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PFTA School

by Wayne E Johnson
(Belton, Texas)

PFTA is partnered with NSCA. 15 weeks 3oo hours hands on residence course. A student will graduate with PFTA certification and NASM or NSCA.

thanks
Wayne Johnson

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Check out PFTA Schools Newest Website!
by: Anonymous

Visit PFTA Schools At -------------------------------------->>> http://PFTAschoolsSanAntonio.com

C.J. Woodruff
Instructor
San Antonio TX
www.PFTAschoolsSanAntonio.com

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PFTA School
by: Mark jackson

We are a personal Training School in Austin, Texas with schools in San Antonio, Dallas and Houston as well. I am the instructor and owner of the Austin location. We teach directly from the NSCA book and not only get our students certified with our own Certification but get them prepared to take other Certifications as well. We have a weekday class that meets on Tue/Thur from 9am to 2pm for ten weeks and a Saturday only class from 9am to 3pm that meets for 15 weeks. Our program is designed to help those people who need the hands on approach to learning. One thing we add that most certifications do not is a section on marketing and sales. The nice thing about our program is that you will be learning from instructors who are in fact Personal Trainers. Check us out at pftaschools.com
Thanks
Mark Jackson
512-587-7625
PFTA CPT
NSCA CSCS
NASM CPT

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PFTA Not Accredited
by: Anonymous

Beware... PFTA Schools are not Accredited and the certification is not recognized by any gym in the country. When I went there, earlier this year (2010) there was not a single thing mentioned about sales and marketing, like Mark states. I would advise anyone who is wanting to become a personal trainer, to do a lot of research first. Find a school that is accredited. NPTI is a good place to start. As I have found them after the fact.

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PFTA not accredited ????
by: Mark Jackson

Please call any gym in Austin area and ask them if PFTA School graduates can get hired at there facility. We are on Gold's gym list of approved Certifications. Ever once in a while we will get a student who graduates but does not show the personal skills that a gym is looking for. 24 hour fitness also excepts our students, Fitness 19, Anytime Fitness, etc. etc Or just come by and sit through a class. We always welcome guest and would be happy to give you names and numbers of gym owners and fitness managers so that you may call them direct. Thanks so much!

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PFTA Schools
by: Mark Jackson

Ever notice that when people bad mouth others they don't have the courage to put their name?

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Hands on is the way to go...
by: George Romiti

WOW.. I learned so much from this school and made me a very sucessful trainer... I started at Golds gym and been there for 2yrs ,and now 6 of us quit and started our own place call Inspire Fitness on sports row in cedar park.. We are having so much sucess and I really contribute that to mark jackson and the pfta school... Great teacher, I highly recommend him as teacher or trainer thx mark... Best of luck -g

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PFTA IInstructor Mark Jackson
by: Theresa Gebhardt

I would reccomend going to a PFTA school and get taught by Mark Jackson to get certified. Not only is going to a class and having a real live teacher there to teach you better than any book, but it is a great way to really know your stuff and having an advantage over the other certifications that makes you teach yourself. Mark Jackson really knows his stuff and I trust him with ant question I may have regarding fitness, exercises, or nutrition just because he seems to know so much in all the years he has been a trainer and taught. And yes, PFTA is accredited and gyms will take it, minus any hateful person would say such things in the comments above. PFTA is superior to many just because they know you have that hands on training in a classroom enviroment.

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PFTA School
by: Anonymous

Hey guys! Thanks so much for the kind words. Great to hear you are doing your own thing George. I have many people tell me what a great job you were doing over at Golds..keep it up!
Mark

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PFTA all the way!
by: Erik

Outstanding! That's the PFTA School in Austin. I am a PFTA grad who just went through the interview process with Golds Gym. Going in I had all of the confidence in the world because of the real world experience in the class room and in the gym I was able to take away from PFTA. While working out one of the golds trainers, all of the info from in class and in the gym work outs came flooding back. I was told by that trainer "That was the best work out anyone has put me through. Completely unexpected, but surpisingly nice." I give Mark and PFTA all the credit for having me prepared and ready to work. By the way I was hired by gold's within three hours after I trained their trainer. Funny, I'm pretty sure Gold's is a large national gym, and as of right now the PFTA cert is the only one I currently hold, and they recognized that cert. I also know other PFTA grads currently working for other Gold's, 24, Anytime,and others. Thanks again Mark

