Step 1:
Is Personal Training
Right for Me?

Step 2:
Get Certified

Step 3:
Get the Job

Step 4:
Launch Your Business

Step 5:
Train Smarter

- Popular Pages -

Exam Prep Course

Complete Training System

Site Search

The Optimal Performance Institute

Program: Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degees in exercise, nutrition, and sports psychology

Location: World-wide distance learning

Description: Since 1995, OPI has been offering distance learning degree programs to students world-wide. You study where you are and interact mostly by computer. Success requires self-motivation. Our graduates are some of the most successful fitness entrepreneurs in the world. Free information is here www.opi.edu

Comments for The Optimal Performance Institute

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Rating

Optimal Performance Institute (OPI)
by: Andrew

I just recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Health and Fitness from OPI. The curriculum is almost completely online and self paced. I work a lot of crazy hours at the gym so this allowed to study when I got some downtime.The tuition cost is very competitive and they offer payment plans.

The curriculum uses several courses Through Human Kinetics. Some of theses classes actually prepare you for the NSCA's CSCS certification. Support is always available from the staff. It is very one on one.

I recommend this school for someone who is already a trainer and wants to step it up a notch and back up there certification with a degree. It is also good for those who want to work on an Associates in personal training.

I really enjoyed theses courses because they built on the basics of training and nutrition but at the next level. I also enjoy being able to distinguish myself from trainers who received a certification over a weekend. Certifications expire but a degree is forever.

Rating

BS Health & Fitness
by: Peter Rappoli

As a full-time personal trainer, I had four personal training certifications and two career diplomas. My diplomas were in fitness and nutrition. I decided that I needed additional credentials to gain a competitive edge in the health and fitness field. I found the ideal program at OPI. The staff was helpful in answering any questions I had along the way and the online courses made it a feasible option for my busy schedule. I am currently building a 30,000 square foot fitness facility that will employ a staff of approximately 40 personal trainers and administrative personnel. My education at OPI has enabled me to cultivate and train an exceptional staff that differentiates us from our competitors.

Rating

accreditation?
by: Anonymous

Do you think it matters that this is not an "officially" accredited school? They say they are accredited but it is not a recognized accreditation that I can tell, like a regional accreditation like most colleges have or accreditation through DETC for distance learning. Any comments about this?

Rating

Accreditation
by: John J. Farley, MA, PsyD, CH

Our students have brought this question to my attention and suggested that I respond directly.

In short, what we have found over the years is that when a person graduates from the Optimal Performance Institute with their degree, they are accepted in every employment opportunity available in the commercial fitness field.

When it comes to transferring credits between colleges, that is up to the individual school. Our ideal degree candidate is a person who wants to be successful in the commercial fitness industry. Fortunately, we attract business owners and those who want to climb the ladder in the health club business.

For more information contact Admin@opi.edu and ask about your specific situation.

What I have told prospective students now for more than 10 years is a lot like the advice for buying real estate: don't wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait.

The same it true for your college degree. The value of that degree will increase faster than your home values. The degree you have is an asset that will only increase your value in the marketplace.

Rating

Accreditation
by: Anonymous

When you say "Our ideal degree candidate is a person who wants to be successful in the commercial fitness industry.", does that include hospitals and clinics for nutrition? My interest is both in the fitness field as well as nutrition. Would hospitals and the like recognize this degree from a nutritional/dietician aspect?

Thanks!

Rating

Degree Uses
by: John J. Farley

Commericial fitness means, health clubs, studios, private teaching facilities, spas, resorts, YMCA's, etc.

Rating

Help
by: Anonymous

when I try to access the OPI.edu website it is unavailable. Please help me.

Rating

OPI is now Wexford University
by: Anonymous

OPI was purchased by Wexford University. Wexford University offers the same programs that were offered at OPI. Wexford University is affiliated with NESTA.

Rating

Think twice....
by: Andrew

Be aware that if you do a degree with Wexford that it is a post-secondary school and will NOT be accepted to work as a dietitian or for the federal government.

I attended OPI because I received a scholarship and I definitely value the education I received. Wexford and NESTA have some great courses and instructors but just make sure that a post-secondary degree is what you are looking for.

I had a hell of a time getting my credits accepted for my Master's but I eventually did. I couldn't even receive financial aid because they didn't recognize my BS. Remember, there are only six regional accrediting agencies in the US. The irony is that most of these folks teaching or running these colleges have legit accredited diplomas so why should you settle for something less.

I just want to make sure that no one wastes their time and money with something that might not benefit them in the long run. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Personal Trainer School Listings.

Optimal Performance Institute

As a full-time personal trainer, I had four personal training certifications and two career diplomas. My diplomas were in fitness and nutrition. I decided that I needed additional credentials to gain a competitive edge in the health and fitness field. I found the ideal program at OPI. The staff was helpful in answering any questions I had along the way and the online courses made it a feasible option for my busy schedule. I am currently building a 35,000 square foot fitness facility that will employ a staff of approximately 40 personal trainers and administrative personnel. My education at OPI has enabled me to cultivate and train an exceptional staff that differentiates us from our competitors.

- Peter Rappoli, B.S. – Co-owner Elite Health and Fitness, over 2,300 members and growing

Comments for Optimal Performance Institute

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Rating

just wondering
by: Bethany

Where are you located?

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Personal Trainer School Listings.