Personal Training Degrees
Note: Scroll Down for the full list of Personal Training Schools
I get the question all the time...
Do I need a college degree to be a personal trainer?
The quick answer is that personal training degrees are not a requirement to becoming a personal trainer. You can become a certified personal trainer by just completing a certification course that can vary from a few weeks to many months long.
However, just because you are certified doesn't mean that you are ready to practice as a personal trainer. And a certification certainly won't make you a successful trainer on its own. There is a little more to it than that.
No Bachelor's Degree Required
While you don't need one of the personal training degrees to become a personal trainer, you can definitely benefit from the experience that a degree program will give. Many reputable colleges have certificate, diploma and Associate's Degree programs in addition to the Bachelor's Degree. These programs can be completed in as little as six months which makes them an attractive alternative to just a straight certification program.
Ask yourself this, which personal trainer would you rather work with:
1) A personal trainer that studied exercise science for four years and understands anatomy and nutrition thoroughly.
- or -
2) Somebody who completed a six week mail order course and passed the unproctored open book test.
The answer of course is obvious. While you can shortcut the personal training degrees to become a personal trainer, you still have to put in the hard work and long hours to be good at what you do!
Follow the Pack
You may be comforted to know that the vast majority of personal trainers do not have a college degree. Or perhaps horrified if you are a consumer...
You can safely and quickly start your new career by selecting one of the certification providers reviewed on this site. You can become a certified personal trainer quickly by selecting an entry level certification and start working in a gym in just a few months. Granted, you will be making entry level wages (see our average salary pages for more on that), but you can practice your new career all with the comfort of a steady pay check.
If you find that you like personal training and really want to make a long term career out of it, you should pursue more advanced certifications or one of the personal training degrees. You will also need to study the Business Track (see Step 4) to determine how you can launch your own personal training business.
Personal Training Degrees
There are many personal training degree programs available in the United States and other parts of the world. These programs are a great way to get started in personal training without the four year commitment of a traditional degree program.
If you know of program that is not listed, please contact me to let me know to add it to the list.
Personal Trainer School Index by State (in progress):
AZ - CA - CO - CT - FL - GA - IL - KS - MA - MI - MN - MO - NJ - NY - OH - OR - PA - TX - UT - VA - WA
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Program: |
ACT Certified Personal Trainer |
Locations: |
Online Course |
Description: |
ACT is making a bold statement by offering FREE Personal Trainer Certification. You can download their 300 page textbook, study and take the exam, all for free. But most people will benefit from their package of extras they offer for $65 which includes unlimited online training classes, practice exams, instructor email support and more. (Read our ACT Certification Review)
(ACT Web Site) |
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Personal Trainer Certification |
Locations: |
Online Course |
Description: |
This popular Online Certification program covers all the critical topics to prepare you for a personal training career. The online course features community forums, e-mail, live chat, and direct instructor interaction, which are all available 24 hours a day making this a convenient choice for people who have work or family commitments. (Receive More Information) |
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Sport Management: Fitness and Wellness |
Locations: |
Online Course |
Description: |
California University offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Sports Management: Fitness and Wellness. These advanced degrees can be earned by attending courses online and working with your professors on a flexible schedule. This is a great choice for somebody who wants to have the extra knowledge that comes with a degree while maintaining the flexibility of an online course.
(Get Free Info Pack) |
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Personal Trainer Diploma |
Locations: |
Online Course |
Description: |
Another online personal training course that allows you to self study at your own pace. All exams are taken online and the curriculum uses a mixture of audio and video programs to compliment the textbook. The overall program including materials and exams is available for around $900 making it an economical choice and a quick way to get started in the industry. (Receive More Information) |
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Program: |
Personal Trainer Diploma + Personal Trainer Certification + Nutrition Certification |
Locations: |
30 locations in these states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, MA, MI, MN, NC, NJ, OH, OR, PA, TX, VA, WA |
Description: |
Widely available comprehensive program combining classroom and hands on training. See our full review for details. (Get Free Info Pack) (Colorado Locations Only) (Orlando, FL) |
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Associate of Science Degree Major: Sports Medicine & Fitness Technology |
Locations: |
Florida Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Lakeland, Daytona, and Port St. Lucie |
Description: |
Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Sports Medicine and Fitness Technology focuses on entry-level health and fitness assessment, prescription and lifestyle modification. The comprehensive program provides a solid understanding of health risk factors, physiological adaptations to exercise, injury prevention, care and therapies, as well as addressing all components of activity as related to sports and exercise.
