Hands-on, industry-relevant training
You’ll work with a variety of fitness and testing equipment including:
- Treadmills
- Free weights
- Metabolic carts
- 12-lead ECGs
You’ll learn:
- How to assess and monitor fitness levels using: stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, heart rate monitors, BIA body fat measuring devices, analyzers and pulse oximeters
- Information about muscle oxygenation, EMG and portable slacklines
- Techniques for online personal training
- How to train clients out of their own home
You can expect to spend on average of 8 to 10 hours of online and individual study time per week per course.
If you choose to enrol in our online offering, you will require access to a digital camera or video camera. Some online courses will require the use of specialized equipment that you can access at any major gym facility.
NAIT grads are prepared
“The PFT program developed me as a trainer, and coach and gave me the tools I needed to succeed in this profession. Even bigger than that however, was the amount of self development I received as well through foundations, leadership, and because of the amazing teachers. The biggest thing I gained from this program was the confidence to take what I've learned and create a sustainable income doing something that I absolutely love!"
Emilee McCloskey, Personal Fitness Training '20
Personal Fitness Trainer - Em Conditioning
Information for international students
Some NAIT programs are unavailable to international students because they do not meet eligibility for a study permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
This program is delivered in a different format for students beginning in the winter and spring terms than it is delivered for student beginning in the fall term.
Fall (September) terms
Study Permit: The fall intake programming is delivered in a way that meets the criteria for a study permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit: Graduates of the fall intake program may qualify for a PGWP so long as they maintain their personal eligibility.
Winter and spring terms
Study Permit: The Winter and Spring intake programming is delivered through distance learning and therefore does not meet the criteria for a study permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit: The winter and spring intake programming is delivered through distance learning and therefore these intakes are not-eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program. Completion of this program through distance learning will not make you eligible for a PGWP.
International applicants seeking permissions to take this program for the winter or spring terms can contact a NAIT Academic Advisor – International to discuss options.
Only select courses are offered in-class each semester
Demand for this program is high and space for in-class courses is limited. To avoid disappointment apply and submit all required documents early. Qualified students will receive enrolment information through their student portal. If the preference is for in-class courses, students should enrol in classes immediately to ensure a choice of in-class deliveries. Please note for students starting the program in January or May, online courses are only available.
Online
All courses are available online in January, May, and September.
In-Class (Day)
These courses are offered in-class in September only
Level One
- ANAT1120 Human Anatomy
- PFTR1121 Foundations for Personal Trainers
- PFTR1122 Applied Movement Mechanics
- PFTR1123 Applied Physiology of Exercise
- PFTR1224 Introduction to Assessment and Counselling
Level Two
- PFTR2320 Advanced Movement Considerations
- BUSN2421 Marketing for Exercise Professionals
- PFTR2323 Performance Training Strategies
- PFTR2324 Lifespan and Clinical Exercise Considerations I
- PFTR2390 Practicum I
These courses are offered in-class in January only
Level One
- PFTR1220 Functional Training and Assessment
- LEAD1221 Leadership Studies
- PFTR1222 Resistance Training and Assessment
- PFTR1223 Aerobic Training and Assessment
- NUTR1124 Applied Nutrition Strategies
Level Two
- BUSN2321 Business Strategies for Exercise Professionals
- PFTR2423 Applied Exercise Professional Strategies
- PFTR2424 Lifespan and Clinical Exercise Considerations II
- PFTR2491 Practicum II: Professional Experience
Career Outcomes
Our program includes a very strong entrepreneurial focus, which will give you the tools to open your own fitness business.
Hear from industry
“NAIT PFT grads are committed, career-minded full-time personal trainers. The diligence they show to get their PFT diploma is evident in their efforts with us. Their ability to work with a wide range of clients assists us as our business draws members with many different fitness goals. Having two practicums as part of the [program] helps to prepare them for this."
Employer - Jodie Boettger
Talent Acquisition Specialist, Personal Trainer - GYMVMT
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C- in the course(s) or program
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility: This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Grad Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement effective November 1, 2024. Students who applied for a study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.
While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.