Become a Personal Trainer in the Growing Field of Health & Fitness
Personal Trainer Undergraduate Certificate
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By submitting this form, I agree that Bryan University may contact me regarding educational services via email, telephone, text message, or automated technology at the email address and phone numbers provided. I understand this consent is not required to enroll. For more information, please call: 1-800-878-5515.
Career Outlook
The benefits of living a healthy lifestyle are numerous and converting your passion for exercise and fitness into a career is yet another reward. A diploma from Bryan University in Personal Training will help you become a skilled personal trainer in a growing industry.
Expanding Careers
Careers for health and fitness professionals, group exercise instructors, and personal trainers are projected to grow faster than average through the year 2026 at a rate of 10-14 percent with projected job openings of 54,800 in the US.1
Preparing now means you’ll be ready for the jobs of the future.
Diverse Employers
Health and fitness professionals have a range of opportunities for employment. From corporate settings to healthcare facilities to high-energy gyms and fitness centers, there’s a work environment for all personality types, including:
- Gyms and fitness facilities
- Corporate fitness centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Self-employment
Attractive Opportunities
In this growing industry, a diploma from Bryan University can put you on the path to a fulfilling career field. Aside from financial rewards, each day provides the opportunity to enhance the health and well-being of others in positions such as:
- Certified Personal Trainer – prepare to become a certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Applicants who already hold an ACSM certification or other nationally recognized certification may qualify for transfer credit.
- Small Group Fitness Instructor or Group Exercise Instructor – conduct a safe and effective group exercise class for various modalities offered at fitness centers.
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinator – operate fitness or recreation facilities, conduct surveys and assessments of client satisfaction, and develop and coordinate fitness and wellness programs.
Program Overview
The program at Bryan University in Personal Training offers you a broad range of learning competencies. 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 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) so you can be assured of learning the skills employers demand.
Valuable Skills Employers Need
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:
- A core focus on body sciences, nutrition, and personal trainer certification
- Technical fitness fundamentals needed to give you an advantage in your career including client intake and assessment, design of cardiovascular and resistance training programs, and kinesiology
- Motivational techniques, goal setting, and long-term sustainability of health habits
- Critical business, sales, and management skills you’ll need to succeed in today’s competitive environment
When you receive an accredited diploma in Personal Training from Bryan University coupled with the credibility of a personal trainer certification, you’re immediately prepared for the job market.
Exceptional Value
Your investment in a Bryan University education will not only open the door to new career opportunities, but it also provides the following benefits:
- Cost to take a national certification through ACSM is included in the program tuition (or another certification if you already hold an ACSM credential)
- Cost for all books, technology, and courseware are included in the program tuition
- Accelerated program so you can start and finish fast – saving you time and money and helping you get to work sooner
- Lifetime job placement assistance from the Career Services team
- Graduates can return and audit courses for free to recharge their skills
- Financial aid is available for those who qualify
Attend from the Comfort of Home
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 built a more innovative, interactive learning environment that is personalized to your needs. You’ll receive:
- Live webcam interactions with instructors and experts right from home (webcams provided to all students)
- Collaborative networking with peers
- Adaptive learning using an interactive engine that helps you learn and retain more
- Performance reports to help you track your progress and stay on top
- Timely, targeted coaching and feedback personalized to your needs
Continue to the Bachelor’s Degree Level
Once you complete your Personal Trainer Certificate, you may consider continuing your education at the bachelor’s degree level. Bryan University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Fitness Training & Exercise Science, developed in partnership with Personal Training Global (PTA Global).
Footnotes
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 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.
Meet the Program Director
“Our goal for graduates of the personal training certificate and associate degree program is to be job-ready with the ability to walk into an employer, grab a group of people, and train them and earn money.”
– Nick Keeling, MS, ACSM EP-C, ACSM HFI, NSCA CSCS
Career Success
Claire Cielinski
Shane Hunnicutt
Jordan Otis
Employer Success
Program Details
The Personal Trainer Undergraduate 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.
The program requires the completion of practicum assignments, which require students to complete hands-on demonstrations, either online or in a gym facility.
Locations:
Program offered 100% online and at our Tempe, Arizona campus.
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.
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 ACSM 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.
Nick Keeling
Program Director, Bryan University
School(s) attended:
Fresno State University, Cal U Pennsylvania, Reedley College
Degree(s) earned:
AA Physical Education, BS Exercise Science, MS Exercise Science/ Health Promotion
Certification(s):
ACSM EP-C
ACSM HFI
NSCA CSCS
AFNA Kettlebell level 1, level 2
ISCA Kickboxing
Contributions to the fitness field:
Book: Survival Handbook for the personal trainer and fitness enthusiast
Co-Owner Easy Fitness Marina DelRey
Co-Owner American Fitness and Nutrition Academy Pasadena
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry:
Small Group training
Programing
Nutrition Counseling
Personal interests outside of fitness:
Backpacking, Mountain biking, hunting , fishing
Anything else you would want students to know about you, your teaching style, philosophy, or favorite quote:
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will”
Jesse Adarme
Instructor, Bryan University
Certification(s):
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
Contributions to the fitness field:
I have been working with and training general population and athletes since 2005. In 2010, I re-branded myself as a strength coach and business owner and decided to focus specifically on tennis athletes. Now, majority of my clients are tennis players from four different tennis academies.
