Personal Training Program
Swedish Institute was founded in 1916, and although many people know about our Massage Therapy Program, our roots were actually based in an early exercise and fitness system that was popular in Europe at the time. The school was originally called the Swedish Institute of Physiotherapy, and its curriculum included medical gymnastics, massage and other forms of physiotherapy. It wasn't until 1954 that the school focused on massage therapy.
The Personal Training Program curriculum is infused with the spirit of those early fitness classes, because Vincent Metzo, Dean of the program, believes the history of the field is as important as the most up-to-date research. Our personal trainer courses provide students with a strong academic, technical and business understanding for the profession of fitness training. This includes the study of basic and advanced topics in exercise science, and also addresses client-centered practice skills, culminating in a final externship experience.
While the core training involved in becoming a personal trainer meets every standard of the fitness profession today, our program also incorporates many personal training approaches that exceed minimal professional standards. These include full-body functional movement techniques and exercises that prepare the client for sports performance and enhanced activities of daily living. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills; promote an awareness of personal and social responsibility; place an emphasis on a holistic approach to healthcare; and develop a desire for lifelong learning. These skills are the benefits of enrolling in a Personal Training Program like the one at Swedish Institute in New York City, and they can aid you on your journey to becoming a personal trainer.
Completing the Personal Training Program
The Personal Training Program takes full-time students four semesters to complete, and it takes part-time students eight semesters to complete. This program was started in May 2011 and does not as yet have graduates entering the field. When available, information about the percentage of graduates who completed the program within the normal time frame will be reported here.
Personal Training Careers
The Personal Training Program is a 61 semester-credit-hour program. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive an Associate in Occupational Studies degree. As this program has no graduates as yet, there is no job placement rate. Once that information is available, it will be posted here, as well as reported to our accrediting body, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Personal training certification is typically required to begin working. Most organizations encourage instructors to become certified personal trainers over time, and many require it. Getting certified by one of the top certification organizations is becoming increasingly important, especially for personal trainers who are interested in working with people who are injured or ill, or advising clients on general health.
The Personal Training Program coursework meets the standards of the knowledge, skills and abilities set forth for certification by professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and prepares graduates to pursue work in a variety of settings, such as gyms, fitness centers, health clubs, corporate fitness programs, rehabilitation centers and physical therapy offices.
- Find out more about the profession of personal training (SOC code 39.9031.00).
- Find out more about the skills of a personal trainer from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*net.
Cost
The total tuition for the Personal Training Program, if completed within the normal time frame is $23,180.
- Mandatory fees are approximately $975.
- Textbooks and supplies are approximately $1,300.
- For a list of all fees see Tuition and Fees.
- Room and board are not offered.
Financing Your Personal Training Education
Students can pay for their tuition in a number of ways, including loans, grants, private loans and a payment plan offered through the school. As this is a new program, information about students' median debt is not yet available. When it becomes available, it will be provided here, as well as to the Department of Education.
Our U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education identification number (OEPID) is 02170000.
