Personal trainers help people achieve their health and fitness goals. While a college degree is not necessary to work as a personal trainer, it is necessary to complete a personal trainer certification. Most fitness and health care facility employers require that their trainers have certification before beginning work.
National Certifications
Most national franchise and large gyms look for personal trainers with certifications. However, some fitness facilities will pay for you to complete a personal training program while you are employed. They will also provide some on-the-job training, but this generally only occurs in small, local gyms. Nationally recognized organizations that provide certification programs include the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, the International Sports Fitness Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Education
Personal training certifications provide you with the tools to practice personal training in a gym or to start your own personal training business. Personal training certifications teach the basics of anatomy, human movement and exercise science. Personal training programs also teach you how to elevate clients; design exercise programs; work with special populations such as pregnant women, cancer patients, youth, diabetes patients and heart condition patients; basic nutrition and how to launch a personal training career. Four-year college degrees are available in exercise science, sports medicine, athletic training, anatomy, sports management or health promotion. Having a sports and athletic-training oriented college degree can provide a strong foundation of knowledge when obtaining your certification; these degrees may even give you a competitive edge when applying for personal training jobs.
Other Considerations
The personal trainer certification exam must be completed within three months to 180 days depending on the organization from which you are getting the certification. As of 2011, certification programs usually cost between $400 and $600 and includes the cost of the exam as well as study materials. Certification programs usually require textbooks, and provide students with access to study guides, DVDs and online study materials and quizzes. Moreover, personal trainers must get certified in CPR before working in a gym or other health facility.
Job Outlook
With the increase in concern for fitness and health as well as high rates of childhood obesity, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that personal training employment will grow faster than average between 2008 and 2018. Full-time personal trainers earned an average of $29,210 in May 2008 and top trainers earned an average $60,000 per year. Pay also depends on the type of facility you work in. Civic and social organizations tend to pay their personal trainers less than those who work for fitness centers or medical facilities.
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