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry: Sports performance specialist.
Personal interests outside of fitness: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, traveling, and watching movies.
Favorite quote: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4
Chris Bigelow
Instructor, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
BS Kinesiology from Arizona State University
MS Kinesiology (May 2017) A.T. Still University
Certification(s):
NASM-CPT
Contributions to the fitness field:
Private, semi-private personal training and fitness consultation – Innova Vita Fitness L.L.C.
Physical Education K-4: Kingdom Preparatory Academy
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry:
Exercise Psychology, exercise physiology, and motor learning
Personal interests outside of fitness:
Teaching, learning, music, and art
James Ellis
Instructor, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
B.S. from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Certification(s):
USAW-L2/National Club Coach
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM)
Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM)
Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM)
Precision Nutrition L1
CrossFit L1/Kettlebell
Functional Movement Screen
Contributions to the fitness field: 6x Nationally competitive weightlifter, Coach of every level of National competition (Junior, Senior, Collegiate, and Masters) for weightlifting
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry: Olympic-style Weightlifting, CrossFit, Athletic Development
Personal interests outside of fitness: Camping, Hiking, Climbing, Cooking, Minimalism
Favorite quote: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca
Chestiny Fair
Instructor, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
Master of Kinesiology, A.T. Still University (expected completion 2018)
Bachelor’s of Science, Health, and Wellness, Arizona State University
Associates of Applied Science, Dietetics, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Certification(s):
Weightlifting Sports performance (USAW)
Personal Training (ACSM)
CPR-AED (AHA)
Contributions to the fitness field:
I have educated over 150 volunteers that have worked for the food bank on the importance of food safety. I have educated low-income families in apache junction in the elementary schools about healthy eating and daily physical activities.
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry:
Coaching Cardio, Strength, and Flexibility Training; Weight Management Injury Prevention; Corporate Wellness, Nutrition and Olympic lifting,
Personal interests outside of fitness:
Spending time with my daughter and friends, Running, Reading, Weightlifting, Playing Sports, Coaching, Painting and Teaching
Favorite quotes:
“Sometimes, words get in the way of action and thinking gets in the way of doing”-unknown
If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you”-Fred DeVito
Brian Floyd
Instructor, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
M.S. Human Movement- Sports Conditioning from A.T. Still University
B.S. Health Science from Northern Arizona University
Certification(s):
NASM- Master Trainer
Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM)
Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM)
Group Personal Training (NASM)
Functional Movement Screen Certification
TRX Suspension Trainer
USSA-Certified Coach Level 1
Contributions to the fitness field:
Owner of Floyd Factor
Over 10 years in the fitness field
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry:
Sports Performance, Corrective exercise, Group training, Weight loss
Personal interests outside of fitness:
Spending time with my wife and daughter
Justin Harper
Instructor, Bryan University
Degrees earned:
Grand Canyon University: Doctorate in Behavioral Health Education ABD (All but dissertation)
University of South Dakota: Masters in Health and Recreation w/emphasis in Exercise Science
University of South Dakota: Bachelors in Health, Recreation, and Physical Education
Certification(s):
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) and Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM)
Contributions to the fitness field:
Serve on a per diem basis as a content expert helping to write test questions for the National Academy of Sports Medicine
Adjunct Instructor at Grand Canyon University teaching in their Exercise Science department
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry:
I enjoy online/virtual personal training and currently own an online personal training business called Harp’s Home Fitness where I assist clients from all over the country reach their health and fitness goals by providing them with expert knowledge and individualized workout routines that they have access to through our mobile app in the palm of their hand.
Personal interests outside of fitness:
I enjoy playing basketball, listening to music, and am a huge football fan. Go 49ers!!
Daniel Hartmann
Instructor, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
BS Exercise Science from Western Michigan University
Certification(s):
Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA)
XPS- EXOS Performance Specialist
Funcitonal Movement Screen Level I
United States of America Sports Performance Coach (USAW)
Contributions to the fitness field: Over 9-years of experience in the fitness industry working in commercial and corporate fitness/wellness in management roles, personal training, and group training.
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry: performance training, weight loss, corrective exercise, general health and fitness
Personal interests outside of fitness: traveling, skiing, hiking, trail running, playing guitar and piano.
Favorite quote: “When one teaches, two learn.”
