how helpful is a college degree?

[gettnthere]

I want to work with high caliber personal training for a profession. Helping alot of people improve their life and wellbeing and do real well for myself at the same time. I'm going to pennstate to major in exercise science and i was wondering how much that will really help me out.

[catheitz]

at BS doesn't make you a good trainer but a good trainer always wants to gain more knowledge and learn especially about their profession and field. it can't hurt but is it totally necessary? i dont' think so but there are those who will certainly beg to differ. it think it depends on your knowledge base and background- i don't think someone with no education on anatomy or what the exercise science program consist of should be training but i don't think you need to have a diploma to know it, etc.

[nads786]

at BS doesn't make you a good trainer but a good trainer always wants to gain more knowledge and learn especially about their profession and field. it can't hurt but is it totally necessary? i dont' think so but there are those who will certainly beg to differ. it think it depends on your knowledge base and background- i don't think someone with no education on anatomy or what the exercise science program consist of should be training but i don't think you need to have a diploma to know it, etc.

while i do agree with you

IMO unless at 17 you know for sure you will love being a trainer and always want to be a trainer, a degree would be a good idea because it can be a backup plan

[carl.c]

I will say that a degree is needed to be a personal trainer. Althought there are poeple on this sight that are as good or better then someone with a degree but they are the exception not the rule.

[bigfrog]

I have looked at some PT certs that give the answers to be certified. I don't trust people that don't hold a national cert or degree. I myself prefer college degreed people when I do business outside my field. Ex: I wouldn't go to a local Choir Director when I need a Speech Pathologist after a stroke.

Yes, that's an extreme case. But think about it. Would you want to trust your body to a "know it all" or someone that actually put in the effort to help others.

There are exceptions as mentioned, but what do you want? I want a professional.

[TheManofSteel]

If this (health & fitness) which you know you are going to do your whole life, I believe it to be a necessity to get a college degree. Mostly because the degree will help you move onto other fields if you move on from personal training.

The knowledge you gain from actually going to classes over a longer time period I believes help you. Some people may not do well studying for a PT cert on their own or through classes.

I believe taking electives and some liberal arts while at college, will greatly benefit you. Included but not limited to: psychology, oral communication, and business. All these will help you within your own profession.

As stated before, you can earn a college degree and be a crappy trainer. A great trainer may not have a college degree. HOWEVER, would I more readily trust a PT with a degree; YES. Do I think it would greater benefit you in the long run; YES.

[DeezNuutz]

Wont help you make money and eat! If you're to spend time in college getting a degree, get it in finance or something.
You want to be a good trainer prove yourself by getting clients and making people improve their quality of life. They don't teach you that in college. (yes I have a degree btw).
Get tons of people skills or "soft skills" (for those of higher ed) and make yourself valuable. PT is a business. The only thing that helps you get clients and retain them is know what you're talking about, apply what you're talking about and MAKE others understand so they know what they're talking about.

[DeezNuutz]

OH and DAMN, you're a big 17 year old. Keep it up.

[kserajuddin]

You want to be a good trainer prove yourself by getting clients and making people improve their quality of life. They don't teach you that in college. (yes I have a degree btw).
Get tons of people skills or "soft skills" (for those of higher ed) and make yourself valuable. PT is a business.

A degree can never hurt you - but is not the deciding factor in what's going to make or break you. Neither is your certification for that matter.

People skills, excellent marketing, a good reputation, and a passion for fitness go a long way!

[blapblapblow]

College degree is not needed. Don't waste your money on a degree thinking it's going to make you any better

[Al Shades]

I want to work with high caliber personal training for a profession. Helping alot of people improve their life and wellbeing and do real well for myself at the same time. I'm going to pennstate to major in exercise science and i was wondering how much that will really help me out.

Not particularly helpful at all.

[Eric-B]

I'll have my bachelors in ex phys in the spring. Even if it does nothing for me, I found that the course material really helped make the NSCA test prep a lot easier. It was basically a review of everything I had learned in class. There's also a lot of other things that you can do with an exercise science degree if you end up changing your career path. It's always nice to have options.

With that said, it's not necessary. If you are really set on personal training and going to college, then you might also think about majoring in business. I've taken a lot of business electives just to get a basic idea of how to run things.

[carl.c]

blapblapblow:When are you going to take up the challenge put to you?? I know its easy to sit here and run your mouth but why not put thoughs of us with degrees and certs to shame with your vast knowledge. I personaly think you are just a little toll that gets his jollies shooting off his mouth.

[3kgtjunkie]

a degree is super helpful but not necessary. most cert. tests r like a basic rundown of biomechanics and a&p. my first semester of core studies was harder so passin the test was a breeze

[blapblapblow]

blapblapblow:When are you going to take up the challenge put to you?? I know its easy to sit here and run your mouth but why not put thoughs of us with degrees and certs to shame with your vast knowledge. I personaly think you are just a little toll that gets his jollies shooting off his mouth.

U mad? Need a hug?

As stated, a degree is not needed.

[bigfrog]

blapblapblow:When are you going to take up the challenge put to you?? I know its easy to sit here and run your mouth but why not put thoughs of us with degrees and certs to shame with your vast knowledge. I personaly think you are just a little toll that gets his jollies shooting off his mouth.

Ignore him. Getting into a forum fight with a troll is like arguing with a moron. People can't tell the difference.

[starterz]

Ignore him. Getting into a forum fight with a troll is like arguing with a moron. People can't tell the difference.

5'5" at 115

[bigfrog]

5'5" at 115

Yep. Quadriplegic.

[Griff79]

G,

If you do not get a degree you will regret it. It is the minimum level of education expected now days. Getting post graduate degrees are often desired.

Yes there are people who have had a great deal of success without a degree but they are the exception not the rule.

The advice give above on how to become a great trainer and build a business is valid but getting a degree opens doors that will remain closed to you if you do not get that diploma.

It is great that at 17 you are exploring your options; you will have several career changes and even many changes in the fields you work in. Get your degree it will afford you the greatest latitude in your career choices.

This is just a fact!

Griff