Physical Training Schools, Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
Physical training programs prepare students for jobs as personal or strength trainers. Although physical training degree programs do not exist, students can pursue related degrees or certificates in exercise science, physical education or personal training.
How to Select a Physical Training School
Physical training refers to personal or strength training. Students in personal, strength or physical training degree programs learn how to help a client reach athletic goals. Personal trainers lead group or individual lessons, demonstrate exercises, provide motivation and plan an activity schedule.
Many employers prefer to hire certified personal trainers. Students interested earning certification should find out the requirements from their preferred certification organization, which may include the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). They should then find out if a program has courses that will prepare them for the certification exam.
Many schools offer a combination of classwork and hands-on training. Coursework for a personal training program typically covers both fitness, nutrition and motivation techniques. Hands-on experience may be supervised by a certified personal trainer. Graduates who have received hands-on training may be more competitive when searching for jobs or clients.
Many personal trainers earn certificates or associate's degrees in personal training. Graduates of bachelor's degree programs in physical education or exercise science may decide to work as personal trainers. Certification organizations do not require a minimum level of education, but some employers may prefer to hire trainers with degrees.
Largest Personal Training Schools Offering Associate's Degrees by Student Enrollment
| College/University | Student population | Institution Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | 53,715 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Florida | 51,474 | 4-year, Public |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 49,984 | 4-year, Public |
| Michigan State University | 46,510 | 4-year, Public |
| University of South Florida | 46,189 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 43,246 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 41,028 | 4-year, Public |
| Florida International University | 38,759 | 4-year, Public |
| Florida State University | 38,682 | 4-year, Public |
| Riverside Community College | 36,146 | 2-year, Public |
| Brigham Young University | 34,244 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Liberty University | 33,604 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Boston University | 31,766 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| George Mason University | 30,613 | 4-year, Public |
| Mt San Antonio College | 30,026 | 2-year, Public |
| University of Kansas | 29,365 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Iowa | 29,152 | 4-year, Public |
| Texas State University-San Marcos | 29,105 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | 28,600 | 4-year, Public |
| Texas Tech University | 28,422 | 4-year, Public |
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26 Popular Schools
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Doctorate
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Master
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Non-Degree
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Master
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Bachelor
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Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
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