Im a lienced Physical therapist assnt for 8 yrs what would I need to become a master personal trainer ?
Hello Robert,
you certainly have a background that speaks well for possible future success. Your profile is not completed so it says nothing about you.
You need to get a personal trainer certification and obtain liability insurance if you plan to work for yourself.
Also keep in mind that there is more to personal training than dealing with injuries. You also need to consider the marketing aspect of the business. I assume that you work at a physical therapy company where clients are assigned to you. In personal training, you have to go out and find them even though your PT background certainly gives you a leg up.
Hi Robert. I think that you’ve received some solid advice here from the other posters. Like other ancillary health professions (including physical therapy assistant) personal training requires your being officially recognized as a personal trainer (by getting your certification) will be an important first step towards becoming an advanced trainer. Taking and passing your certification test should not be a major problem with your background, however be aware that since your practice has been primarily in a rehabilitation setting, you will probably need to bone-up on working with healthy populations in order to better prepare for the certification test. Your work with the football team will help immensely!
Good luck, and welcome to the profession.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]
Unless you plan on teaching others to be a fitness instructor, there is no need to be a Master Trainer/Instructor. There are still a few programs that bestow the title of Master Personal Trainer for completing advanced study programs. I accept a position to teach years ago and the title for the position was Master Fitness and Health Instructor. I have two college degrees and over 3000 hours of continuing education. But I didn’t consider myself to be a Master Instructor until after many of my students became successful Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors. When many of these students wrote to me and expressed their appreciation for my time spent teaching them, that is when I felt like I was somewhat worthy of being called a Master Instructor.
I still teach aspiring Fitness Instructors and continuing education courses as part of my own fitness school program. I participate in community forums for the promotion of health and wellness and volunteer for community health fairs annually. Teaching others to live a healthy lifestyle is really what I find rewarding. I invite everyone to check out my website at www.hawaiifitnessacademy.com . Join the Movement!!