ONLINE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES IN
Fitness, Nutrition and Wellness

Stony Brook University is pleased to offer Online Professional Certificates in Fitness Business Management, Nutrition, Personal Fitness Training, Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults, and Women's Exercise Training and Wellness. These interactive, comprehensive web-based certificate programs, several with an optional elective field internship course, will allow students from around the world to fit courses into their busy work and home schedules.  The certificate programs are designed to supply essential educational pathways and career opportunities to those seeking to start a career in the emerging health/fitness industry, those actively involved in the allied health/medical field and registered dietitians who desire continuing educational units/credits.  In addition, those from the surrounding community who want the most up to date information on how to become/stay healthy will benefit from these certificates as well.  

All courses are led by instructors who hold either a master’s or doctoral degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, physical therapy, nutrition or other exercise science related degrees. They are leading experts, national presenters, and teachers in the health and fitness industry who will support their students and can serve as valuable resources and mentors. Students benefit from the instructors' on-going guidance, instruction, and interaction.

Flexible Scheduling

The certificate programs are offered three times per year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, and can be completed in 3 to 6 months, depending on the certificate program.  Courses may be taken individually if desired and students have up to 2 years to complete a certificate.

The Online Advantage

• Learning occurs in a user-friendly environment and is accessible to participants with little or no computer experience.
• Online education allows students to access their courses from anywhere there is an Internet connection, even while traveling for business or on vacation.
• Students can attend class in the comfort and convenience of their own homes, offices, libraries, or internet cafés and complete assignments at their own convenience.  
• Online learning is cost-effective: expenses related to facilities, travel, and non-productive time is reduced.

Continuing Education Credit

The following National Organizations/Associations have approved the online certificate programs/courses for Continuing Education Credits/Units (CECs/CEUs):

• The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has approved the Certificate in Personal Training program for 150 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs), the Advanced Certificate program for 90 CPEUs, and the Optional Field Internship in Personal Fitness Training Course for 60 CPEUs  In addition, the Nutrition program has been approved for 120 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs)/ or 30 (CPEUs) per course for both Registered Dietitian (RDs) and Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTRs).
• The American Senior Fitness Association (SFA) has approved each course in every program for 2.0 CEUs.
• The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) has approved each course in every program for 1 CEC, equivalent to an entire 6 month CEC requirement.
• The Health and Fitness Professionals Association (HFPA) has approved each course in the following certificate programs: Fitness Business Management, Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults, Women’s Exercise Training and Wellness, and Nutrition for Optimal Health, Wellness, and Sports, for 30 CEC’s and the Fitness Business Management and Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults Optional Field Internships for 60 CEC’s.
• The National Strength Professional Association (NSPA) has approved each course in the following certificate programs:   Fitness Business Management, Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults, Women’s Exercise Training and Wellness, and Nutrition for Optimal Health, Wellness, and Sports for 2 CEU’s
• The National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) has approved each course in every program for 10 CEUs.

Occupational Outlook

In addition, the growth in demand for a qualified fitness professional attests to the fact that this is a valuable, much needed service profession.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau publication Occupational Outlook Handbook, overall employment for fitness professionals is expected to increase 44% from 2002 to 2012.

Partnerships

The following national organizations are partners in these programs:  The American Council on Exercise (ACE), Health Club Managers, Inc., Idea Health and Fitness Association, International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), American Senior Fitness Association (SFA), Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, Women’s Health Foundation, and Healthy Moms

Contact Information

For additional information, contact

Dimitri Onyskow
E-mail: dopft@yahoo.com
Telephone: (574) 849-1281