ACSM HFS Certification

[Jarrodmac10]

Are there any practicing PTs or SPTs who think getting this certification is worth it? I was planning on taking the exam so I could find a job this summer before beginning my DPT program in the fall.

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[TheOx777]

I was an ACSM HFS certified specialist for 3 years before starting school. I worked as a personal trainer, so it was advantageous to have that certification when I worked in that industry. Will it hurt? No! However, it may not serve any significant purpose either. Why, may I ask, are you interested in that certification specifically? There are a number of organizations(ACSM, NSCA, NASM) that offer certifications. Are you interested in personal training, fitness, strength/conditioning before starting school?

 

[Jarrodmac10]

I was an ACSM HFS certified specialist for 3 years before starting school. I worked as a personal trainer, so it was advantageous to have that certification when I worked in that industry. Will it hurt? No! However, it may not serve any significant purpose either. Why, may I ask, are you interested in that certification specifically? There are a number of organizations(ACSM, NSCA, NASM) that offer certifications. Are you interested in personal training, fitness, strength/conditioning before starting school?

Do you feel it's a versatile certification? I believe I'm the most prepared to take the HFS exam over any other cert. As of right now I don't have a job lined up after graduation, and my thought was I could personal train, work as an aide, or do anything else that pops up that will allow me to use my knowledge. Initially I was thinking of getting my CSCS but then I decided to pursue the HFS because I had greater interest in it. I don't think I can get hired anywhere unless I have at least one certification....

 

[TheOx777]

I don't know how versatile the HFS is, but it is a certification that will allow you to train at certain gyms/fitness facilities. I would personally try to see if you could go the PT aide route. This would immerse you in the "rehabilitation culture" more than personal training would. To be fair, I have been told that PT aide/tech jobs are hard to come by. So if your goal is to make a little cash before school starts and aide/tech jobs are scarce, then by all means get some personal training experience.

 

[Jarrodmac10]

Yes, they are scarce. Right now it looks like personal training, but I'm not all about selling myself to clients. But if that's what needs to be done.... If I get employed at a gym or any fitness facility I would really like to run group exercises for older clients, something similar to fall prevention exercises. That's where the HFS comes into play, knowing all of the risk factors and assessments involved in training clients with elevated TC, heart disease, ect.... I've been told by current students in my PT program that a part time job is doable, which is why I think personal training would be my best bet.

 

[wjs010]

I have the HFS also, and I honestly don't know if it helps in getting admitted. Some schools look at extracurriculars and certs, so this would definitely fall under that. Maybe it helps just to get into school, but after that and as far as looking better to get a job as a PT, it probably doesn't matter because of the many specializations in PT.

 

[Jarrodmac10]

I have the HFS also, and I honestly don't know if it helps in getting admitted. Some schools look at extracurriculars and certs, so this would definitely fall under that. Maybe it helps just to get into school, but after that and as far as looking better to get a job as a PT, it probably doesn't matter because of the many specializations in PT.

Yes you're right, I was recently admitted into a PT program without the certification. I was just curious to see if this particular certification would assist me in landing a job for this summer before the fall.

 

[wjs010]

Yea it's one of the best for trainers. I think cscs is a notch above it tho