(Get Free Info Pack) |
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Associates Degree, Massage and Physical Fitness |
Locations: |
Florida Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Miami, Sarasota |
Description: |
This 1200 hour program combines knowledge of massage therapy with specific instruction in health related physical fitness. The massage therapy component addresses such areas as Swedish massage, human anatomy and physiology, hydrotherapy, and current allied modalities. The health-related fitness component of the program addresses the four entities of fitness: cardio-respiratory endurance, muscle strength, nutrition (body composition), and flexibility. Program prepares you to become licensed and certified in both disciplines allowing you to earn more revenue. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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Personal Fitness Trainer |
Locations: |
Costa Mesa, Orange County, California |
Description: |
The CNI College Fitness Trainer Program trains students to become personal trainers for entry-level positions or higher in the booming fitness industry, Graduates are qualified to be fitness instructors, exercise testing technicians, aerobic instructors, weight training coaches and personal fitness counselors. The course is designed to prepare students who may have been away from an academic environment for an extended amount of time, or those without a formal education in exercise science/physiology, strength and conditioning, physical therapy, or athletic training to take the NSCA-CPT certification exam. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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Program: |
Personal Trainer Program |
Locations: |
Denver, Colorado
Kansas City, Missouri.
Falls Church, Virginia
Fort Myers, Florida
Manassas, Virginia
Oklahoma City, OK |
Description: |
Personal trainer course includes classes that cover the business as well as the fitness aspects of a personal training career to make sure that students are fully prepared to make a living when they become personal trainers. Curriculum goes beyond most personal trainer certification programs to develop well-rounded professionals. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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Program: |
Personal Fitness Training Diploma |
Locations: |
Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah |
Description: |
This is a 10 month program which includes an intensive one week boot camp training with professionals in Las Vegas. Program includes over 300 hours of hands on lab work and covers all the basics to get you started working as a personal trainer. (Receive More Information) |
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Program: |
Health and Exercise Science Degrees: Associate in Applied Science Degree - 8 quarters or Bachelor of Science Degree - 15 quarters |
Locations: |
Utah locations: West Jordan,
Layton |
Description: |
Through practical application, lecture, and industry experience, students will become proficient in areas such as exercise program design, individual and group fitness, nutrition, sport-specific training, injury prevention, as well as management and marketing in the health and exercise industry. Graduates will be prepared to work with a variety of clients in multiple settings such as health clubs, wellness centers, recreation departments, equipment and supplement providers, clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers. They will possess the requisite skills to work with the general population, plus will also be qualified to work with people who possess special exercise/wellness needs. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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ATI Career Training Center |
Program: |
Personal Fitness Trainer Certification |
Locations: |
Miami and Fort Lauderdale , Florida |
Description: |
This short program available from ATI will prepare you to take the NSCA certification exam. The course also includes a week long intensive hands on boot camp to build your practical experience. ATI is one of the few courses that does not require a high school diploma.
