Adapted Physical Education (APE) is an instructional program designed to meet the physical fitness and wellness needs of students with physical, intellectual, or other conditions that limit participation in traditional physical education courses. The program provides individualized and modified physical activity experiences that promote physical independence, functional fitness, health, and lifelong participation in physical activity.
At Victor Valley College, Adapted Physical Education courses emphasize personalized fitness programming based on each student’s abilities, goals, and medical considerations. Instruction focuses on developing cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, balance, flexibility, postural skills, relaxation techniques, and body awareness, while supporting safe and effective movement in an inclusive learning environment.
The Adapted Physical Education curriculum includes Adapted Physical Exercise courses offered at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels (APE 0160 Adapted Physical Exercise, APE 160A Introduction to Adapted Physical Exercise, APE 160B Intermediate Adapted Physical Exercise, APE 160C Advanced Adapted Physical Exercise), which are designed to help students maintain or improve their current fitness levels through individualized exercise programs. Students may also enroll in Adapted Cardiovascular Training courses (APE 0166 Introduction to Adapted Cardiovascular Training, APE 166A Introduction to Adapted Cardiovascular Training, APE 166B Intermediate Adapted Cardio Training, APE 166C Advanced Adapted Cardiovascular Training), which emphasize cardiovascular fitness principles through modified aerobic activities, as well as Adapted Weight Training courses (APE 0167 Introduction to Adapted Weight Training, APE 167A Introduction to Adapted Weight Training, APE 167B Intermediate Adapted Weight Training, APE 167C Advanced Adapted Weight Training), which focus on strength development using appropriately modified resistance training. In addition, Adapted Walking for Fun Fitness courses (APE 0183, APE 183A, APE 183B, APE 183C) provide structured, walking‑based cardiovascular exercise for students requiring restricted or modified activities.
The discipline also offers an Adapted Fitness (Noncredit) Certificate of Completion, which is designed to help students increase physical independence, actively participate in their local community, and, when appropriate, transition toward career pathways. This noncredit certificate provides students with opportunities to build physical skills, confidence, health, and self‑value through a specialized performance‑based fitness program.
The Adapted Fitness Certificate includes required noncredit coursework in:
- APE 0160 Adapted Physical Exercise Adapted Physical Exercise
- APE 0167 Introduction to Adapted Weight Training Introduction to Adapted Weight Training
- APE 0183 Introduction to Adapted Walking for Fun Fitness Adapted Walking for Fun Fitness
Through this certificate, students develop foundational knowledge of physical activity, nutrition, and health, apply critical thinking to personal and public health contexts, and demonstrate social responsibility by supporting equitable access to physical activity for diverse populations.
Enrollment in Adapted Physical Education courses and the Adapted Fitness certificate requires a documented physical or intellectual condition that limits participation in regular physical education classes, along with a medical release when applicable. Courses are offered in both noncredit (0.0 unit) and credit (1.0 unit) formats, with many credit courses transferable to CSU and UC systems, depending on the course.
Adapted Physical Education courses fulfill the Kinesiology requirement for the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees and reflect Victor Valley College’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and student‑centered access to health and wellness education.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities related to Adapted Physical Education include positions in education, community recreation, health, and wellness programs. Examples include Adapted Physical Education Instructor (with further education), Adaptive Fitness Trainer, Paraeducator or Instructional Aide, Community Recreation Assistant, Inclusive Recreation Program Staff, Wellness or Fitness Aide, Disability Services Assistant, Adaptive Sports Program Staff, and Health or Wellness Program Assistant.
Faculty
Salgado, Erin
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate social responsibility to improve quality of life for others and ensure equitable access for diverse groups by creating appropriate environments to initiate and maintain a physically active and healthy lifestyle.
- Critically evaluate forms of information related to Kinesiology and physical education, the student’s personal health and public health, including nutrition.
- Recognize fundamental concepts of physical activity, nutrition, and health, and apply critical thinking to solve problems from the student’s personal perspective and a public perspective.