Many different types of training and educational programs are available to aspiring personal trainers, ranging from certificate to bachelor's degree programs. Those seeking a 4-year degree can find a number of well-known colleges and universities across the country that provide education to prepare them for certification.
Well-Known Colleges Offering Personal Training Programs
Individuals who choose a state school or traditional university to become a personal trainer typically earn a bachelor's degree in sports medicine, exercise science, physical education, kinesiology or a similarly related field. Some of the more well-known colleges and universities throughout the country that offer personal training programs include:
- Ball State University
- Cornell College
- Iowa State University
- Florida State University
- Michigan State University
- Ohio State University
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutPersonalTrainingDegrees">Important Facts About Personal Training Degrees</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> High school diploma or GED equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Some programs are offered online</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Courses </td><td> Foundations of kinesiology, exercise psychology, sports</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td> Personal Trainer, massage Therapist, kinesiologist</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $40,700 (for all exercise trainers and group fitness instructors)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 19% (for all exercise trainers and group fitness instructors)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---RequirementsToBecomeAPersonalTrainer">Requirements to Become a Personal Trainer</h3><p>Personal trainers and fitness trainers use their knowledge of strength and cardiovascular training to help clients meet their exercise and weight loss goals. Training requirements in the field vary greatly depending on a personal trainer's specialty, such as yoga or weight training. However, many employers seek to hire personal trainers who are certified, and gaining certification often requires completing some type of training program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more and more personal trainers are gaining associate's and bachelor's degrees in physical education, health and kinesiology before seeking certification and a career in the field.
</p><h3 id="section---RequiredCertificationForPersonalTrainer">Required Certification for Personal Trainer</h3><p>After a degree in a sports-related field is acquired, one can obtain certification as a personal trainer. Eligible candidates should obtain certification recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA recognized organizations are considered the standard of certification for personal trainers. As a prerequisite for becoming certified as a personal trainer, all candidates must be CPR- and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certified.</p>
