Do you need a Degree?

[Buell08]

ok, so ive made up my mind that this is something im going to do. (become a PT). and ive read a lot of threads on this forum, and want to know, besides your certification, do you need a degree? or at least how much would it help when looking for employers. and what exactly are they looking for? thanks a lot for helping me out. im pretty excited.

[dshinton]

This is kind of a hot button topic in the industry right now

To answer your question, no; you do not need a degree. However, There is a lot more to learn than what is presented in the certification materials. Most trainers today gain this additional knowledge through years of experience, reading books, and reviewing trade magazines. Getting a degree can accelerate this knowledge and, IMHO, give you a more well rounded and accurate view of training since a degree program will make you study things you probably wouldn't have on your own while keeping the broscience out of the equation.

If you want to pursue a degree, I would suggest you look for colleges that offer programs in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Biomechanics.

[Buell08]

yea, im sure sure a degree couldnt hurt. im already planning on going to school for it. but also trying to think of a job that i can get, while in school, that will help me, or be a good reference when applying for a PT somewere. any suggestions?

[bigfrog]

I worked at the college as a PT/staff/kid's fitness instructor while getting an Exercise Science degree. Good luck..

[kserajuddin]

Originally Posted by Buell08

ok, so ive made up my mind that this is something im going to do. (become a PT). and ive read a lot of threads on this forum, and want to know, besides your certification, do you need a degree? or at least how much would it help when looking for employers. and what exactly are they looking for? thanks a lot for helping me out. im pretty excited.

Congrats on choosing a great profession man! Yeah a degree always gives you credibility, but you should for sure get started before then - Get your cert and start training - have fun with it, and by the time you do get your degree, you'll have a ton of experience under your belt - Hard to compete with that -

[rdouble79]

Yeah i too have been thinking of pursing a degree in Exercise Science. A school near me has a B.S. program in Kinesiology. Throughout my adult life i have had many jobs but never been satisfied it was always about making good money. But now i have come to the realization that a career should be something that you love to do. Fortunately my wife is a R. N. so that will take a large load off financially. I am just love working out and helping others to achieve their fitness goals so much that i wanna do this as a career. I understand that at first it will be tough gaining clientele and experience but for those of you who have been doing this for some time im sure it is beginning to pay off. I figure if im good at what i do the money will come anyway. Should i go the Bachelors route or just get certified. Im thinking a B.S. will make me that much more marketable. Any advice?

[WannaBeAthlete]

I'm working on my M.S., anyhow...no, definitely don't need a degree if you're only going for PT work.

[GuiYoM]

It doesn't hurt for sure but its not an obligation, you don't learn THAT munch during a degree. Most people i've seen doesn't know more than I do.

If you want to be in rehabilitation buisness get a degree, if not, forget it, waste of time.

My 0.02.

[rdouble79]

Thanks for the replies fellas. There's an open house at NPTI this weekend that i plan to attend and check out.

[Nicolas_Hart]

There is no requirement to complete an exercise science degree (or equivalent). As one person has expressed, it is a good decision to complete your certifications (in order to start working in the industry), while concurrently completing a degree.

While degree's are not necessary for personal training - by completing a degree you open up many more employment opportunities and career pathways for yourself... and it's always a good accomplishment to improve your knowledge base.

[Nicolas_Hart]

Originally Posted by GuiYoM

It doesn't hurt for sure but its not an obligation, you don't learn THAT munch during a degree. Most people i've seen doesn't know more than I do.

If you want to be in rehabilitation buisness get a degree, if not, forget it, waste of time.

My 0.02.

I'm going to disagree with you.

If you've never completed a degree then you do not have the foundation to make such a statement. Many people who have completed degree's, also have the equivalent certifications that the original poster is aiming to achieve. Their belief that a degree is greatly beneficial (though not necessary) is absolutely correct.

Though, to state that a degree is a 'waste of time' is rather inaccurate.

[kserajuddin]

Originally Posted by rdouble79

Yeah i too have been thinking of pursing a degree in Exercise Science. A school near me has a B.S. program in Kinesiology. Throughout my adult life i have had many jobs but never been satisfied it was always about making good money. But now i have come to the realization that a career should be something that you love to do. Fortunately my wife is a R. N. so that will take a large load off financially. I am just love working out and helping others to achieve their fitness goals so much that i wanna do this as a career. I understand that at first it will be tough gaining clientele and experience but for those of you who have been doing this for some time im sure it is beginning to pay off. I figure if im good at what i do the money will come anyway. Should i go the Bachelors route or just get certified. Im thinking a B.S. will make me that much more marketable. Any advice?

I think you should just get certified and starting training as soon as possible - Clients value good training and experience more than a degree -

You should read my free reports - http://super-trainer.com/reports

They'll put you WAY ahead of other trainers as far as marketing and the mindset a personal trainer should have.

[bigfrog]

Originally Posted by Nicolas_Hart

I'm going to disagree with you.

If you've never completed a degree then you do not have the foundation to make such a statement. Many people who have completed degree's, also have the equivalent certifications that the original poster is aiming to achieve. Their belief that a degree is greatly beneficial (though not necessary) is absolutely correct.

Though, to state that a degree is a 'waste of time' is rather inaccurate.

Repped...

[Vipersg123]

some certifications require a degree in a related field... but most do not. If you plan to work your way into the business and you are young, IMO get a degree and you will know more than a large majority (as far as the science aspect goes)

[TheBigEasy007]

Im also thinking about becoming a PT. But also looking into the physical therapy field and PE Teacher. Gonna have to wait till I get out of the military.

[labradarep]

If you are not going to pursue a degree my advice to you is to learn Human anatomy & physiology ias best as you can. It will be invaluable in the long haul & allow you to make informed decisions.

Also attend continuing education courses & stay up to date ( If you want to be the best then learn/ mentor with the best)

Best of Luck!!!

[SRLift]

As posted earlier, most do not require a degree but some do (NSCA CSCS for example). It definitely can't hurt though. I completed my coursework in Exercise Science and that is where the bulk of my knowledge comes from when working with clients

[kserajuddin]

Originally Posted by labradarep

If you are not going to pursue a degree my advice to you is to learn Human anatomy & physiology ias best as you can. It will be invaluable in the long haul & allow you to make informed decisions.


Best of Luck!!!

For sure - The internet's got ton's of great blogs out there to stay up to date on the latest research, etc. Clients definitely value trainers who are on top of their knowledge of the human body and how it relates to their health -

[MrCKD]

Not necessary, but it helps