What degree do you need to be a personal trainer?

Bethel University, for example, offers a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. Students pursuing this major take courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, sociology, and psychology and then progress to more specific training in injury prevention, emergency care, nutrition, and principles of rehabilitation.

Although graduate degrees are not particularly common among fitness trainers, there are programs available for those who would like to pursue doctorate or master's degrees. In both research and practical application, these programs focus on three main areas: exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and biomechanics.

Students of this program are frequently involved in presenting research at prestigious national meetings and also contribute regularly to professional research journals.

Alternatively, if you are 18 years old and have a high school diploma, you can begin certification with a company that offers personal training certificates. The beauty of this profession is that you do not have to have specific experience or college education in order to get certified.

The only requirement is that you pass a standard test that challenges your knowledge on how to use training to keep people safe while progressing with their goals.

There are a number of organizations that you can find online that offer nationally certified personal training courses. Make sure to choose one that offers a wide variety of courses, has a good reputation, and allows you to test online if convenience is important to you.

Once you have found the perfect personal training certification for you, you will need to pay a fee and get the study materials. Some materials will need to be sent to you, and others can be downloaded immediately for your review.

Some people can get through material very quickly depending on their personal schedule, while others will need more time as they juggle other responsibilities. It could take anywhere from hours to weeks to months.

You will also need to factor in the testing process. Some organizations will require your physical presence, while other organizations will allow you to take the exam online and get your results.

There can be a big difference in time to get certified depending on the organization's testing process and whether you need to schedule a time and date in advance or simply take the test over an hour and get your results. In any case, once you take the test, you will get results and be certified immediately from this date.