What type of education to be a PT??

[ncworkingit]

Hi,
New to the site...first post. I have been reading the many informative threads...good stuff

I am just thinking about the career change and researched the certs etc. I am more interested in what training/education is best to have under my belt?? Are the PT programs at colleges good? Is there one better then the other. Do you think it is a good idea to go thru the training programs? I was checking out UCSD extention program...any thoughts?? I have my personal gym experience but really that is it? Any suggestions would be
appreciatedTIA

[ironwings]

The first step is to really think about how you want to get involved in the fitness industry. What role do you want to play? Work for a gym or wellness company or start something new? Are you best at working one on one with others or do you think education would be better suited for you? What target audience do you want to work with? (you don't need to answer those here - just food to chew on) Those are things you should consider before deciding what type of education to get. Go with a nationally accredited association - do your research and choose something that feels right to you. Look at other trainers (assuming that is what you want to do) in your area and find out what they have. That would be a start. I don't know anything about the UCSD program as I'm on the east coast but again - choose something that feels right to you and consult with other trainers/fitness professionals in your area if that is where you want to stay and work. Not sure if you have the opportunity to do this or not but if you are wanting to train in a gym I would suggest going ahead and getting a job in a local facility. This will get you in the environment, allow you to watch other trainers, and get to know the ins and outs. Let your employer know what you are doing and they will help - you'll find the fitness industry is one of recruitment!

Good luck

[ncworkingit]

Thanks ironwings for the good suggestions It looks like the UCSD program is a good start and the professors/teachers are all in the fitness industry...which makes me think good contacts for the future. Thanks again! Anyone else...suggestions/thoughts are really appreciated

[Edmund]

I decided I'm going to go to the local college, they have an intense course there with long days. You spend alot of time in a local gym with the teacher. The last week of the test we take the state exam. Not sure where I will end up with being a PT yet but I'll figure that out.

I've worked out since I was 13 in a bunch of different gyms, I'm 45 now. I'd be better training one on one I think.

I have worked in retail all of my life and it so sucks.

Ironwings, awesome advice! You helped me out with a few things, thanks.

[nmcqueen469]

I got a bachelors in Health and Kinesiology. Graduated two years ago and just recently got my PT certification. The certification course was a piece of cake after you spend the time (and $$$) to get an education. I had the opportunity to spend 4 years soaking up all the knowledge I could in school so retention was great, and about 90% of the material covered on the certification exam I already had knowledge of. Some of the certification courses can be overwhelming due to the amount of information contained in them, which is why I feel I had a leg up on most going through the certification course. Just my personal experience.

[kasers]

Quote posted by ironwings The first step is to really think about how you want to get involved in the fitness industry. What role do you want to play? Work for a gym or wellness company or start something new? Are you best at working one on one with others or do you think education would be better suited for you? What target audience do you want to work with? (you don't need to answer those here - just food to chew on) Those are things you should consider before deciding what type of education to get. Go with a nationally accredited association - do your research and choose something that feels right to you. Look at other trainers (assuming that is what you want to do) in your area and find out what they have. That would be a start. I don't know anything about the UCSD program as I'm on the east coast but again - choose something that feels right to you and consult with other trainers/fitness professionals in your area if that is where you want to stay and work. Not sure if you have the opportunity to do this or not but if you are wanting to train in a gym I would suggest going ahead and getting a job in a local facility. This will get you in the environment, allow you to watch other trainers, and get to know the ins and outs. Let your employer know what you are doing and they will help - you'll find the fitness industry is one of recruitment! Good luck

Yeah the amount of education you need in the beginning varies depending on the person, but this was good advice -