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Dear Potential Human Performance Student,
Thank you for your interest in the Human Performance Program at Arapahoe Community College. This program guide has been designed to provide you with information about the program and about the field of Kinesiology in general. Please read this information and follow the instructions carefully.

• Description of the Profession

Movement Practitioners, also known in the industry as fitness instructors, have the rewarding opportunity to provide assistance to those wanting and needing to improve their health and fitness through positive lifestyle changes and behavior modification strategies that include, but are not limited to, exercise programs, nutritional counseling, stress management coping mechanisms and motivational strategies and goal setting for individuals of all ages and physical abilities. Movement practitioners have a variety of responsibilities such as helping them find activities that they enjoy: finding the time to implement lifestyle changes and an exercise routine; providing safe and effective exercises to individuals; promoting and organizing special events; analyzing diet for nutritional needs; decreasing risk factors for coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes; providing weight management strategies; and acting quickly in the case of an emergency. The program’s strong theoretical basis is complemented with practical training, resulting in a well-rounded curriculum. Upon completion, you will have earned three things: 1) an Associate of Applied Science in Human Performance degree 2) eligibility to take the national certification exam through the American College of Sports Medicine and 3) CPR/PR/AED - Responding to Emergencies First Aid certification through the American Red Cross.
 
The ACC Human Performance program recognizes Movement Practitioner’s as (1) members of a human services profession; (2) members of the community in which they serve; (3) advocates of physical activity, physical education and healthy eating patterns for all citizens; (4) professionals knowledgeable of and compliant with federal, state, and local regulatory guidelines; as well as, (5) professionals sensitive to the responsibility for public health, safety and welfare in caring for human beings.

Work conditions are flexible and varied. They can be indoors or outdoors, sometimes a mixture. It is a physically active profession with some office work. There is an abundance of part-time positions that may require expertise in a specialized area. Full-time positions require a candidate to be flexible and diverse with what they are able to teach both one-on-one and in a group setting. Movement practitioners may work with people of all ages from the very young to the very old and with individuals who are sedentary with health risk factors to athletes who may have overuse injuries. Individuals  planning fitness careers should be outgoing, good at motivating people, and sensitive to the needs of others. They should have a strong desire to help other people. Those who wish to be self - employed as a personal trainer should have strong sales, marketing and business skills. As the field of health and fitness grows, so do the roles and responsibilities of the movement practitioner. This growth and new knowledge is obtained through continuing education credits required by all accredited national certification programs throughout the career of the fitness professional. The HUP program can provide the working professional with the necessary continuing education hours that are required for them to maintain their credentials. The field’s future is both exciting and challenging.

• Human Performance Program Mission

The mission of the Arapahoe Community College Human Performance program is (1) to increase the availability of qualified movement practitioners that provide scientific advice and supervision regarding physical activity for apparently healthy individuals of all ages; (2) provide the student up- to- date information; (3) provide the student with hands-on experiences that are practical to the field of Kinesiology; (4) provide students a non-intimidating, safe place to practice their skills while gaining confidence; (5) expand the student’s background knowledge about the kinesiology profession; (6) emphasize high standards of ethical conduct, professional integrity and professional advice; (7) encourage research and continued lifelong learning in the field of kinesiology; (8) develop awareness of critical thinking and problem solving processes; (9) respect diversity, individuality and physical fitness levels.
 
The Human Performance program’s commitment to this educational process will prepare students with the medical knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviors necessary to meet the challenges inherent within our complex, evolving systems of health, fitness and nutrition. Our graduates will be knowledgeable, competent, self-assured, adaptable, compassionate and service-oriented movement practitioners capable of competently performing the duties of movement practitioner professional’s in a variety of settings.

• National Mission for Movement Practitioners
• Demonstrates competency in many motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.
• Demonstrates understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies and tactics as they apply to the learning and performance of physical activity.
• Participates regularly in physical activity.
• Achieves and maintains a health enhancing level of physical fitness.
• Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings.
• Values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self expression and /or social interaction.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (2004). Moving into the future: National standards for physical education (2nd ed.) Reston, VA: Author.
 

• Human Performance Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the HUP program is to prepare our graduates to assume a responsible position in the Physical Fitness, Health and Nutrition field, delivering consistently high quality services to learners under the direction of and seeking consultation from the movement practitioner professional. Additionally, the Human Performance program seeks to:

• Produce graduates prepared to competently perform the duties of a movement practitioner in a variety of professional settings.
• Produce graduates prepared to successfully complete the national certification examination.
• Advance the recognition of the field of kinesiology and the role of movement practitioners within the field.

