Program Overview
Health and Wellness Promotion: Exercise Science Option
Biological and Health Sciences Division, Room B213, (847) 543-2042
www.clcillinois.edu/programs/hwp
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Plan 21WA
The focus of the A.A.S. in Health and Wellness Promotion (HWP) is to empower students to help others through prevention of illness, injury, and disease by effective application of principles and practices of holistic coaching. It also provides an opportunity for various health career certificate-seeking students to continue their education in a general health studies capacity and earn an associates degree. Successful completion of this program will prepare students for advanced certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), and others.
The associate degree program is accredited by the National Wellness Institute and the associate degree program (health and wellness coaching option) is approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates who meet other basic requirements are permitted to sit for the national board certification examination and may earn status as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). This board-level credential is offered through a partnership between the NBHWC and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Graduates of the A.A.S. in HWP who also possess a B.S./B.A. degree in any discipline qualify to receive the designation, Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) through NWI.
Note: Day and evening classes are available. The HWP program is not a limited-enrollment program.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to consult with the department chair Joana Pabedinskas at jpabedinskas@clcillinois.edu or 847-543-2029.
The courses that comprise the Personal Training Certificate feed directly into the A.A.S. in HWP: Exercise Science option.
Recommended Plan of Study
To complete an A.A.S., students are strongly encouraged to meet with an Academic Success Advisor to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements.
First Semester | 15 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
course ^ | College Success Seminar | [2] |
Health and Wellness Practicum I | 1 | |
Introduction to Physical Education or Other elective | 3 | |
Theory and Practice of Fitness | 2 | |
Contemporary Health Issues | 3 | |
Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
Technical Composition I or | ||
English Composition I | 3 | |
Second Semester | 15 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Biomechanics and Kinesiology | 3 | |
Exercise Physiology | 3 | |
Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 3 | |
Communication Skills or | ||
Fundamentals of Speech or | ||
Dynamics/Small Group Discussion | 3 | |
Philosophy of Coaching or Other elective | 3 | |
Third Semester | 16 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 | |
Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health Care | 3 | |
Principles of Wellness Coaching | 3 | |
Introduction to the Rehabilitation Aide or Other elective | 3 | |
Human Form and Function or | ||
course * | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
Fourth Semester | 14 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Health and Wellness Practicum II | 1 | |
First Aid/CPR | 2 | |
Introduction to Business | 3 | |
Introduction to Philosophy or | ||
Introduction to Ethics | 3 | |
Special Topics: Personal Wellness or Other elective | 3 | |
Individual Activities: Strength Training or Other elective | 1 | |
Individual Activities: Yoga or Other elective | 1 | |
Fifth Semester | 0-4 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
course * | Anatomy and Physiology II (If taking the BIO 244/245sequence) | 4 |
Total Hours for A.A.S. Degree | 60-64 | |
^ The credit for CLC 120, College Success Seminar, is an institutional requirement for graduation. It is not part of the program requirements but must be completed with a D or better.
* Preferred courses for students planning to transfer to a 4-year institution. BIO 244 must be taken with BIO 245 in lieu of BIO 111. (NOTE: BIO 244 has a prerequisite of BIO 123 or BIO 161).
Required Specialty Option Courses and Electives
For the A.A.S. in HWP, students are to complete 25 credits of required courses and electives within their specialty option (Exercise Science, Health & Wellness Coaching, or Massage Therapy). When it is stated “or other elective” the suggested elective is listed, however, many other electives may count towards this requirement. Please see department chair Joana Pabedinskas for more information.
For more information on recommended courses or program specific advising, please contact department chair Joana Pabedinskas at jpabedinskas@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2029 or the Biological and Health Sciences Division at (847) 543-2042.