Technical Certificate Programs Catalog 2025-2026

Personal Trainer (CPTR - Code 835)

The technical certificate in Personal Trainer is designed to develop professional competencies in the field of personal training. It promotes healthy life styles, free of drugs and alcohol, by means of socialized discussions and other learning activities. The program includes the administrative aspects of the profession. It also includes a practice period in a certified gymnasium during which students will apply the knowledge acquired in the classroom, under the strict supervision of a certified personal trainer. The curriculum is designed following the guides established by the “American College of Sports Medicine” (ACSM) and by the “National Strength and Conditioning Association” (NSCA). The program content aims to provide students with necessary competencies to apply for the board examination or certificate as required to practice the profession in Puerto Rico.

Major courses must be approved with a minimum grade of C.

The Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Fajardo, Metropolitan, Ponce and San Germán campuses are authorized to offer this Program.

(38 credits / 1,140 hours)

Academic Requirements for the Certificate in Personal Trainer

First Term

CPTR 110First Aid and CPR (Lab)

1

CPTR 120Health Hazards and Assessment of Physical Conditions

2

CPTR 130Flexibility Training

2

CPTR 140Training for Change of Lifestyle and Wellbeing

2

CPTR 150Weightlifting Techniques

2

CPTR 210Anatomy, Kinesiology and Biomechanics

3

Second Term

CPTR 160Nutrition Applied to Sports

3

CPTR 220Concepts of Training and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

2

CPTR 230Prevention and rehabilitation of Muscle and Skeletal Injuries

1

CPTR 240Training for Special Populations I

2

CPTR 250Design of Programs for Strength Training

2

CPTR 260Program of Alternate Exercises for Personal Training

2

Third Term

CPTR 297Seminar for Trainers

1

CPTR 310Physiology of Exercise

3

CPTR 320Training for Special Populations II

3

CPTR 340Administration in Personal Training

3

CPTR 350Practice in Personal Trainer

4

For students enrolled on or before August 2021, in compliance with the past regulations, (34 CFR 668.8 (1) (1) a minimum number of hours in work outside the classroom will be added to the specified hours. The details of the number of hours and the appropriate tasks for each course are defined in the course syllabus.