Before you begin, you’ll need to meet key health and safety requirements set by our clinical partners. See what’s required and take your next step.
Nutrition for Personal Trainers and Coaches
To begin, connect with an advisor who can guide you through program options and next steps, including the application process.
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Nutrition for Personal Trainers and Coaches provides a foundation of nutrition knowledge in a non-clinical setting. This certificate is designed for individuals interested in fitness, nutrition, wellness and health-related professions. Students acquire the knowledge and skills to work with individuals to improve well-being and promote healthy lifestyles.
Details
Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Nutrition for Personal Trainers and Coaches (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5302
Total credits required
16
Catalog Year
2026-2027
Effective Term
Fall 2026
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
What You'll Learn
- Explain the required educational preparation, professional credentials, training and areas of practice in food, nutrition and dietetics for particular careers.
- Locate peer reviewed nutrition research using various scientific databases.
- Analyze specific dietary data as it relates to nutrition requirements in adults.
- Identify how basic human physiology relates to nutrition and exercise.
- Apply current nutrition guidelines to improve health, manage weight, and maximize athletic performance.
- Evaluate alternative diets in relation to standard nutrition guidelines and current peer reviewed scientific research.
- Differentiate between anabolic, catabolic, and energy producing supplements.
- Summarize effectiveness of nutrition supplements using current peer reviewed scientific research.
- Apply nutrition principles in a professional setting.
Career Statistics
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Dietitians and Nutritionists
$62,720
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
$59,580
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS125 | Introduction to Exercise Physiology | 3 | |||
| FON125 | Introduction to Professions in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics | 1 | |||
| FON241AA or (FON241 and FON241LL) |
FON241AA or (Principles of Human Nutrition and Principles of Human Nutrition Laboratory) | None or NSI in combo w/ FON241LL; and NSI in combo w/ FON241; | 4–4 | ||
| FON210 | Sports Nutrition and Supplements for Physical Activity | 3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FON247 | Weight Management Science | 3 | |||
| FON270AA | Applied Nutrition Experience for Personal Trainers and Coaches | 1 | |||
| FON298AA | Special Projects | 1 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FON125 | Introduction to Professions in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics | 1 | |||
| FON241AA or (FON241 and FON241LL) |
FON241AA or (Principles of Human Nutrition and Principles of Human Nutrition Laboratory) | None or NSI in combo w/ FON241LL; and NSI in combo w/ FON241; | 4–4 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS125 | Introduction to Exercise Physiology | 3 | |||
| FON247 | Weight Management Science | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FON210 | Sports Nutrition and Supplements for Physical Activity | 3 | |||
| FON270AA | Applied Nutrition Experience for Personal Trainers and Coaches | 1 | |||
| FON298AA | Special Projects | 1 |
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=16459048.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
While you’re on the waitlist, take time to explore courses, short-term programs, and scholarships that can help you reach your goals and keep you moving forward.
Explore your future in healthcare with resources that help you understand career paths, program requirements, and next steps so you can start preparing with confidence.