
NASM Certified Personal Trainer Course
Prepare for NASM personal trainer certificate Online
As individuals, employers and health organizations become more aware of the role physical
fitness plays in health and longevity, career opportunities for personal trainers
are on the rise. Certifications such as those offered by the National Academy of Sports
Medicine (NASM) can provide an efficient route to a personal trainer career. This
100% online course will provide you with the health, fitness, nutrition, and human
movement knowledge needed to earn the NASM's Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential.
“When I became a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, I was able to create new training programs, add new clients, and even partner with Onelife Fitness as an Athletic Performance Coach.”
- Timm C., NASM Certified Personal Trainer student
Job Outlook for Personal Trainers
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists career opportunities for fitness trainers
and instructors among its top choices between now and 2028. Jobs are expected to grow
by 13%, over twice the expected growth rate for jobs overall.
According to Salary.com, personal trainers in the US earn on average $61,223 per year. The site notes that a personal trainer's income can depend on a wide variety of factors, but expects the amount to range between $44,190 and $75,214.
The BLS analysis also anticipates improvements in fitness technology, fitness-related
employment benefits, and changing demographics to enhance career opportunities for
personal trainers.
Certified Personal Trainer FAQs
HOW DO PERSONAL TRAINERS HELP THEIR CLIENTS?
Personal trainers provide information, motivation and guidance for individuals and groups who want to maintain or improve their health. Personal trainers may address diet and nutrition, exercise and mental and emotional wellbeing as part of their regimes. Many personal trainers work with individual clients, while others affiliate with health-related organizations.
IS CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT FOR A PERSONAL TRAINING CAREER?
Yes. Certification is extremely important due to the close working relationship with clients, their health and their physical abilities. This requires domain-expert knowledge as well as discretion and trustworthiness. Earning a certification such as the NASM's CPT indicates to clients, prospective employers, and partners that a personal trainer meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.
WHERE DO PERSONAL TRAINERS WORK?
Personal trainers may work in private or public settings. Some work in clients' homes or private offices. Others are affiliated with health clubs, clinics or sports-related groups and facilities. Still others may work in hospitals, retirement communities, or other group settings.
DO PERSONAL TRAINERS ENJOY THEIR WORK?
According to CareerExplorer.com, personal trainers' job satisfaction rates in the
top third of all professions. Along with golf pros, private detectives and florists,
personal trainers generally enjoy high levels of job satisfaction.
Course Objectives
- Prepare to take and pass the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam
- Master health and fitness topics, including nutrition, program design, human movement science, and fitness assessments
- Learn and practice teaching, customer service, and first aid skills
- Develop organizational and communication skills
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course.
Curriculum
- INTRODUCTION AND RESISTANCE TRAINING CONCEPTS
Physical activity guidelines as they relate to the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model - HUMAN MOVEMENT ASSESSMENTS/FITNESS TESTING AND EVALUATION
Major muscles and their functions; subjective, objective and performance assessments - CONCEPTS OF INTEGRATED TRAINING - FLEXIBILITY, CARDIORESPIRATORY AND CORE
Principles of human movement and flexibility; benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness and Proper exercise techniques - CONCEPTS OF INTEGRATED TRAINING - BALANCE, PLYOMETRIC AND SAQ
Training concepts, including balance, plyometric (reactive) and speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) - DESIGN OF FITNESS PROGRAMS AND MODALITIES
Program design using the OPT model; acute training variables and exercise modalities - HUMAN MOVEMENT SCIENCE/EXERCISE MODALITIES AND TECHNIQUE
Structure and function of the human body; functions of anatomy and physiology during exercise - SPECIAL POPULATIONS, NUTRITION, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Program design adaptations for individuals with health impairments or physical conditions - CERTIFICATION EXAM PREPARATION
Test taking strategies, practice exam; review NASM's standards of professional practice as a professional fitness trainer
Instructors
This is a self-paced course. However, support will be provided through email, online
forms and phone.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
Questions? Call toll-free 1-888-336-3907, email eiccinfo@eicc.edu or contact the college nearest you and ask to speak to an advisor.
- Clinton Community College, 563-244-7000
- Muscatine Community College, 563-288-6000
- Scott Community College, 563-441-4000
It is the policy of Eastern Iowa Community College District not to discriminate in
its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual
or potential family, parental or marital status, as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6
and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and
2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational
Amendments, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.
§ 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et
seq.). If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy,
please contact Debora J. Sullivan, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Equity Coordinator,
Eastern Iowa Community College District, 101 West Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801,
563-336-3487, djsullivan@eicc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights,
U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-7204, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576, OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.