Some of the fundamental courses for personal trainers incorporate health and fitness on a variety of levels, including nutrition, first aid and anatomy and physiology. Special topics in teaching specific courses, such as weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, spinning and aerobics may also be part of a two or four year degree. More advanced courses may include biomechanics, exercise theory, fitness and health analysis and weight management. For undergraduate programs, top schools for kinesiology and exercise science include Westmont College, the University of Tulsa and Wheaton College.
According to the Education Portal, many employers who use personal trainers as part of their staff require continuing education credits to stay current with practices and updates in the field of exercise science. Different certifying and educating professional organizations include the American Council on Exercise, the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Fitness Professionals and Associates.
Advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate program in kinesiology, sports science or another related field, allows a student to gain more experience and specialization in an area of sports medicine related to personal training. A master's degree can include studies in muscle physiology and clinical biomechanics and prepares a student to become a sports scientist or an exercise specialist. According to Graduate-Schools PhDs, some of the top colleges with advanced degree programs include the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Georgia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
As previously mentioned, certificate programs for personal training should be associated either with the NCCA or the NFPT. That being said, there are a wide variety of programs that offer certification and training in personal training without having to spend two years acquiring an associate's degree. Programs include those offered through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Strength & Conditioning Association or the American College of Sports Medicine.