"Your Personal Trainer Education"

Which is More Important to your Personal Trainer Education?
Degree vs. Certification

A question I'm asked often about Personal Trainer education is whether a degree in Health Sciences or a related field is any more or less important than holding a Personal Training Certification.

What has always been interesting to me is that EVERYONE asks this, not just current Personal Trainers, but people considering a career in the field, as well as clients and health club members.

A Physical Education Degree

I received my Bachelor's degree in Physical Education with a Concentration in Exercise Science from Bridgewater State College. It has helped me tremendously by giving me confidence in my education, an understanding of human anatomy and biomechanics (probably my most important class), and an important addition to my title.

I have sometimes given thought to continuing my education by obtaining a Masters Degree in my field, but do not aspire to work as a professor or in research (although these are not the only options after receiving an advanced degree).

One of the interesting things I've learned over the past few years is that the information that I studied during my time at Bridgewater State College will eventually become obsolete. While some of the principles will remain the same, so much quality research is being done and advances are being made in our field everyday.

So, what is most important for my set of career goals, is to continue my education through acquiring more specialized certifications, reading current articles and journal research, and going to seminars to network with some of the most highly respected minds in our industry and in other industries.

I love to consume new information to learn how to become more successful in life and in getting my clients and readers closer to all of their goals. You may find yourself in a similar position.

Personal Trainer Certification

The other side of the coin is in acquiring a Personal Trainer certification. If making the life decision to go back to school is out of the question, certification is a must.

I can say without hesitation that I have NEVER recommended anyone to a Personal Trainer without certification. I have referred people to non-degreed Personal Trainers. The ultimate combination will be a degreed and certified Personal Trainer with (do I have to say it?)...PASSION & PERSONALITY!

As you continue your Personal Trainer education, you will find unlimited resources both online and offline that will excite and inspire you. Remember, there is no cost to sending an email or picking up the phone to network with other health care professionals. That is what you will need to do in order to stand out among the crowd.

Recommended Reading from Chapter #2

NSCA Personal Trainer Certification - Learn more about the prestigious NSCA-CSCS designation.

NSCA Certified Personal Trainer - Detailed information on the NSCA-CPT offering.

NASM Personal Trainer Certification - Mike Clark's NASM-CPT and the OPT Model

ACE Personal Trainer Certification - Become a Personal Trainer through ACE

Personal Trainer Course - Your complete sales guide to growing a profitable business.

Continue to: NSCA Personal Trainer Certification

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