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How to Choose the Best Personal Training School 

Justin Harper

Published: | Last Updated:

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Personal training is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country right now. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% employment growth for fitness trainers and instructors from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 74,200 openings expected every year over the next decade.1 If you’re thinking about entering this field, the first big decision you’ll make is choosing where to get your education and certification.  

There are a lot of options out there, and the sheer number of schools can feel overwhelming. Here are the six most important things to look for when comparing personal training programs. 

1. It Fits Your Schedule

Whether you’re coming straight out of high school or already working full or part-time, your personal training education needs to work around your life, not the other way around. 

An online personal training school solves that problem. You get a complete education from home and can fit our education around your other obligations like your job and taking care of your family.   

2. It Teaches the Skills Employers Actually Want

The quality of what you learn matters just as much as the credential you earn. Look for a program that covers the full range of body science, including kinesiology, anatomy, and physiology. You’ll also want a strong business foundation so you can attract and keep clients. 

The best programs also teach you how to model a healthy lifestyle yourself, set realistic goals, and stay motivated over the long haul. Client screening, fitness assessments, and health evaluations are essential skills too.  

Don’t overlook soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and writing. These are the things that make you stand out in job interviews and help you run a successful training business if you want to go that route. 

3. It Gets You Certified

Most employers expect personal trainer candidates to hold a certification from a recognized organization. NASM is among the most widely required, though ACSM and NCSF are also well respected. 

Recommended: Personal Training Certifications Compared: Which One Is Right for You in 2026?

Look for a school that builds certification preparation directly into the curriculum, not as an add-on. At Bryan University, the cost of NASM certification is included in your program tuition, along with all courseware, technology, and books.

4. It Offers Personalized Learning

Everyone learns differently, and a good personal training school should account for that. Some online programs, including Bryan University, use adaptive learning technology that adjusts to how you’re absorbing material and where you need more support. 

As you move through the program, you’ll receive performance reports that show your progress over time. Personalized coaching and feedback highlight areas where you’re strong and flag where you might need to focus more effort. This kind of tailored support means you actually retain what you’re learning, which matters when you’re working with real clients. 

5. It Fits Your Budget

A personal training education is an investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting real value for what you spend. Look closely at what’s included in the tuition. Does it cover your certification exam costs? Are textbooks and course materials included? Are there any hidden fees? 

Bryan University offers two program pathways to match different goals and budgets. The Personal Trainer Undergraduate Certificate (PUTC) covers core personal training fundamentals.  

The Associate Degree in Applied Exercise and Fitness (AFIT) builds on that foundation with additional coursework in sales, motivational techniques, fitness program design for specialty populations, and extra certification preparation. Both include NASM certification costs, all courseware, and books in tuition. 

6. It Opens Doors to Higher Education

The right school doesn’t just get you into your first job. It sets you up to keep growing. If you complete the AFIT associate degree at Bryan University, you can continue on to a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Fitness, and Nutrition Management. That path adds the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) credential and deepens your skills in nutrition, anatomy, communication, sales, and customer service. 

Both the PTUC certificate and the AFIT associate degree connect seamlessly to the bachelor’s program. With a bachelor’s degree and multiple certifications, you become a much stronger candidate in a competitive job market. 

Recommended: Personal Trainer Certificate vs Certification: What’s the Difference?

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Personal Trainer?

The minimum requirement for most personal training jobs is a high school diploma or GED plus a recognized certification like NASM. That said, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree makes you more competitive, more credible, and more skilled. It also gives you more to put on your resume, both the degree itself and the range of practical skills you’ll develop along the way. 

Finding the Right Personal Training School for You

The personal training field is growing fast, and the demand for qualified, certified professionals is real. The school you choose will shape not just how quickly you get your certification but how prepared you are to build a lasting career. 

Look for a program that fits your schedule, teaches job-ready skills, includes your certification costs, and gives you the option to keep advancing. Those are the schools worth your time and investment.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a personal training school?

Focus on six key factors: a schedule that works for your life, a curriculum built around skills employers want, certification preparation included in the program, personalized and adaptive learning, a cost that fits your budget, and a clear path to higher education if you want to keep advancing. 

Do I need a degree to become a personal trainer?

Most personal training jobs require at minimum a high school diploma or GED plus a recognized certification such as NASM. Earning an associate or bachelor’s degree strengthens your candidacy, improves your skills, and makes you more competitive in the job market. 

What certifications should a personal trainer have?

NASM is one of the most widely recognized and required certifications in the field. ACSM and NCSF are also well respected. The right school will prepare you for at least one of these and include the exam cost in your tuition. 

Is personal training a growing career?

Yes. The BLS projects 12% employment growth for fitness trainers and instructors from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the national average. About 74,200 openings are expected every year over the next decade. 

Can I become a personal trainer online?

Yes. Accredited online programs offer the same quality of education as traditional campus programs, with the added flexibility of learning from home on your own schedule. At BU, our programs are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). 

What is the difference between a personal trainer certificate and an associate degree?

A certificate program focuses specifically on personal training fundamentals and gets you ready for certification quickly. An associate degree covers all of that plus additional coursework in areas like business, sales, and specialty population training. A degree also provides a stronger foundation if you want to continue to a bachelor’s program later. 

What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science?

A bachelor’s degree in exercise science, fitness, and nutrition management opens doors to more advanced roles in personal training, nutrition coaching, fitness management, and wellness program development. It also makes you eligible for additional certifications that can increase your earning potential. 

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Fitness Trainers and Instructors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm ↩︎

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