To receive more information about this program, click on your desired location above. |
School: |
Branford Hall Career Institute |
Program: |
Personal Fitness Trainer Diploma |
Locations: |
Brandord, CT
Southington, CT
Windsor, CT,
Springfield, MA |
Description: |
Graduates will be able to perform a variety of exercise related assessments and tests, design safe and effective exercise programs, support nutrition and activity in healthy lifestyles and be proficient in a variety of business related skills. Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will be included in this program. Successful completers of the program are prepared to sit for two national certifications. To receive information about this program, click your location above. |
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Program: |
Fitness Training and Wellness Program |
Locations: |
Lawrence, KS
Kansas City, Missouri
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Description: |
MTTI has expanded its traditional massage curriculum to now include a personal training and wellness certification. The six month hands-on program can be completed in six months by attending two days per week or using a nights and weekends option. The Program features a double certification as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), and includes extensive, supportive training in wellness, nutrition and other longevity enhancement practices. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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Program: |
Sports Medicine Technologist |
Locations: |
San Diego, Orange and Riverside, California |
Description: |
This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to enter the field of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Course includes training in the arenas of physical therapy and physical fitness. Medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology are emphasized as well as First Aid, CPR, taping, & nutrition. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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Program: |
Health & Exercise Science: Associate in Applied Science Degree |
Locations: |
Duluth, Minnesota |
Description: |
The program's objectives are to prepare graduates for employment opportunities in an industry that encompasses recreation, rehabilitation, movement development, athletics, exercise and fitness. An A.A.S. degree will provide evidence of competencies in communications, social sciences, humanities and fine arts, analytical and inferential reasoning, and computational skills, as well as the ability to learn on one's own. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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Program: |
Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Athletic Trainer |
Locations: |
Los Angeles, California (Get Free Info Pack)
Sacramento, California (Get Free Info Pack) |
Description: |
Includes in-depth knowledge of health and fitness emphasizing personal training, nutrition and weight management. Graduates will benefit from the increased revenue streams available because they are able to offer clients such broad range of wellness services.
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Program: |
Massage Therapy and Personal Training Program |
Locations: |
New Jersey locations: Pompton Lakes,
Red Bank,
Newark,
Morristown,
Brown Mills,
Toms River |
Description: |
800 hour combination program includes extensive knowledge in the art and science of human movement, nutrition, exercise and bodywork. You will also have the ability to perform massage for wellness and sports, the testing skills to assess a client's state of fitness, and the knowledge and practical experience to recommend and implement a safe fitness, nutritional, weight management and wellness program in a variety of settings.
(Get Free Info Pack) |
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Program: |
Personal Trainer Program |
Locations: |
California Locations: Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Ventura, Bakersfield |
Description: |
Program covers a variety of exercise-related assessments and tests, design of safe and effective exercise programs, and implementing safe weight loss/gain programs. Santa Barbara Business College also teaches you to be proficient in a variety of business-related skills for work in a fitness center, corporate gym or your own personal training business. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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Program: |
Personal Trainer Certification |
Locations: |
Kansas City, Missouri and Lawrence, Kansas |
Description: |
Ten month personal trainer school covers a variety of exercise-related assessments and tests, design safe and effective exercise programs, implement safe weight loss/gain programs and be proficient in a variety of business-related skills for work in a fitness center, corporate gym or your own personal training business. Program includes a one week boot camp in Las Vegas to work with professional trainers. (Get Free Info Pack) An online learning version is described at the top of the listings. |
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Program: |
Personal Trainer Diploma, credits also apply toward Exercise Specialist Occupational Associate degree program |
Locations: |
Springfield, Missouri and Rogers, Arkansas |
Description: |
This 60 week diploma program covers biomechanics, and biomechanical and exercise physiology, as well as learn techniques in office management, records management, lifestyle and health, nutrition, athletic training, psychology, and sports medicine. Some credits can be taken as online classes. (Receive More Information) |
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Program: |
Fitness Technician Program |
Locations: |
Phoenix AZ, Tucson AZ, Albuquerque, NM |
Description: |