• Job Opportunities

The national employment demand for qualified movement practitioners continues to rise annually. Currently, the demand is expected to grow at a rate above average through 2014 due to an increasing number of people spending more time and money on fitness. Also, more businesses are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness programs and other services such as wellness programs for their employees. In 2004, fitness workers held 205,000 positions!

• Career Assistance

Arapahoe Community College has a Career Center that students are encouraged to utilize located on the Main campus. Please call 303.797.5805 or stop by Room M2025. The Human Performance program does provide informal job placement assistance by acting as a liaison between employers and graduates.

• Accreditation Status

Arapahoe Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The Human Performance program is approved by the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education and is in the process of being endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine. The American College of Sports Medicine is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

• Transfer Credit

General Education courses required by the program with a grade of “C-” (70%) or better may be transferred in from an accredited college or university. Core classes will not be transferred in. Classes taken greater than five years of the date of acceptance to the program will not transfer in to the HUP program. Students will need to retake these classes to update their knowledge and skills. To transfer in general education courses, a student must submit official transcripts to the Arapahoe Community College Admissions and Records office and complete a Transcript Evaluation Form located in the advising offices, in the main campus building located at 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive Littleton, CO 80160 Room M2010. Please do not return this form to the Human Performance Program or the Physical Education Department. It should be mailed directly to the address on the form.

• Tuition and Fees

As part of the Colorado Community College System, ACC offers courses at a very reasonable tuition rate.  Refer to the current course schedule for a complete list and breakdown of tuition and fees for both residents and non residents. At today’s tuition rates, the tuition and fees for the 60 credit hours of the HUP degree would cost a student approximately $4946.15. For the Physical Fitness Specialist certificate the tuition and fees are approximately $2189.00. These costs are a rough estimate and are subject to change. Students who are Colorado residents must register for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) to receive assistance from the state with tuition costs. Apply for your stipend at www.collegeincolorado.org.

• Financial Aid

ACC participates in both State of Colorado and federal student aid programs. Many grants, loans and work-study employment positions are available. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance or have other financial questions, please call 303.797.5661 or access our Web site at www.arapahoe.edu. There is a six-week processing time, so we recommend that you submit your (FAFSA) application as soon as possible in order to be considered.

• Affirmative Action

Arapahoe Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed, color, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation or individual disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its educational programs or activities.

ACC’s Human Performance program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program. Our program is four semesters in length – full-time status. Students in the Human Performance program may enroll in approximately 13-16 credit hours per semester. Currently, students are in class on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday afternoon into early evening hours. Human performance classes alternate between spring and fall semester and day and evening times.

Due to the majority of courses containing a high percentage of hands-on skills, traditional classroom instruction continues to be utilized as the most appropriate method of teaching such skills. Despite the use of traditional instruction, nontraditional schedules allow those individuals with other responsibilities to participate in the Human Performance program. As the Human Performance program continues to transition appropriate courses to alternate delivery methods, the amount of classroom instruction time may change. Students must be available for part-time internal practicum during their final semester (either fall or spring) conducted on site at the College’s fitness and aquatic center. Please refer to the Class Schedule for more information on dates and times and to the College Catalog for course descriptions.

Students may enroll in the program either fall or spring semester.

General Education Requirements:
The following courses are the general education courses required for the Human Performance program degree.

ENG 121 English Composition I
PSY 101 General Psychology I
MAT 121 College Algebra
BIO 111 General College Biology with Lab
COM 115 Public Speaking
BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I plus Lab
BIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II plus Lab

Students in the Human Performance program are responsible for achieving a current Responding to Emergencies First Aid & CPR / PR – AED certification (HWE 122) prior to the first day of the internal practicum and maintaining certification for the duration of their practicum. 

Required courses taken with grades of a C- (70%) or better will apply towards the Human Performance degree or certificate. Courses taken with grades less than a C- (70%) will have to be re-taken, possibly delaying graduation goals. Note some general education and restricted elective classes do not follow the traditional grading scale. With these classes a passing grade, C- is equivalent to a 75%.

