CPT Recommendations

[Head Hunter]

I know we have a few CPT's on here, any recommendation on which is regarded the highest or considered the top in the nation? There seems to be infinite companies out there offering certification, are any better then others?

[01WhiteCobra]

I'm not a certified trainer, but, as usual I have an opinion. :D

If I was going to get a cert today, I'd get either the NSCA CPT or the ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor or Exercise Specialist.

The NSCA also has two other certs, a Cert. Strength/Conditioning Specialist but requires a BA/BS degree. Their Coach Practioner requires you have worked with athletes at the pro/college level.

[Head Hunter]

NSCA came highly recommended as well as the NASM by Lifetime's Head of Training... NASM for PT and NSCA for Strength & Conditioning like what I want to do but the S&C requires a Bachelors I believe. What would you want to major in to be a personal trainer??? PE???

[01WhiteCobra]

I doubt there is an actual concentration required, they just want you to be edumacted.

But, if you plan on going into the fitness field, obvisouly a degree in Kinesiology, Physical Education, Recreation and such would be a benefit to you personally.

I have a couple of friends that completed the Recreation & Leisure Program at UNT.

One, I've lost contact with, the other worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Richardson as their health club manager/recreation activities director. Was a fun job, he ran the employee fitness club, scheduled/manage 5Ks/10Ks, golf tournaments, softball leagues, etc.

I think UNT offers degress in Recreation/Liesure, Kinesiology and one other I can't remember. Check their website under the College Of Education.

[BlackandBlueLX]

Yeah, I replied to your PM, Madhatter. But he's correct, and leading you on the right path, as well. What he listed is good. True the CSCS does require a degree in a sports related field, like what he listed, and usually a good one is Sports Sciences. I'm not real familiar with UNT's programs, but I know most schools have a decent one. Southwest....er, Texas State Univ. in San Marcos has a REALLY good program for people interested in sports and teaching. A girl I was working with, she quit our club for a while, and they hired her back at the smaller 24 Hour across the street, was at SWT and getting her degree is some fitness field, and she was basically a Trainer for classes. It sounded cool I got my Business Management degree from SWT, :-D! Texas State also has one of THE best Physical Therapy Schools in the state, so you can imagine their other sports programs.

Just do some more research, on prices, dates of the classes, and see what you can do. Especially part time, while you're still working, if that's feasible.