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Personal Trainer Undergraduate Certificate

Become a Personal Trainer in the Growing Field of Health & Fitness

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Certificate in Personal Training

Career Outlook in Health and Fitness

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.

Expanding Careers

Careers for health and fitness professionals, exercise instructors, nutrition coaches, and personal trainers are projected to grow much faster than average through the year 2032 at a rate of 9% or higher with projected job openings of 69,000 in the US.1

1Bureau 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 (visited February 8, 2024). Also online at https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-9031.00. Note that job market conditions are dynamic and can change. This data is not intended to predict the market conditions that will be present when you graduate from your program and may differ based on your geographic location and other factors.

Attractive Career Opportunities

In this growing industry, a diploma from Bryan University can put you on the path to fulfilling career opportunities2 including:

  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • Gym Staff Member
  • Independent Trainer/Contractor
  • Nutrition/Supplement Store Associate
  • Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
  • Fitness Coach

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.

Diverse Employers

Health and fitness professionals have a range of opportunities for employment such as:

  • Gyms and fitness facilities
  • Corporate fitness centers
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Self-employment
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Career & Job Search Services for Students & Grads

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.

Employers Who Have Hired BU Grads

Program Highlights

30
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Total Credits
100%
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Online
2
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Courses at a Time
8
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Weeks per Course

Get the Skills Employers Want

Bryan U programs are aligned with employers’ needs to ensure you get the most current and relevant skills, including:

Certificate

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Kinesiology
  • Nutrition
  • Sales fundamentals & client retention
  • Behavior change
  • Motivation & goal setting
  • Sustainability of health habits
  • Client intake & fitness screenings
  • Design of personal fitness programs
  • Preparation for NASM CPT cert – one exam attempt included in tuition

Associate Degree

  • Group exercise instruction
  • Weight management, diet and nutrition
  • Body sciences
  • Cardio-respiratory and flexibility programming
  • Gym operations
  • Building a fitness business
  • Speaking and presenting
  • Writing and communications
  • Preparation for NASM & ACSM group exercise cert – one exam attempt included in tuition
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Fitness Kit Included for Hands-On Practice at Home

As a Bryan University fitness and personal training student, you’ll get the opportunity to demonstrate your skills using Bryan U’s Fitness Kit, which we ship to your home at no extra cost (it’s included in tuition). The kit contains the following:

  • NOSSK Lite Trainer
  • ProSource Fit Stackable Resistance Band Set
  • HRM Body Measuring Tape
  • Sequoia Fitness TrimCal 4000 Skinfold Body Fat Caliper

Gain Valuable Experience

Bryan University’s Personal Training Certificate is aligned with competencies by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and developed in collaboration with industry experts. You’ll gain valuable practice experience online combined with assignments that simulate job tasks to ensure you’re job-ready upon graduation.

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Get targeted practice using NASM’s test prep study modules to prepare for certification exams such as Certified Personal Trainer. Track your progress and get feedback for improvement.

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Practice & demonstrate your skills to your instructors from home using a mobile-compatible video platform integrated into your learning assignments. Role-play trainer-client conversations & fitness consultations.

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Upgrade Your Skills & Career Options: Stackable Programs with Dual Enrollment

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.

Hear from Our Successful Graduates

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“I’ve never met a group who care about students the way the instructors do at Bryan. It was an awesome experience.”
–Brandon Granger, BU Graduate
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"The experience at Bryan University exceeded my expectations and improved my life." 
–Claire Cielinski, BU Graduate

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Meet Your Program Faculty

Dr. Justin Harper
Dr. Justin Harper, EdD, CPT, PES
Program Director, Bryan University

Master of Arts, Health, Phys Educatn & Recrea, The University of South Dakota; Bachelor of Sci in Recreation, The University of South Dakota; Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Grand Canyon University.

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Dr. Justin Harper
Dr. Justin Harper, EdD, CPT, PES Program Director, Bryan University

Master of Arts, Health, Phys Educatn & Recrea, The University of South Dakota; Bachelor of Sci in Recreation, The University of South Dakota; Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Grand Canyon University.

