Personal Fitness Trainer: How To Become A PFT In 4 Steps
Demand for personal fitness trainers is rising across the United States. This increase can largely be attributed to a growing interest in achieving healthier lifestyles as more people become aware of the negative effects of chronic illnesses caused by obesity. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 8 percent growth in employment of fitness trainers between 2014 and 2014. This should account for 23,400 new jobs across the US.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a personal fitness trainer, this week’s blog article is for you. Keep reading to find out how to become a PFT (personal fitness trainer) in 4 steps.
1. Find A Good Training Program
Once you have decided that you want to become a personal trainer, the first thing you should do is find a qualified training program. While there are many PFT training programs out there, the list shortens quickly when you narrow you take accreditation into account.
A school achieves accreditation by demonstrating that it meets the standards of a respected third-party accrediting body. These accrediting bodies review schools for the quality of their training programs, equipment, and instructors. They also take into account graduation rates and job placement rates. Accreditation helps ensure that you receive a high-quality education that will help you in your new career.
ATI has been accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) since 2009.
2. Enroll, Study, Graduate
Once you have selected a personal fitness trainer program, you will want to enroll as soon as you are able to. Some schools only offer one or two start dates a year. Here at ATI, we have a number of Personal Fitness Trainer program start dates throughout the year so you can begin your studies at a time that is convenient for you.
Of course, once you start your CPT classes you are going to want to study hard to prepare for your certification test and working in the real world. At ATI, we offer tutoring to those who need it because we are committed to helping you succeed. If you find that you need assistance during your time at ATI, the Director of Education will help schedule tutoring services for you.
3. Register For & Take Your Certification Exam
Once you complete your personal fitness trainer studies, you will be ready to sit for your certification exam. While there are several certification exams you can take, we recommend the NASM certification exam. NASM stands for National Academy of Sports Medicine and it is one of the most respected names in the industry. In addition, ATI is a NASM Academic Partner, which means our curriculum is designed specifically for their certification exam!
Once you pass the NASM, you will officially be a NASM certified personal trainer!
4. Find A Job
Once you are officially a NASM certified personal trainer, you will be ready to find a job in the field. Luckily, if you attend ATI you will receive assistance in your job search. Our Career Services Department is committed to helping our graduates find work in their field of study after program completion.
There are many places you might find work as a personal fitness trainer. Some of those include:
- Health and fitness club
- Specialty studio
- Medical fitness facility
- Recreation center
- And more
You even have the option to branch out on your own. There are many options to choose from!
And You’re All Set!
There you have it: how to become a certified personal trainer in 4 steps! For more information about our Personal Fitness Trainer program, feel free to give us a call. Our admissions representatives will be happy to hear from you. And follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop about what’s going on at ATI!