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Health and Human Performance

Earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree at Aims and begin working toward a career in the health and fitness industry

Do you want an active, rewarding career helping others live healthier lives? Turn your passion for wellness into a profession with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree from Aims. With growing public focus on health and active lifestyles, demand for skilled fitness and human performance professionals is higher than ever.

This specialized hands-on program equips you with the practical skills, technical knowledge and real-world experience you need to enter the workforce directly after graduation. 

Work closely with your Pathway Advisor to select coursework tailored to your specific career goals in fitness instruction, personal training, community wellness and athletic support.

  • Practical, Industry-Focused Training: Learn the latest techniques in exercise science, client coaching, program design and health promotion.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train hands-on in our newly renovated 46,000-square-foot facility featuring a cardio theater, cross-training room, indoor track, yoga studio and top-tier equipment.
  • Immediate Entry into the Workforce: Graduate with a resume-ready credential designed to help you secure a job right away.

Discover the career-shaping possibilities in health and human performance and start making a difference in people's lives.

Gain the Knowledge and Skills You Need for a Career in Health and Human Performance

Video - PE Nikki Smiley v3

The Aims associate of applied science degree program gives you a strong skills and knowledge foundation for your impactful career. 

Your associate of arts degree courses will challenge you to:

  • Write workout programs
  • Teach workout techniques
  • Tape joints
  • Use a metabolic cart to measure metabolic rate
  • Operate a bioelectrical impedance scale
  • Use an Anatomage table to study anatomy in 3D

You’ll graduate from Aims prepared to begin working in this growing field. 

“The best part about a career in health and human performance is that you get to be an essential part of helping people achieve something — whether it be a physical or a mental challenge.”

DJ Arebalo
Aims Student
DJ Arebalo

Earn a Certificate in Health and Exercise

Aims offers three certificates for students interested in health and exercise. You can earn either the Health and Fitness certificate or the Exercise Specialist certificate separately or complete both certificates to earn the comprehensive Health and Exercise Specialist certificate. These certificates are also embedded in the Health and Human Performance degree. 

  • Health and Fitness Certificate
  • Exercise Specialist Certificate
  • Health and Exercise Specialist Certificate

Pursue a Career in Health and Human Performance

The Aims associate of applied science degree program can help you begin your career path in physical fitness.

Examples of health and human performance careers include:

  • Fitness instructor
  • Personal trainer
  • Aquatics instructor
  • Exercise physiologist
  • Health educator
  • Cardiac rehab specialist
  • Fitness center owner/manager
  • Athletic trainer
  • Strength coach
  • Sports psychologist
  • Weight loss counselor
  • Geriatric specialist
  • Massage therapist
  • Human movement analyst

Health and Human Performance Faculty and Staff

Learn from instructors who have professional experience as trainers, instructors, nutritionists, physical therapy assistants and more. Your instructors are invested in your success and can teach you the practical applications that extend beyond your textbooks.

  • Photo of Nikki Smiley

    Nikki Smiley

    Program Director III, Physical Education, Recreation & Fitness
  • Tanner Wiemers headshot

    Tanner Wiemers

    Assistant Director II, Physical Education, Recreation, & Fitness
  • Headshot of Aims health and fitness instructor Joanna Friedt

    Joanna Friedt

    Adjunct Faculty: Physical Education (Health & Human Performance)
  • Katie Hansen

    Katie Hansen

    Professor, Physical Education
  • Headshot of health and fitness instructor Darian Parker

    Darian Parker

    Adjunct Faculty: Physical Education (Health & Human Performance)
  • Headshot of Aims health and fitness instructor Aubri Sherman

    Aubri Sherman

    Adjunct Faculty: Physical Education (Health & Human Performance)