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Program Overview
Madison College's Fitness and Wellness Specialist Technical Diploma assists students in learning basic nutrition principles, anatomy and physiology for exercise, body structure, and function to help build a foundation for Nationally recognized certification programs through American Council on Exercise and Precision Nutrition. Content from this program also covers career exploration, First Aid/AED training needed for certification exams, practical experience, and networking.
Certification prep courses cover personal training, health coaching, and group fitness. With this degree, you will also have the opportunity to gain your Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coaching certification. The program faculty facilitate professional networking and community engagement to get you in the industry and employed in record time.
In your final semester, you will work with clients alongside faculty to gain industry-specific experience. You will also learn the technology trends used to enhance coaching such as online training, podcasting, social media marketing, sponsorships, selling principles, and business communication.
Program Details
Students in the Fitness and Wellness Specialist program attend part-time.
Fitness and Wellness Specialist classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Truax
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Careers
After completing the Fitness & Wellness specialist program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to seek employment in the following areas:
- Fitness & Wellness Specialist
- Personal Training
- Group Fitness
- Health Coaching
- Nutrition Coach
- Fitness, Recreation, & Wellness Business Owner
- Sports Performance Coach
- Youth Sports Coach
Interested in an associate degree in Fitness, Wellness and Recreation?
Did you know most of your credits from the Fitness and Wellness Specialist program will transfer to our 2-year program? Stick around for a few more semesters to gain skills in leadership, marketing, programming, event planning, facility design and operation, and much more!
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-109-121Introduction to Fitness, Recreation, and Wellness
This course is an introduction to the fitness, recreation, and wellness industry. Emphasis will be placed on career pathways, informational interviewing, professional organizations and certifications, scope of practice, future of the industry, and personal development. Students will investigate and implement personal branding through websites, social media, marketing, and personal business materials.3 credits10-109-173Group Fitness & Small Group Coaching
ACE PREP COURSE - This course is designed to give students the knowledge and understanding necessary to prepare for the exercise science portion of the ACE Certifications. We will cover human anatomy, exercise physiology, applied kinesiology, and nutrition. Students will begin to learn how to facilitate functional training assessments, programming, movement, core, balance, and flexibility.3 credits10-109-297Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals
This course is designed to give students the knowledge and understanding necessary to prepare for the exercise science portion of the ACE Certifications. We will cover human anatomy, exercise physiology, applied kinesiology, and nutrition. Students will begin to learn how to facilitate functional training assessments, programming, movement, core, balance, and flexibility.3 credits10-109-299Precision Nutrition Coaching
Apply evidence-based nutrition principles and behavior-change strategies to support client health outcomes. Analyze macronutrients, micronutrients, metabolism, digestion, and lifestyle factors such as stress and sleep. Develop coaching skills, create client-centered action plans, and implement sustainable nutrition strategies.3 creditsSecond Semester10-109-159Health & Wellness Coaching
This course is designed to give students the knowledge and understanding necessary to prepare for the ACE Health Coaching Certification Exam and become effective health coaches. This course is designed to give you both the knowledge and skills needed to assess a client’s lifestyle behaviors and support them through behavior change.3 credits10-109-176Personal Training
ACE PREP COURSE - Students will gain knowledge and understanding necessary to prepare for the ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam and become effective personal trainers. This course is designed to help students learn how to facilitate rapport, adherence, self-efficacy, and behavior change in clients, as well as designing programs to improve the five components of fitness.3 credits10-109-127Fitness, Recreation, & Wellness Practical Lab
In this capstone course, students will be assigned clients to expand their knowledge and skills in the industry. Students will develop, implement, and evaluate individualized and/or group programming for the Madison College community to improve overall health and well-being. Students will be supervised and evaluated on their practical skills by the instructor of this course.3 credits10-104-114Social Media Marketing
This course provides an overview of the impact of social media technologies on marketing strategies. Current social media tools/platforms and their business applications, strategy insights, creative, and ethics will be covered along with the development of a social media marketing plan.3 credits -
How to Apply
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Note: It is recommended to only apply for a semester that has already started if you are currently enrolled in classes, or you have verified that classes are still available for that semester.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Summer 2027
- Application available on September 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is July 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Fitness and Wellness Specialist career.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Fitness and Wellness Specialist program at Madison College, you will be able to:
- Relate foundations of physical fitness, health and wellness to the stages of the human lifespan.
- Facilitate physical activity to meet the needs of a variety of populations.
- Adhere to safety rules and regulations governing the fitness industry.
- Integrate leadership techniques to enhance fitness experiences for individuals and groups.
- Align fitness business procedures to management, marketing, and finance goals.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 6 7 10 Number of Surveys Sent 6 7 10 Number of Surveys Returned 5 6 5 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 4 3 3 Percent Available for Employment 80.0% 50.0% 60.0% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 20.0% 50.0% 20.0% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 4 3 2 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 66.7% Employed in Related Occupation 4 1 1 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 33.3% 50.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 2 1 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 66.7% 50.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 1 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 33.3% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.8 3 4 Number of Satisfaction Responses 5 5 4 Very Satisfied (4) 4 1 4 Percent Very Satisfied 80.0% 20.0% 100.0% Satisfied (3) 1 3 0 Percent Satisfied 20.0% 60.0% 0.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 1 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 20.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 5 6 5 Preparation for Getting a Job 4 0 1 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 80.0% 0.0% 20.0% Career Change 1 2 1 Percent Career Change 20.0% 33.3% 20.0% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 1 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% 16.7% 0.0% Preparation for Further Education 0 2 2 Percent Preparation for Further Education 0.0% 33.3% 40.0% Personal Interest 0 1 1 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 16.7% 20.0% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 4 3 2 Before Enrollment 0 1 0 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% 33.3% 0.0% While Attending the College 2 0 1 Percent While Attending the College 50.0% 0.0% 50.0% After Training at the College 2 2 1 Percent After Training at the College 50.0% 66.7% 50.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 4 3 3 In College District 2 3 1 Percent In College District 50.0% 100.0% 33.3% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 25.0% 0.0% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 1 0 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 25.0% 0.0% 33.3% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 1 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 33.3% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 2 1 Average Monthly Wage $3,440 $3,096 Average Hourly Wage $20.00 $18.00 Average Work Hours per Week 40.0 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 1 Average Hourly Wage $15.39 $35.00 Average Work Hours per Week 25.0 24.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Montage Palmetto Bluff Wellness Coordinator Bluffton SC * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