Chris Bigelow
Chris Bigelow
Faculty, Bryan University

Master of Science in Kinesiology, A.T. Still University; Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, Arizona State University. Associate in Arts, Mesa Community College; General Education Certificate, Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-A), Mesa Community College.

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Chris Bigelow
Chris Bigelow Faculty, Bryan University

Master of Science in Kinesiology, A.T. Still University; Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, Arizona State University. Associate in Arts, Mesa Community College; General Education Certificate, Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-A), Mesa Community College.

Chestiny Fair
Chestiny Fair
Faculty, Bryan University

Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Wellness, Arizona State University; Master of Science in Kinesiology, A.T. Still University. Associate in Applied Science, Dietetic Technology, Chandler-Gilbert Comm College.

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Chestiny Fair
Chestiny Fair Faculty, Bryan University

Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Wellness, Arizona State University; Master of Science in Kinesiology, A.T. Still University. Associate in Applied Science, Dietetic Technology, Chandler-Gilbert Comm College.

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Meet Your General Education Faculty

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Valerie Akbulut Faculty, Bryan University

Master of Arts, Communication, Interpersonal Comm Track, University of Central Florida; Bachelor of Arts, Journalism, Specialization – Integrated Communication: Public Relations & Adve, Communication Studies minor, Butler University.

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Valerie Akbulut Faculty, Bryan University

Master of Arts, Communication, Interpersonal Comm Track, University of Central Florida; Bachelor of Arts, Journalism, Specialization – Integrated Communication: Public Relations & Adve, Communication Studies minor, Butler University.

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Kelly Baker Faculty, Bryan University

Doctor of Public Administration, West Chester University of Pennsylvania; Master of Arts, Communication Studies, West Chester University of Pennsylvania; Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Immaculata University.

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Kelly Baker Faculty, Bryan University

Doctor of Public Administration, West Chester University of Pennsylvania; Master of Arts, Communication Studies, West Chester University of Pennsylvania; Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Immaculata University.

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Emily Chaffin Faculty, Bryan University

Master of Arts, English, Arkansas State University; Bachelor of Arts, English, Faulkner University.

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Emily Chaffin Faculty, Bryan University

Master of Arts, English, Arkansas State University; Bachelor of Arts, English, Faulkner University.

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Program Learning Outcomes

Following the completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and bio-mechanics to training strategies.
  • Help problem solve with future clients the impact of nutrition on the human body.
  • Perform fitness assessments on a wide range of clientele.
  • Create individualized exercise programs based on assessment, client need, while remaining cognizant of cultural differences.
  • Perform foundational, advanced, and sport-specific movement patterns and exercises.
  • Teach foundational, advanced, sport-specific movement patterns and exercises.
  • Use current sales techniques to skillfully and critically ask questions to obtain and retain clients.
  • Implement current marketing strategies utilizing new technologies.
  • Utilize coaching to identify strategies for client behavior change.
  • Influence client behavior through a systematic process and analysis.
  • Demonstrate core values and ethics critical to the field of personal training.
  • Recognize the value of lifelong professional development in the field of personal training.
  • Test for a national personal trainer certification.
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Explore Personal Training Courses

  • UNV-101S, 3.0 credits
    Student Success and Technology Foundations

    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, 3.0 credits
    Personal Training and Sales Fundamentals

    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, 3.0 credits
    Body Sciences I

    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, 3.0 credits
    Body Sciences II

    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, 3.0 credits
    Client Intake and Assessment

    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, 3.0 credits
    Programming Basics I

    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.

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A legacy of graduate success since 1940.

Accreditation & Approvals

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Benefits for You

Included in Tuition

As a Bryan University student, you’ll receive these benefits and services included in tuition at no extra cost.

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    Industry Certifications & Credentials

    Prepare for third-party certifications – one certification exam attempt paid for by the university.

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    Electronic Books & Courseware

    We give you easy access to your e-textbooks and software.

