Looking for a career where you can stay fit and change lives? A professional fitness and personal training career provides both. It all starts with the right skills, knowledge and credentials, which Bryan University’s programs give you. We fast track you to success – so you can launch your career and start making a difference sooner.
Careers for health and fitness professionals, group exercise instructors, nutrition coaches, and personal trainers are projected to grow faster than average through the year 2029 at a rate of 8% or higher with projected job openings of 66,400 in the US.1
Preparing now means you’ll be ready for the jobs of the future.
Health and fitness professionals have a range of opportunities for employment such as:
In this growing industry, a diploma from Bryan University can put you on the path to a fulfilling career including:
The program at Bryan University in Personal Training provides you a broad range of skills. You’ll prepare for highly-regarded industry certifications and receive interactive learning experiences, live coaching and feedback, and hands-on health and fitness expertise.
The Personal Training program was designed based on current competencies outlined by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) so you can be assured of learning the skills employers demand.
As a student at Bryan University, you’ll gain extensive knowledge in our interactive classrooms from faculty who have real-world industry experience. Your courses will provide:
When you receive an accredited diploma from Bryan University coupled with the credibility of a personal trainer certification, you’re immediately prepared for the job market.
Your investment in a Bryan University education will open doors to new career opportunities and provide you the following benefits:
At Bryan University, we believe that success in the field of health and fitness training demands a different approach to education. That’s why we’re dedicated to building a more innovative, interactive learning environment that adapts to your unique needs and provides you with individual coaching and feedback.
For students choosing the Online learning option, you’ll receive:
For students living in Phoenix or the surrounding area, you'll have the option to attend our modern campus located in Tempe, Arizona. We invite you to visit our campus for a tour of the facilities, plus you'll have the opportunity to meet and speak with instructors. Please complete the Request Information form or call 888-768-6861 to learn more.
Once you complete your Personal Trainer Undergraduate Certificate (PTUC), you may consider continuing your education at the associate degree or bachelor’s degree level. Bryan University offers an Associate Degree in Applied Exercise and Fitness, as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science, Fitness, and Nutrition Management, developed in partnership with industry experts. All credits earned in the PTUC program fully transfer into these programs.
You’ll receive a dedicated career services advisor that provides job search assistance, job networking best practices, interview preparation, and helps you create an eye-catching resume.
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our consumer information page.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020-21 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm. Also see http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-9031.00.
2 Example occupations shown herein do not imply a guarantee of employment. Students are responsible for conducting occupational research for their chosen program. Employers have unique hiring practices and job-specific requirements, which may include years of experience for manager positions. Graduates with little to no prior experience should expect an entry-level position.
The Personal Trainer Certificate program prepares students for entry-level employment in the expanding fields of personal training and health and fitness. Graduates of the program will have the knowledge and skills needed to work with clients in a wide variety of health and wellness environments. This program requires the completion of practicum assignments, which require students to complete hands-on demonstrations. Following the completion of this program, students will be able to:
UNV-101S—Student Success and Technology Foundations—3.0 credits
A course covering the information and skills needed to succeed in academic studies, including study skills, setting academic goals, managing time, and technology skills such as word processing and presentations.
PTD-100—Personal Training and Sales Fundamentals—3.0 credits
This course provides an introduction to the field of personal training along with the fundamental skills necessary to be an effective salesperson in the field. The history of personal training, professional organizations, certifications, and career tracks in the field are discussed. Students learn about communication skills, interviewing, steps of the sale, and fundamentals of professional conduct and ethics. Additionally, students learn the primal movement patterns and gain practical experience performing many common exercises and movement patterns that will be utilized with their clients.
PTD-101—Body Sciences I—3.0 credits
This course will provide an in-depth look at basics principles of kinesiology, including planes of motion, joints of movement, and joint actions.
PTD-102—Body Sciences II—3.0 credits
This course will provide an in-depth look at how the human body systems interact and function in relation to exercise and movement. Students will learn the various parts and functions of the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems.
PTD-103—Client Intake and Assessment—3.0 credits
This course covers the fundamentals of conducting health screenings and risk stratifications, as well as tests such as body fat, cardiovascular condition, and various performance tests.
PTD-104— Programming Basics I—3.0 credits
This course covers the fundamentals of designing resistance training, cardiorespiratory training, and flexibility programs. The course focuses on training session components and appropriate exercise selection, progression, and program design variables for resistance and cardiorespiratory training.
PTD-105—Programming Basics II—3.0 credits
This course covers the fundamentals of advanced training programs. The course focuses on appropriate exercise selection, progression, and program design variables for advanced programs and special populations.
PTD-106— Nutrition Fundamentals—3.0 credits
This course covers the fundamentals of nutrition and how food is used by the human body. Students will be able to identify healthy food sources for the various nutrients and decipher reliable and unreliable nutritional information.
PTD-107—Behavior Management—3.0 credits
This course is an introduction to the motivation behind behavior change as it relates to physical activity behaviors. Topics include goal setting, motivating clients, developing an action plan, and communication strategies needed to inspire and sustain long-term healthy habits.
PTD-110—Exam and Career Preparation—3.0 credits
This course prepares students to take the NASM certification exam, paying particular attention to test-taking skills and improvement of weak areas of knowledge, skill, and ability. Students also prepare for their career through resume building activities and interview roleplays.
Note that courses are subject to change based upon employer needs and marketplace requirements. The most up-to-date course descriptions and textbook information can be found in the Bryan University Course Catalog.
Locations:
Program offered 100% online.
Program credits:
To complete the program, students must earn a minimum of 30 semester credits. Generally, students take two courses at a time over an eight week time period. Two eight week time periods constitute a semester.
Transfer credits:
If you apply to Bryan University with prior college credits and/or a degree, we’ll accept as many credits as possible to validate the hard work you’ve already completed. If you complete a Bryan U associate degree or undergraduate certificate, these credits are transferrable to a higher degree, such as a bachelor’s degree.
Program Director, Bryan University
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Assistant Program Director, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
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Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry:
Personal interests outside of fitness:
Anything you would want students to know about you:
Favorite quote:
This quote can be applied to all aspects of life. Explore the why behind the opinion.
Lead Faculty, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
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Instructor, Bryan University
MA in Interpersonal Communication, University of Central Florida; MA in Multicultural Communication, DePaul University; BA in Journalism, Integrated Communications: Public Relations and Advertising, Butler University
Instructor, Bryan University
MA in English, Arkansas State University; BA in English, Faulkner University
Instructor, Bryan University
MBA, University of Phoenix; B.S. Business Administration, Arizona Christian College
Instructor, Bryan University
MA in Creative Writing, Arizona State University; BA, Psychology, Kent State University
Tuition Lock Guarantee
Bryan offers affordable tuition rates for all students, no matter where they reside. We don't differentiate between residents or non-residents. We also lock-in your tuition rate when you enroll, so you can rest assured that your tuition will never increase over the length of your program.
Tuition Goes Down the Longer You're in School
We understand the importance of helping you stay in school and graduate successfully. To help motivate you, we provide tuition discounts the longer you're in school.
Financing Options Available
As an accredited institution, students of Bryan University who are residents of the United States may qualify for federal financial aid. Our team of dedicated financial advisors can also help you understand what other options are available to you. To learn more, please visit our financial aid page.
For students who are veterans or active duty members of the U.S. military, you may also use your military educational benefits, if qualified. Please see our military benefits page for more details.
You may also complete the Request Information form or call us at 888-721-9773 to receive immediate assistance.
