Best route to take in getting certified

by Amanda
(Milford, CT USA)

I will be graduating in December with a BA in business management and have always dreamed about opening up my own kickboxing studio. First, I want to be certified to be a personal trainer so I can get my foot in the door by working at local gyms. I have been training in martial arts since I was 5, but would like to learn more about different ways to work out.

I have looked into many programs: ISSA, NASM, ACE and AFAA are the main ones Im deciding on. However, is it better to just take on online course or would it be to my benefit to take an actual Professional Personal Training course at a local school so I can get hands on experience?

Would employers rather see that I've had hands on training opposed to just taking online classes?