Personal trainers work with individual clients either in health centers or in the clients' homes to help them set and meet personal fitness goals. Many employers look for personal trainers who hold an associate's or bachelor's degree, in addition to certification from an authorized group, such as the American Council on Exercise. This article describes some schools that offer online courses to become a personal trainer.
Education Options
While personal trainers aren't required by law to hold college degrees or certification, most health centers look to hire candidates who have fitness-related degrees or have been awarded certificates by accredited programs. Some accredited programs that offer online courses to become a personal trainer are as listed:
- San Diego State University - College of Extended Studies
- Ashworth College
Keep in mind that personal training is a hands-on field. While online programs can be helpful, it's very likely that you'll still need to complete in-person instructional hours to prepare for this job.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutOnlinePersonalTrainerClasses">Important Facts About Online Personal Trainer Classes</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Possible careers </td><td> Head trainer, group exercise director, fitness director</td></tr>
<tr><td> Common courses </td><td> Functional anatomy, nutrition, weight management</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online availability </td><td> Fully</td></tr>
<tr><td> Prerequisites for certification</td><td> 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2023) </td><td> $40,989*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 19%** (for all fitness trainers and aerobics instructors)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *Payscale.com; **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---SanDiegoStateUniversityCollegeOfExtendedStudies">San Diego State University - College of Extended Studies</h3><p>The College of Extended Studies at San Diego State University offers an online certificate program that prepares graduates for careers as personal trainers. People who complete the program will be able to properly assess their clients' fitness levels, design appropriate exercise programs, and communicate how different types of exercise affect the human body.
</p><h3 id="section---AshworthCollege">Ashworth College</h3><p>Ashworth college offers an online personal trainer program that prepares students for the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) personal trainer certification exam. The course uses online videos, text material, and practice exams. Lessons focus on nutrition, weight management, anatomy and physiology, and training techniques to prepare students to design and supervise individual fitness programs for clients.</p>
