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To
be a successful Fitness Specialist you should:
- Have excellent communication skills.
- Be flexible and creative in finding best solutions.
- Be able to learn to use new equipment and perform
new tasks.
- Be able to see small differences.
- Be able to work with patience and understanding.
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| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
A fitness specialist must earn a Bachelor of Science
degree. Upon completion of the certificate program, students
must take national exams for certification from the American
College of Sports Medicine and/or the National Strength
and Conditioning Association. |
| Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the State of Connecticut. |
| Where
can I get more information? American College
of Sports Medicine
401 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 637-9200
acsm.org
National Strength and Conditioning Association
PO Box 9908
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(800) 815-6826
nsca-lift.org |
| What
is the salary for this career? $33,280-$49,920
(Source: 2003 Connecticut Hospital Association
Compensation Survey) |
|
| What
will my job be like? Fitness specialists
understand the basic concepts of fitness, health, and
wellness to prepare an exercise prescription for an individual
beginning an exercise program. A fitness specialist instructs
groups and individuals in the safe use of equipment, proper
body mechanics, health, eating behaviors, and individualized
fitness programs. |
| Where
could I work? Fitness specialists may work
in health clubs, corporate fitness programs, or hospitals;
or in sales of health and fitness programs and equipment.
Fitness specialists may start their own businesses as
personal trainers. |
| What
is the future of this career? The fitness
industry is booming and increasingly demanding that fitness
specialists in all settings have undergraduate degrees
and certification. |
Where
can I get the education and/or training?
- Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
- Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
- Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven
- University of Connecticut, Storrs
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