Health & Fitness Science
The Health and Fitness Science program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the fitness and exercise industry.
Students will learn the fundamentals of exercise science and be able to administer a comprehensive health risk appraisal and fitness assessment, design and implement individual and group fitness programs, and provide instruction in the proper use of equipment and facilities.
Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities in commercial fitness clubs, YMCAs/YWCAs, wellness programs in business and industry, Parks & Recreation Departments and other organizations implementing exercise & fitness programs.
Because the use of computers is integral to this curriculum, some courses are delivered in an online format.
Unique Aspects
Sandhills Community College Health and Fitness Science program was the first such
program available through North Carolina community colleges. It began here in 2007.
Health and Fitness Science is a growth industry. According to the US Department of Labor and Statistics, employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 39 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Sandhills Community College students receive a solid foundation in exercise science (including anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and nutrition), exercise and fitness testing, health risk appraisal, and how to safely and effectively prescribe exercise for normal and special populations (including children, elderly, women, and those with cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease). Students are trained to teach specific exercise and fitness classes, provide instruction in the proper use of exercise equipment, and how to manage fitness and exercise facilities effectively.
The Sandhills Community College Health and Fitness Science program has 2+2 Transfer Articulation Agreements with UNC-Pembroke, Appalachian State University, and Methodist University whereby students can take the first two years of the degree program at Sandhills Community College and transfer credits into a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
Sandhills Community College has partnered with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) to prepare students for accredited Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Health Coach certifications.
Estimated Program Expenses
| ITEM | IN-STATE COST | OUT-OF-STATE COST |
| Tuition* | $5,472.00 | $19,296.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Technology Fee | $240.00 | $240.00 |
| General Education Course fees | $0-100.00 | $0-100.00 |
| Additional Program fees | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Textbooks | $900.00 | $900.00 |
| Malpractice | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| CPR Card | $30.00 | $30.00 |
*Program credit hours: 72 – $76.00 per credit hour in-state tuition, $268.00 per credit hour out-of-state tuition.
Contact Information
Shelby Basinger, Professor & Program Coordinator
109 Blue Hall
910.246.4961
basingers@sandhills.edu