BA vs. Reg. Certification - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[SpartacusJCE]

Hey guys so I've been thinking about becoming a personal trainer for a while now but I've been wondering which would be a better route to take. Going to school for 4 years and getting a Bachelor's in Health and Human Performance and getting certified through the Board of Certification (BOC) or going with something like ACE or NASM or something like that which wouldn't take near as long or as much money. Is it really practical to get all that education through school or do you have just about the same job opportunities and make about the same amount of money? Thanks a lot for the help everyone!!!

[ceaser12]

Knowledge is power in our field!! I went ahead and got my bachelor in the field along with other certifications. I am glad I did, because it gave me other opportunities in the field besides personal training. I also think in the facility that I train, clients trust my judgement more than the trainers with other certifications. Not that I always agree! I know trainers who have these certifications who are constantly doing research and know just as much about the field as I do, but the reality is people like alphabet soup behind your name, and it does bring a certain level of confidence. Hope this helps!

[megfit]

You have to ask yourself what is your ultimate goal. What do you want to be doing in 10+ years from now? If you do NOT get your degree, will you feel inadequate?

You can ALWAYS get your certifications and THEN go back to school, later! Many people do!
Grin; trust me, it's NEVER too late for school! I'm getting my MBA right now and went back to START it when I turned 50!!

Margie

[SpartacusJCE]

Thanks for the input guys....I'd definitely like some more as well (hint hint). But as for now I think I'm going to try for the school thing, I have nothing behind my name as of yet and know that it is a big deal to most other people whether it really means more know-how or not...I know quite a few stupid alphabet soup type people lol. Thanks again and keep em comin!

[Christina]

Personally, I think you should go the education route and obtain your certification somewhere along the way.

I am thinking about enrolling in a Master's program in Health and Human Performance and I am excited about what I am going to learn. You can never learn too much.

Christina