Do you have a passion for helping people improve their physical fitness, whether for general health or athletic performance? Our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health and Fitness, Associate of Science (AS) in Health and Fitness, and Minor in Health and Fitness provide a solid foundation in wellness, rehabilitation, and injury prevention—preparing you to make a positive impact on individuals and communities.

Program Overview

Southwestern Adventist University’s Health and Fitness program equips you with the knowledge and skills to care for the human body across diverse life scenarios. Coursework includes prevention, first aid, and first response, ensuring you can address health and fitness needs in both routine and critical situations. With a strong focus on wellness and rehabilitation, this program prepares you to guide others in achieving and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a Health and Fitness degree can pursue a range of rewarding professions:

• Personal Trainer
• Health Club Manager
• Wellness Coach
• Athletic Coach
• Fitness Consultant
• Occupational Therapy (pre-professional track)

For students seeking to continue into graduate-level physiology or advanced exercise science programs, our BS in Exercise Science may offer an alternative path tailored for deeper scientific study.

Health and Fitness Curriculum Overview

The Health and Fitness curriculum combines theoretical knowledge and practical application. You will study topics like exercise testing, injury prevention, nutrition, first aid, and rehabilitation strategies. Real-world experience is integrated through labs, community outreach projects, and internship opportunities, ensuring you gain relevant, hands-on skills.

Admissions Requirements

Learn about the requirements for admission to our Health and Fitness program at Southwestern Adventist University. Learn more on our Admissions Page.

Faculty Information

Our Kinesiology faculty brings a wealth of clinical, research, and teaching expertise to the classroom, ensuring students receive a rich educational experience.

Meet Our Experienced Faculty. Benefit from personalized instruction from our expert faculty:

Dr. Paulino Santos, Kinesiology Department Chair
Dr. Vesa Naukkarinen, Assistant Professor
Chad Hutchinson, Assistant Professor

Student Resources and Support

Through the Office of Student Success, you can access comprehensive support services, including tutoring, counseling, internship placements, and more. Explore our Student Success Services.

Financial Information

Review tuition costs, fees, and financial aid options for our programs at Southwestern Adventist University. Visit our Financial Aid and Scholarship pages for more details.

Related Programs

Exercise Science
Physical Education
Sports and Fitness Management