• Human Performance Associate of Applied Science Degree

First Semester (Fall)
MAT 121 College Algebra – 4 credits**
BIO 111 General College Biology – 5 credits**
HWE 100 Human Nutrition – 3 credits
HWE 230 Sport and Exercise Psychology – 3 credits

Second Semester
COM 115 Public Speaking – 3 credits
HWE 237 Exercise, Nutrition and Body Composition – 3 credits**
PED 100 – 275 Activity - Based elective – 1 credit total (total for program)***
BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I – 4 credits*, **
HWE 111 Health and Fitness – 3 credits

Third Semester (Fall)
HWE 122 Responding to Emergencies – 2 credits
HWE 248 Guidelines for Exercise Testing & Prescription – 3 credits **
HWE 136 Skills and Methods of Teaching Weight Training – 3 credits**
BIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II – 4 credits*, **
ENG 121 English Composition I – 3 credits**

Fourth Semester (Spring)
PER 232 Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries – 3 credits*, **
HWE 288 Internal Practicum 3 credits*, **
HWE 245 Physiology of Exercise – 3 credits*, **
PSY 101 General Psychology I – 3 credits

Restricted Electives – 4 credits total
HWE 125 Introduction to Human Performance – 3 credits – fall semester
PER 151 Lifeguard Training – 2 credits* (This is a national certification class)
PTA 275 Post Rehab Management for the Cervical Spine – 1 credit – fall semester
PED 100 – 275 Physical Activity Based classes – 1 credit
PTA 176 Anatomical Kinesiology Lab – 2 credits* – fall semester (This is recommended if transferring to a four year school)
HPR 117 Anatomical Kinesiology – 3 credits – fall semester (This is recommended if transferring to a four year school)
HWE 255 Personal Training Prep Course – 3 credits** – spring semester

Restricted electives must come from the approved HUP list.

Total 60 credits
*Prerequisite required, see ACC Catalog.
**Students must score an 80 on the reading ACCUPLACER, 95 on the sentence skills ACCUPLACER, 85 on the mathematics ACCUPLACER.
***One credit must be in aquatics.
Students in the Human Performance Program are responsible for achieving a current Responding to Emergencies First Aid & CPR / PR – AED certification (HWE 122) prior to the first day of their internal practicum and maintaining certification for the duration of their class. 

Required courses taken with grades of a C- (70%) or better will apply towards the Human Performance degree or certificate. For the general education and restricted elective classes that do not follow the traditional grading scale, a passing grade is a 75%. Courses taken with grades less than a C- (70%, or 75% based on grading criteria stated within the syllabus) will have to be re-taken, possibly delaying graduation goals.

• Physical Fitness Specialist Certificate

First Semester (Fall)
BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab – 4 credits*, **
HWE 248 Guidelines for Exercise Testing & Prescription – 3 credits**
HWE 122 Responding to Emergencies – 2 credits
HWE 136 Skills and Methods of Teaching Weight Training – 3 credits**
HWE 230 Sport and Exercise Psychology – 3 credits

Second Semester (Spring)
BIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II  with lab – 4 credits*, **
HWE 237 Exercise, Nutrition and Body Composition – 3 credits**
HWE 288 Internal Practicum – 3 credits*, **
HWE 245 Physiology of Exercise – 3 credits**
HWE 111 Health and Fitness  – 3 credits

Total  31 credits
*Prerequisite required, see ACC Catalog.
**Students must score an 80 on the reading CPT, 95 on the sentence skills CPT, 85 on the mathematics CPT.
***One credit must be in aquatics.

Students in the Human Performance Program are responsible for achieving a current Responding to Emergencies First Aid & CPR / PR – AED certification (HWE 122) prior to the first day of the internal practicum and maintaining certification for the duration of the class.

Required courses taken with grades of a C- (70%) or better will apply  towards the Human Performance degree or certificate. Courses taken with grades less than a C- (70%) will have to be re-taken, possibly delaying graduation goals. Note some general education and restricted elective classes do not follow the traditional grading scale. With these classes a passing grade, C- is equivalent to a 75%.

• On – Campus Program

The On-Campus Program will allow the student to take all of the required Human Performance
courses on the main campus located at 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr. Littleton, CO 80160 in a classroom setting.  

• What kind of technology do I need?

Students find a computer very helpful with their assignments! For an on-campus class, class material is delivered electronically so an e-mail address is necessary. The student must be able to open attachments in Word, excel and Power Point. The College has instructional computer centers with printers for those who do not have a home computer. Jump drives (travel drives) prove to be the easiest method to deliver presentations.

• How do I register?

Pick up a copy of the current course schedule, and follow the directions for the touch-tone telephone
registration located in the front of the schedule. You can also register on-line at www.arapahoe.edu.

• How do I get my books?

You can order your books online from www.arapahoe.edu, call the bookstore directly at
303.797.5676, or come to campus and buy them in the Bookstore.

• Will there be any student interaction?

Yes! The Human Performance program offers interaction and hands-on experience among classmates and members of the fitness / aquatic center. This allows students to gain valuable experience in working with different personalities and body types.

• How much homework is involved?

Many students underestimate the time required to be a successful student. Generally, you should expect to spend one to two hours outside of class on class preparation for each hour that you spend in class (three to six hours per week).  The time you spend outside of class will depend on your reading ability, your comprehension of the material, your background in kinesiology, and your organizational and time management ability. It is a good idea to get started on projects in a timely manner. These standards are suggested by the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education.