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    Tutoring & Academic Support

    Our tutors and academic staff provide personalized support whenever you need it.

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    School Starter Kit

    You’ll receive a starter package to ensure you’re ready to succeed in your program.

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    Accelerated Programs & No Waiting Lists

    Finish in the shortest time possible and never get wait-listed for course registration.

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    Refresher Classes

    As a graduate, audit previously completed courses free to keep your skills sharp.

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    Personal Success Coach

    You'll receive dedicated support to help you succeed in and out of the classroom.

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    Career Services

    Get expert help to ensure you're job-ready and connect with employers.

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    Mentoring from Expert Faculty

    Learn from faculty with real-world experience in their field.

Recommended by Students & Grads

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Why Learn Online

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Flexible & Convenient

We recognize that life can be busy and complex, so we’ve designed the learning experience around you. You have the option to complete your homework assignments online each week at days and times convenient to you. You have the flexibility to resubmit homework to improve your grades and gain greater mastery of the course content.

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Learn Faster & Retain More

We provide you with user-friendly learning technology such as adaptive digital textbooks and simulated job tasks to help you learn faster, easier, and retain more knowledge. All your efforts are recorded so you can track your progress and plan your time more effectively.

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Live Classes & Academic Support

Studying online with Bryan lets you learn from the comfort of home while connecting you in live events with peers, teachers, industry professionals, and mentors. If you happen to miss the event, we record them so can you watch them later and not miss a beat. Whenever you need help with an assignment, you can schedule a tutor at any time online with the click of a button.

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Connect with Peers, Faculty & Industry Experts

At Bryan, we don’t think learning online means learning alone. Connect with faculty, peers, and student support conveniently from your smartphone, tablet, or computer using Zoom, a user-friendly video app. You’ll join a vibrant community that includes industry experts who will provide support, expand your professional network, and celebrate your success along the way.

How You Learn Online

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Live Classes on Zoom

Most programs provide live classes that are also recorded in case you miss them and need to watch them later - click here for a list of live classes by program.

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Re-submit Homework for Mastery

Didn't get the grade you wanted? At Bryan U, you can resubmit your homework to improve your grades.

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User-Friendly Learning Technology

You'll learn using a program that adapts to your knowledge level while helping you learn faster and retain more.

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Share Your Interests

Engage with others in class using a social platform to share your thoughts on topics you're interested in.

BU Student Experience

Affording College

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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.

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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.

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Financial Aid if You Qualify

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 about those who qualify, please visit our financial aid page.

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Active-Duty Military & Veterans

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.

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Tuition Rates Go Down the Longer You're in School

As you progress through each credential level (e.g., certificate to associate degree, or associate degree to bachelor’s degree), your tuition decreases. Plus, your tuition is locked in once you enroll so that it never goes up as long as you remain continuously enrolled in good academic standing. For a current listing of Bryan University’s tuition rates by program, please visit our tuition rates page.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to Bryan University, prospective students must complete the following requirements:

  • Earn a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Be at least 17 years of age. If a student is under the age of 18, they will be required to have a parent or legal guardian counter-sign enrollment forms.
  • Fill out the University’s Application and pay a $25 registration fee.
  • Pass a computer and internet speed assessment to ensure technology minimums are met. Please see the university’s course catalog to see detailed technology requirements.
  • Complete all required forms for admission.
  • For transfer credit evaluation, submit official transcripts from past colleges and universities attended.
  • Complete an online introductory course – “LaunchPad” – to demonstrate the ability to navigate online coursework.
  • Attend online orientation to meet your faculty and classmates.
  • For all healthcare, public health, paralegal, and pharmacy technician programs, applicants must complete and pass a required criminal background check, which is provided by the university.
  • Note that students applying to healthcare programs may need to identify a practicum site. The university provides a list of approved practicum sites and will support students in site selection.

To begin this process, we invite you to contact a member of our admissions team at 888-768-6861 or complete the Request Information form.

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