
NONRESIDENT TUITION
As of Fall 2020, the nonresident tuition fee is $290 per unit. This fee is in addition to the enrollment and health fees, for students who are not residents of California for tuition purposes.
Residents of California are entitled to attend a community college by paying the community college enrollment fee. For complete details, go to Tuition & Fees and also refer to the Class Schedule.
Nonresidents must pay the enrollment fee plus nonresident tuition. For complete details, go to Tuition & Fees and also refer to the Class Schedule.
Get in touch
Meet Your Personal Training Program Professors
Matthew Cain, PhD, RSCC, PN1 - Mcain@sdccd.edu
Professional Appointments
- Professor of Exercise Science at San Diego Miramar College.
- Director of Strength & Conditioning at San Diego Miramar College.
- Director of Personal Training & Yoga Programs at San Diego Miramar College.
- Advisor of Human Movement Club at San Diego Miramar College.
- Adjunct Faculty at California Baptist University (Exercise Science Master Program).
- Founder and CEO of Health and Human Movement Inc.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science – Health and Human Performance (Concordia University Chicago). Dissertation – Various Forms of Resistance to Potentiate Vertical Jump Performance and Determination of Potentiation Duration.
- Master of Science in Kinesiology - Exercise Science (California Baptist University).
- Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology (CSU, Dominguez Hills).
Professional Services
Expert Contributor, Consultant, Presenter, Writer & Author.
Published
- NSCA Strength & Conditioning Journal.
- International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
- Journal of Canadian Chiropractic Association.
- American Council on Exercise Insights & Healthy Living.
Certifications
- Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach (RSCC).
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
- Precision Nutrition Level I (PNI).
Men’s Basketball - Team Captain & Point Guard
- CSU, Dominguez Hills (2011 - 2013). Awards - Dr. Richard Butwell Award, Dr. Hal Charnofsky Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, Dr. Hal Charnofsky Memorial Award, CCAA All-Academic Awards & Most Outstanding Kinesiology Major Award.
- MiraCosta College (2009 - 2011). Awards - Scholar-Athlete & Team MVP.
Rod Porter
Mike Deibler, MS, CSCS - Mdeibler@sdccd.edu

Nick Shields, MS, RD - nshields@sdccd.edu
Professor Nick Shields is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who works within the San Diego Regional Firefighter Wellness Program and at Kaiser Permanente - Positive Choice as a Lifestyle Educator. He graduated from Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo with a Bachelors in Kinesiology in 2013, and then went on to complete his Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and dual Masters degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutritional Science from San Diego State University in 2017. He completed his dietetic internship at UC San Diego Health in 2018, which included a variety of experiences in inpatient, outpatient, foodservice, and other areas of nutrition. During graduate school, he was also an intern at the Olympic Training Center - Chula Vista and an exercise physiology laboratory instructor. In these roles he has gained valuable experience in the areas of sports nutrition, cardiorespiratory fitness assessment, body composition, and other areas. Outside of work Nick enjoys trail running, camping, and spending time outdoors.