Personal training is one of the most rapidly expanding fields in the health industry today.  As personal fitness awareness grows, so do the number of fitness centers or individual clients in need of a qualified personal trainer.  The number of jobs in this field alone is expected to grow by nearly thirty percent over the next few years, so making the move to a personal training career is an investment in your future.  Most health gyms require certification from an accredited institution before they will even consider hiring a trainer, so it is vital to receive the proper health personal training degree if you plan to begin this exciting career.

Many schools offer associate's or bachelor's degrees in the personal training field.  Some extend the level of education either further by offering a master's degree, but most gyms or fitness centers do not require a master's to gain employment with them.  The most common health personal training degree is available through a two year associate degree program.  Completion of this program allows graduates to advance to employment in many fitness centers, physical education teachers, corporate fitness consultant, or for themselves by visiting individual clients.  These degrees are also the first step towards continuing an education and gaining a bachelor's degree.

If a student decides to continue their personal training education, they can study to earn a personal trainer bachelor's degree.  These more advanced degrees allow the personal trainer to help work with sports teams or athletes, overseeing specific exercise routines.  Alternately, they may work as specialists in weight loss programs or as personal trainers for a variety of institutions.  The bachelor's degree program entails a total of four years worth of education with a focus on wellness, human anatomy, overall physical fitness, nutrition, and much more.  A personal trainer bachelor degree will give any personal trainer a great advantage over one with merely an associate's degree, and can increase salaries and employment opportunities.

After earning a health personal training degree, the final step is to become certified.  Most employers require their personal trainers to be certified.  Thankfully, this is an easy step.  Numerous health and fitness organizations offer certification programs.  The certification process usually requires prospective personal trainers to be certified in AED and CPR, and to pass a written exam.  In most cases, CPR and AED live tests will be administered to ensure that the applicant is qualified to perform the skills.  After these simple requirements are met, the certification will be issued and you will be on your way towards an exciting new career.

With so many different options for employment, it is not surprising that thousands of people are making the steps towards becoming personal trainers.  With a few years of education and a willingness to help others reach their fitness goals, a career as a personal trainer is a great way to ensure your future.  With an average salary approaching thirty thousand dollars and employment growth projected to continue to grow, earning a health personal training degree will guarantee a great start towards an exciting and fulfilling career.