• Will I get to exercise during my classes?

Many classes require that you wear exercise clothes. Although you may be physically active, you are learning how to present exercises to others, therefore you will not “workout” in class! The curriculum does require that you take four physical education classes, including one aquatic class. Some classes may require a physician release form prior to your participation. If you would like to work out in the Fitness Center, please call 303.797.5850 for details. Students who qualify for disability services should contact 303.797.5937 or Room M2710.

• Does the Human Performance program accommodate individuals with disabilities?

Arapahoe Community College seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons with disabilities. If you have specific physical, psychiatric, visual, hearing impairment, or learning disabilities and require accommodations, please let me know early in the semester so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. It is your responsibility to register and provide documentation to the Disability Services Office (Main – Room M2710 or extension 303.797.5937). Arapahoe Community College will adhere to all federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to ensure educational opportunity. If a student has a disability (physical, emotional, learning or psychological) appropriate accommodations will be provided through Disability Services. In the event that a student is unable to complete an assignment, it is the student's responsibility to ask for an alternative assignment, from their instructor. Having a disability does not waive the student from completing the course work and taking tests. All students are responsible for academic work, both physical and cognitive.

• Do I need a Physician’s Release Form signed for class participation?

During parts of the class, students may be required to be physically active. This may include basic locomotor skills, team sports, outdoor sports and fitness activities. During our activity days, students will be required to dress professionally. This includes tennis shoes (not black soled), shorts or sweat pants and full t-shirts (long or short sleeve). In the event a student is hurt or unable to participate in the day’s lesson, an alternative assignment will be given to the student. All students are held accountable for their assignments and participation in class.  Assignments are not waived!  If a student has a medical need or concern, he or she should discuss this with the instructor as soon as possible during office hours.  A physician's note may be required prior to participation. All students will need to complete a waiver form, health assessment, and a PAR Q form.

• Will this program prepare me to take a national certification test?

This program prepares students to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Instructor certification. This is a practical and written test. This certification requires that a student has earned an associate degree in the field of health and fitness. With this certification, students can become personal trainers, teach group exercise classes and counsel on various health issues. American College of Sports Medicine is the “GOLD” standard within the fitness industry. Professionals with this certification find that they are more marketable, earn more money and, best of all, do not need additional fitness certifications for employment. The American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer test may be taken while pursuing his or her Associate degree allowing the student to gain valuable experience during his or her internship. The Human Performance program faculty strongly recommends and encourages graduates to take the national exam for several reasons. Successful completion of the ACSM certified Health and Fitness Specialist Examination demonstrates competency for prospective employers as well as demonstrates commitment to one’s future clients and the profession. Success on the National ACSM Exam is most likely while all of the related information is fresh in one’s mind; a graduate who takes the test later in his/her career may have more difficulty remembering all of the aspects of the comprehensive HUP curriculum.

2007-2008 Academic Year

• ACC’s pass-rate on ACSM’s Health & Fitness Instructor (HFI) Test for our 2007-2008 graduates is currently 100%.

• ACC’s pass-rate on ACSM’s Personal Trainer Test for our 2007-2008 graduates is currently 100%.

2006-2007 Academic Year

• ACC’s pass-rate on ACSM’s Health & Fitness Instructor (HFI) Test for our 2006-2007 graduates is currently 100%.

• ACC’s pass-rate on ACSM’s Personal Trainer Test for our 2006-2007 graduates is currently 100%.

2005-2006 Academic Year

• ACC’s pass-rate on ACSM’s Health & Fitness Instructor (HFI) Test for our 2005-2006 graduates is currently 100%.

• ACC’s pass-rate on ACSM’s Personal Trainer Test for our 2005-2006 graduates is currently 100%.

Admission Information

Due to the College’s commitment to student success, the Human Performance program requires that all interested students meet with the program coordinator prior to enrolling in the program. Please call Sophie Mabry 303.797.5856 or email sophie.mabry@arapahoe.edu to set up an appointment. Students will also be required to complete an application packet during their first semester in the program. Details are explained in class. Students may enroll in the program either fall or spring semester.

Additional Information

Please contact the Health, Math, Science and Engineering office (303.797.5932) for additional information regarding the Human Performance Program or Sophie Mabry, HUP Program Coordinator at 303.797.5856, or
sophie.mabry@arapahoe.edu.

Sincerely,

Sophie Mabry, M.A., ACSM Certified Health & Fitness Specialist
Human Performance Program Coordinator
Arapahoe Community College
5900 S.Santa Fe Drive
Littleton, CO 80160

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