Course work in new Health and Fitness Science Program to begin at BCCC | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Beaufort County Community College has been approved to offer course work in the field of Health and Fitness Science, a field that will provide many job opportunities for area residents, college officials announced this week.

    Courses in the new Health and Fitness Science Program are scheduled to begin in August through BCCC's Allied Health Division.

    "The Health and Fitness Science Program will provide a new career path for those in our area who are interested in a health services career," said Dr. Barbara Tansey, BCCC president. "As in other health services careers, jobs are in high demand for health and fitness science workers in several settings."

    The Health and Fitness Science Program will be part of the Allied Health curriculum at BCCC that includes Associate Degree and Practical Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology and Speech Language Pathology Assistant. BCCC also offers Emergency Medical Technician basic through paramedic, Health Unit Coordinator, Therapeutic Massage, Pharmacy Technician and Nurse Aide courses through its Division of Continuing Education.

    The program will prepare graduates to be fitness trainers, aerobics instructors, corporate wellness directors, personal trainers, recreation workers and wellness coaches, among other positions.

    "There is a real need for these professionals in many settings locally and statewide," said Ron Baldwin, lead instructor for the program. "As more attention is being paid to health issues - including the increase in childhood obesity nationwide - there is an increased interest among businesses and industry in wellness programs and an increase in the number of commercial fitness clubs. This has led to an increased need for professionals to work in this field."

    Students in the program will need two years to complete the course work, after which they receive an associate in applied science degree in health and fitness science. An associate's degree in the program requires 66 credit hours and includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, exercise science, group exercise instruction, health and fitness law and prevention and care of exercise-related injuries, among other courses.

    The first classes offered in the program are expected to be Exercise Science and Spa and Fitness Management, according to Baldwin.

    More information about Health and Fitness Science is available by contacting Baldwin at 252-940-6278 or by email at ronaldb@beaufortccc.edu. Registration for Health and Fitness Science classes for Fall Semester 2013 will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14. The first day of class will be Thursday, Aug. 15.

    For more information about enrolling for classes at BCCC or to schedule a placement test, contact the Admissions Office at 252-940-6237. Applications are available on the BCCC website at www.beaufortccc.edu.


    Beaufort County Community College is a public comprehensive community college committed to accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training, and lifelong learning opportunities for the people served by the College.