Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Program overview

Graduates are prepared to take a national personal trainer certifying examination given by various organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Depending upon coursework taken, you may also be eligible for additional health and fitness certifications in older adult fitness, group fitness, and others.

You can also transfer to many four-year programs after completing the AAS in Exercise Science. We specifically have an Articulation Agreement with Portland State University, enabling you to seamlessly transfer in as a Junior and complete your Bachelor’s degree in Applied Health & Fitness.

Program costs

Use the tuition calculator to estimate what your costs will be. The cost of books is not included in the calculator. Add approximately $1,200 for books for the AAS degree program, $750 for books for the Personal Trainer certificate, $500 for books for the Healthy Older Adult Fitness certificate, and $300 for books for the Group Fitness Leader certificate.

PCC has a variety of financial aid options and scholarship opportunities available for students.

  • Student riding an exercise bike with another student taking the rider's vitals

    FT 104 students practicing fitness testing skills

  • Two students standing with a skeleton model in a classroom

    FT 131 students learning how muscles work