Sean Preuss
Instructor, Bryan University
School(s) attended:
Long Island University, Southampton College (2001-2005)
Arizona School of Massage Therapy (2007-2008)
Arizona State University (2011-2013)
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2015-Present)
Degree(s) earned:
Bachelor of Arts, English (2005)
Masters of Science, Exercise and Wellness (2013)
Doctorate of Education in Kinesiology (expected in 2020)
Certification(s):
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider
Contributions to the fitness field:
Book: The Heart Healthy Lifestyle: The Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (2003)
9+ years of personal training
Over 300 research-based articles written and published as a freelance ghost writer and blogger
College/university teacher since 2013
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry:
Disease prevention and control through exercise, nutrition, and other lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes for longevity
Fat loss
Powerlifting and traditional strength training
Personal interests outside of fitness:
I love to travel (fly or take road trips). I’ve visited 43 states, many Caribbean islands, Australia, and Fiji, among other places. I’m also a big sports fan. I don’t catch many games, but I follow the NBA and NFL.
Anything else you would want students to know about you, your teaching style, philosophy, or favorite quote:
People learn through first-hand experience. My goal as a teacher is to create student-centered, first-hand opportunities for students to learn fitness in a way that will prepare them for what they will actually do in the field.
Kate Timp
Instructor, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
BS Finance, Arizona State University
MS Exercise and Wellness, Arizona State University
Certification(s):
Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM)
Contributions to the fitness field:
I qualified for and ran the 2011 Boston Marathon after 4 failed attempts at qualifying. Personal and Group training business owner.
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry:
Nutrition, kettlebell training, yoga
Personal interests outside of fitness:
Watch my sons play baseball
What I want my students to know about me:
I love teaching and am 100% vested in your success!
Jonathan Young
Instructor, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Studies—emphasis in Biophysical Studies from Boise State University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sport Science/Health and Wellness—emphasis in outdoor recreation and fitness Brigham Young University—Hawaii
Certification(s):
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM)
USAW-1 Certified Weightlifting Coach
Brainbench Certified Nutritional Analysis
AHA Basic Life Support Instructor
Contributions to the fitness field:
Inventor of the RigRack
He’s medaled in gymnastics, baseball, badminton, tennis, volleyball, indoor/outdoor track & field, marathons, 5 & 10K runs, swimming, water polo, judo, and natural bodybuilding.
7 years College Professor: Exercise Science, Health Sciences, Recreation
Over +5500 hours of personal training the general public
+16 years personal training career experience (2001—current)
Commercial/commission sales personal training
Personal training in the non-profit sector
Personal training on college and university campuses
Over 600 hours group exercise instructor—indoor and outdoor formats
4 years Health and Fitness Director of YMCA, coaching, certifying trainers, and fitness testing
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry:
Coach at Diamondback Gymnastics, Technical Assistant Cheerleading Coach (stunting, pyramid building and tumbling) at BYU-Idaho, University of Guelph, Canada, and BYU-Hawaii.
Two years competitive Cheer experience at NCAA Division I and II with University of Hawaii, and BYU-Idaho.
Personal interests outside of fitness:
Professional Outdoor Expedition Guide
Chrissy Zmijewski
Instructor, Bryan University
Degree(s) earned:
B.A. in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis
Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis
Certification(s):
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM),
Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM),
Specialist in Fitness Nutrition (ISSA),
Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Instructor,
Z Health Certified
Contributions to the fitness field: WNBF Professional Natural Bodybuilder and Figure Competitor (4 national titles and one world title); author of “The RAD Triad: Transform Your Mind and Body,” contributor for PT on the Net, Experience Life Magazine, Fitness & Physique Magazine; led workshops for personal trainers at Canyon Ranch Resort, Wellbridge Spa, 24 Hour Fitness, California Family Fitness, and the Nor-Cal Fitness Summit.
Areas of interest/specialties within the fitness industry: Neuroscience applications in pain and performance; bodybuilding and physique competitions; mind/body connection.
Personal interests outside of fitness: I love being outside and enjoying nature, hiking, swimming, or just relaxing. I also love spending time with my puppy, as she is a never-ending source of antics and laughs. Finally, I love learning. I am a sponge and love learning new things.
Favorite quote: “The only limitations that exist are the ones that exist in your mind.”
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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 888-768-6861 to receive immediate assistance.
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please click here.
The Bryan University Difference
Tuition Lock Guarantee
We lock your tuition rate once you enroll, plus tuition goes down the longer you're in school.
Job Placement Assistance
We provide students job placement assistance while in school and once they graduate.
Accelerated Programs
You can get started - and finish - fast.
Welcome Kits Included
Once you enroll, we provide you a welcome kit package to ensure you're ready to start school.
Faculty Who Put You First
Our faculty provide you with personalized, individual attention and support.
Books and Courseware Included
We take care of shipping your textbooks and provide you easy access to electronic courseware.
Focus on Employment
You’ll graduate with a degree targeted for a specific job market and earn skills that match employers’ needs.
Learn by Doing
You’ll develop real-world skills by completing simulated job tasks and using industry technologies.
Return for Refresher Classes
As a graduate, you’ll have the privilege of auditing previously completed courses still being taught—at no charge—to keep your skills sharp.
Request Information
By submitting this form, I agree that Bryan University may contact me regarding educational services via email, telephone, text message, or automated technology at the email address and phone numbers provided. I understand this consent is not required to enroll. For more information, please call: 1-800-878-5515.