This short program offering flexible training hours is a fast track to becoming a personal trainer. Fitness careers are the 2nd fastest growing career in New Mexico making this a very popular program. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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Program: |
Personal Training Program |
Locations: |
New York City, Lower Manhattan |
Description: |
The American Academy of Personal Training's program puts a heavy emphasis on practical hands-on learning. The 260 hour course can be completed in 3 months or 6 months and includes a weekend only option for people who may need to travel into the city. New courses start monthly. (Get Free Info Pack) |
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Program: |
Personal Trainer Certification |
Locations: |
Brownsville and McAllen , TX |
Description: |
The Personal Fitness Certification Preparation is designed to prepare you for the nationally recognized NASM-CPT exam. Program covers Fitness Assessment & Exercise Technique, Fitness Program Development, Fundamentals of Human Movement Science, Nutrition, CPR Certification and Professional Development. (Get Free Info Pack) |
School: |
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Program: |
Exercise Science and Wellness Program |
Locations: |
Moorhead, MN |
Description: |
The exercise science and wellness degree program provides solid preparation for a career in personal training or spa management. Average class science is 17 students which gives lots of practical hands on training. (Receive More Information) |
School: |
Lake Superior State University |
Program: |
Associates Degree in Personal Fitness Trainer or Exercise Test Technologist |
Locations: |
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan |
Description: |
This degree prepares you for entry-level positions in the health and fitness industry. Specific course work and experiences prepare you to be certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as an Exercise Leader or an Exercise Test technologist, as well as certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Personal Trainer. Students develop fitness assessment skills with current technologies employed for anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic functioning. |
School: |
School of Exercise Training and Science |
Program: |
Personal Trainer |
Locations: |
Phoenix, AZ |
Description: |
300 hour program leading to NSCA certification. Licensed and approved by the state of Arizona. Curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise technique, personal training principles and guidelines, client consultation and assessment, exercise psychology, nutrition and weight management, and business planning and management. (Get Free Info Pack) |
School: |
Virginia College |
Program: |
Personal Fitness Trainer degree |
Locations: |
Birmingham, Alabama |
Description: |
The program covers all the essential components that lead you to a career as a qualified fitness professional. You'll learn anatomy, including the inter-relationship between bones and skeletal muscles, plus gain a basic understanding of metabolic pathways and homeostasis. You'll be able to design training regimens for aerobic and anaerobic exercise. You'll also learn the business side of being a personal fitness trainer. Includes 120 hours of professionally-supervised on-the-job training. |
School: |
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences |
Program: |
Graduate in Physical Education, Health and Fitness, Physical Education and Health |
Locations: |
Mesa, Arizona |
Description: |
Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses, particularly in the orthopedic and musculoskeletal disciplines. Post-professional athletic training education prepares individuals for advanced clinical practice, and research and scholarship, in order to enhance the quality of patient care, optimize patient outcomes, and improve population health. |
School: |
Chatham Online |
Program: |
Graduate, Certificate, Undergraduate in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Health and Fitness, Physical Education and Health |
Locations: |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
Description: |
The exercise science major prepares students for professional practice in a variety of fields including exercise physiology, exercise and fitness training, hospital-based and corporate wellness programming, and sports medicine, as well as preparation for graduate study in physical therapy, medicine, and other health science programs. |
School: |
Robert Morris College (RMC) |
Program: |
Undergraduate in Physical Education, Health and Fitness, Sport and Fitness Management. Associates Degree in Fitness and Exercise. |
Locations: |
Chicago, Illinois |
Description: |
Rigorous training combined with academics will prepare you for a wide range of exciting career opportunities that support both the mind and body. Emphasis is placed on key concepts for designing and conducting fitness programs, exercise science theory and training principles. |
School: |
Minnesota School of Business |
Program: |
Certificate Health Fitness Specialist. Undergraduate in Physical Education, Health and Fitness, Kinesiology and Exercise Science. |
Locations: |
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota |
Description: |
Provides the student with the knowledge, technical skills and work habits required for entry level positions in the health, fitness and wellness industry, and to provide the student with the skills necessary for career advancement. |
School: |
York College |
Program: |
Bachelors degree, Sports Management |
Locations: |
York, Pennsylvania |
Description: |
The program recognizes the varied career opportunities in the field of sport and prepares students by requiring them to take courses reflective of the breadth of the sport management field. |
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