USM Lifeline's award-winning Certificate Program in Fitness Instruction was established in 1989 in response to a growing need for well educated and professionally trained fitness instructors. Since its inception, over 500 students have taken courses covering a wide range of topics. Classes are designed for aerobic instructors, personal trainers, corporate fitness instructors, coaches, physical education teachers, as well as for individuals who want to enter the field of Health and Fitness.

• Certificate Program core curriculum
• CEU Workshops
• Email Stephanie Ross, Manager Fitness Education

The Certificate Program core curriculum consists of 8 classes that meet primarily in the early evening hours.  The program takes roughly 2 years to complete at which time students are awarded a Certificate of Completion from the University of Southern Maine.  To gain admittance to the program, prospective students must complete an application and an admissions interview with the Fitness Education Manager.

The CEU Workshops are offered throughout the year in addition to the core curriculum.  These workshops are open to anyone and they are approved for continuing education units/credits by national certifying agencies such as NSCA and ACE.  Assistance is available to petition other certifying agencies for their continuing education credit as well.  

The Certificate Program in Fitness Instruction program provides extensive practical and technical experience including:

• Internships to qualified students
• Interaction with professionals in the field
• Breadth and depth to existing knowledge and skills
• An in-depth, classroom-based educational program conducted in the greater Portland area
• A certificate of completion indicating formal education in fitness instruction

This experience is well suited for employment opportunities in corporate fitness facilities, private fitness clubs, universities, municipal recreation departments, and nonprofit organizations, personal fitness training, and more.

For more information about the courses required for the Certificate Program, click here. For more information about the CEU Workshops, click here.

USM is recognized by the American Council on Exercise as a Continuing Education Specialist