Personal Training Programs

Personal Training Programs

If you're interested in pursuing a personal training program, you'll have several degree options and certifying organizations to choose from. You may either choose a 2- or 4-year college program or you may choose online, or home study, course work to prepare for certification. You must decide what personal training program is best for you. The good news is that you have plenty of options, and you should be able to find a program that matches both your personal and professional goals.

Diplomas, Associate's Degrees and Bachelor's Degrees

Three basic types of personal training programs are explained here:

• Diploma. A diploma, or certificate program, offers practical preparation for entry-level positions in the personal fitness field. You can complete some of these programs in as little as six months. Distance learning programs are also available, as well as hybrid programs that combine home study with short periods of intensive classroom study and practice.
• Associate's Degree. An associate's degree program is typically a 2-year program. This is still a fast-track degree, but it offers significantly more in-depth education than a diploma.
• Bachelor's Degree. A 4-year degree gives you a comprehensive liberal arts education, as well as an in-depth preparation for your career in the health, wellness and fitness industry.

Earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in a health science field may increase your opportunities for future advancement and additional study. Advancing your studies will also help you gain specialized skills for a rich and exciting career.

Here are some common Associate's and Bachelor's Degree programs that will increase your options in a personal trainer career:

• Health and Exercise Science. Health and exercise science degrees will prepare you to work in many areas of the health and wellness industry. For example, after you graduate, you may choose to focus on exercise program design, individual or group fitness, nutrition, sport-specific training, or injury prevention. You could even pursue a management or marketing position for a health-related company or organization.
• Athletic Training. An athletic training degree offers focused preparation for a career as an athletic trainer. Athletic trainers help to manage health care problems associated with sports participation. They work with physicians, coaches and other allied health professionals as part of a sports medicine team. With this type of degree, you have many options, including working for a professional sports team, a university or high school team, a physical therapy clinic, fitness center, senior citizen center or city recreational program.
• Health Fitness Specialist. A health fitness specialist degree will prepare you to become a personal trainer with specialized training in biomechanics, kinesiology, anatomy and physiology. You'll also learn business skills to prepare you for a career in health club management, fitness consulting, worksite health promotion,, as well as corporate or commercial fitness training.

Personal Training Certification

Personal trainers need to be certified by a reputable certifying organization. This personal training certification provides you with the education and credentials you need to become successful as a personal trainer. Successful certification determines the letters that follow your name on your business card, typically the acronym of the certifying body followed by CPT (Certified Personal Trainer). These credentials will show an employer whether or not you're qualified for the job you want.

Be sure that the personal training program you choose will prepare you adequately for a reputable certification exam. Here are some well known organizations offering certification programs and exams :

• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• American Fitness Training of Athletics (AFTA)
• American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA)
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Research and compare your certification options and choose the program that best fits your strengths, interests, and career goals. Learn more about how to become a certified personal trainer.

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Looking for Spa and Massage Schools?

Try our Spa, Massage & Beauty Schools page. There you will find a comprehensive list of schools which offer program descriptions. You can also request information from the schools that interest you most.

Sources:
National Organization for Competency Assurance, 2009
IDEA Health & Fitness Association, 2009
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2007
American College on Exercise, 2007