Personal Training Certification and PT

[asdfsoup]

I am required to get a personal training certificate within the next few months for my job. Since I will be getting my DPT (not sure what school I am going to yet), I was wondering if any other physical therapists are/were personal trainer certified.

If so, do you have any programs to recommend? I am thinking ACE, NSCA, NASM, or ACSM....
Also, how helpful will this knowledge be in my future DPT classes?
Since my certification will last 2-3 years, in what ways can I practice (and make money) with a personal trainer certification during my DPT program?


Thanks! 🙂

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[MA2MD]

I'm in a similar position as you. I'm about to start a pre-med post bacc program to get my pre-reqs to apply to DPT programs. I just took an ACSM course and I'm studying for the ACSM exam. After a little research online, it is my opinion that ACSM is best for the DPT route. Good luck.

 

[goyo1010]

I am required to get a personal training certificate within the next few months for my job. Since I will be getting my DPT (not sure what school I am going to yet), I was wondering if any other physical therapists are/were personal trainer certified.

If so, do you have any programs to recommend? I am thinking ACE, NSCA, NASM, or ACSM....
Also, how helpful will this knowledge be in my future DPT classes?
Since my certification will last 2-3 years, in what ways can I practice (and make money) with a personal trainer certification during my DPT program?


Thanks! 🙂

One or two of my classmates were previously Personal Trainers. I would recommend ACSM as many norms are compared to the ACSM standards in Exercise Testing and Prescription.

I spoke with my classmates if their personal training background helped them during our first semester of school, and not so much. Maybe except for exercise testing and prescription class and knowledge of performing the exercises. The depth you go into with personal training certification isn't the same with PT school.

And you could work part-time as a personal trainer. Few hours a week would be nice, not any more as it could overwhelm you!

Best of luck

 

[Nailey13]

I have NSCA's CPT certification and while it's a little bit more expensive than NASM's, the preparedness that it gives you (especially for new evaluations if you decide to train clients independently) is worth the extra fees. It's definitely not an easy exam to pass and I would suggest devoting several months (I spent 6 months) to studying for it.

NSCA and NASM are the most well-respected of the certifications available, but you will need to supplement what you learn with your own research and personal experimentation - most of the practical knowledge I've gained has come from sites such as the Exercise and Muscle Directory (http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html) and by critically evaluating different boot-camp and bodyweight training strategies online.

Best of luck to you!

 

[atstudent]

I would get the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA or the Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) through the NASM.

I am looking at getting one or both of them in the near future to go along with my athletic training certification..

 

[asdfsoup]

The problem with NSCA is that it would need to be NSCA-CPT (not CSCS)...same thing for NASM.

In that case, if it's just for a cPT then I am leaning towards ACSM right now, since they are considered the "gold standard" and the certification lasts for 3 years.

Thank you for everyone's input!

 

[DPTinFL]

I'm a cash based PT/trainer who is NASM certified (prior to PT school). Here is my opinion on this matter. ACE and NSCA CPT are good, general certifications with foundational info that can help with with minimal classes in PT school. NASM CPT and their advanced certs (CES, PES) takes it a little further and you gain additional info on muscular imbalances / Janda's principles which will help you in a few more classes in PT school. ACSM is another good certification with additional emphasis on cardiopulmonary which will help you with those classes in PT school. NSCA CSCS will not help you much in PT school but is of value if you want to work with athletes before and after PT school. Hope this helps you with your decision.

 

[TheOx777]

I am certified through the ACSM as a Health/Fitness Specialist. Other very reputable certs are those through the NASM and the NSCA(CSCS)<------ some ppl consider this one the gold standard for working with athletes. The NSCA also has a CPT cert! These three organizations(ACSM, NASM, NSCA) seem to be the most well respected.

 

[NewTestament]

I was certified through NASM for a couple years. It gives you a good foundation, and it helped in my anatomy classes. NASM also offers a cetificate in corrective exercise therapy, which is far more pertinent to PT than the personal training certificate. However, I think it's $700, and you might be better off taking a course in biomechanics or kinesiology.

My friend has a degree in exercise science and she recommended ACSM. That's the one I would recommend. Many coaches and athletic trainers have the NSCA-CSCS certificate. One PT I worked with also was a CSCS.

Kevin

 

[mimmerma]

Dont focus too much on the letters...NSCA, NASM, ACSM, ACE, whatever... instead, make sure you know how to teach your clients how to exercise safely and efficiently. Know how to teach / do a proper squat, deadlift, KB swing etc...

Familiarize yourself with the works / concepts of Gray Cook (Physical Therapist + trainer) Mike Boyle (trainer) Stuart McGill (researcher on the spine) and go to this website www.mobilitywod.com, watch the videos and learn as much as you can.

All of this will make you a better trainer and more prepared for PT school, because ultimately it comes down to what you know / can do versus what type of certification you have because there are so so many.