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Marky Mark Rocks!
by: Britni

One more test to go and I will be a certified personal trainer by PFTA! Been in the fitness industry without certification for a few years now...and now I have a new look on how to market, train, and approach new clients ! Mark my instructor has taught me what he has learned through his experience as a trainer as well as thoroughly teaching credentials and vital information every trainer should know! Couldn't understand how people can go online and get certified and be successful without hands on experience!!! And stats show it is a low outcome that they are successful! I have instructed several different types of fitness and learned a lot from it. After attending PFTA I am so much more confident in every aspect of my career!
;) Britni

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PFTA Is The Real Deal
by: Texas Disciples

PFTA is the best choice I could have made in regards to being educated in personal training. The classroom atmosphere is good, but the hands-on learning and training is bar none compared to online certs or having to study on your own. If you want to become the best trainer in your area...PFTA is the way to go. Mark Jackson in Round Rock is the real deal! The education is about to send my training to a whole new level.

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Caveat Emptor!
by: Dar Forsythe(Cyberhick)

Let's begin with the OP's statement;

"PFTA is partnered with NSCA. 15 weeks 3oo hours hands on residence course. A student will graduate with PFTA certification and NASM or NSCA."

Nowhere can you see a partnership agreement with The NSCA, what is even more alarming is that the PFTA does not meet the ERG (Educational Recognition Program) requirements. Their website lists two partners, ‘fitness all access’ and ‘nutrition.com’. At best, you can sit for the NASM CPT or NSCA CPT exams with no guarantee that you will pass. The original post leads you to believe that you will graduate with a PFTA certificate and one of the other two. (NASM/NSCA)Oh, and forget about the PES or CSCS, you will not fit the criteria! (If you complete the NASM-CPT then you can attempt the PES)

Mark Jackson offers a correction in his following post, you will receive a PFTA (not as well industry recognized as advertised) certification and be ready to sit for one of the remaining two. (you will have to pay for the exams) Another negative is that PFTA does not appear to be 'accredited.' Mr. Jackson addresses this by side stepping the issue and rattling off some long winded rhetoric about how great the school is, the question is, Are you accredited or not? (NCCA or DETC)

The website has the look and feel of an infomercial, it left me wanting for more information. A proper educational institution would provide as much information as possible, tuition is an important factor, no costs are listed. (you can get a student loan!)
Caveat Emptor! Do your research before jumping in.

Cheers,
DF. (I left my name for you!)

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here he goes again!
by: mark jackson

won't even respond except to say you can never please everyone...lol I always recommend doing your research. The nice thing is, we have an open door policy so don't pay me a dime until you come in and sit through a class. I love all feedback! Negative publicity is still publicity!!! Thanks D! Any questions regarding the program don't hesitate to callme direct! 512 587 7625

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Still no answer
by: DF

Just so you know, I am not the person who originally posted in this thread anonymously. I just found it peculiar that you would respond to the question of accreditation by side-stepping the question.

You have yet to address the question of accreditation. Nor have you explained the relationship between you and NCSA/NASM. All of this info should be available so that WE CAN do the research.

Personally, I want to know more about costs, accreditation and the relationship(partnership)with NSCA, without having to call a number or leave my e-mail address.

BTW: the adage of 'any publicity is good' really only refers to the showbiz clique, who relish in the limelight, good and bad. You don't want to come off as the 'Lindsay Lohan' of the fitness industry, do you?

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PFTA
by: Mark Jackson

I personally have never said anything about partnership with NSCA or NASM but let me clarify. Any of our graduates get discounts on either exam. We have our very own contact people to call. We encourage all of our students to challenge themselves by getting more certifications. Our program is designed for people who need more of a hands on type training. Being a fitness professional like yourself I am sure you can see the value in that. Again, my concern is with my students and their success and that speaks for itself. On regards to the website, I think you pulled up the old San Antonio PFTA website and I agree with you 100% on that assessment. That is why we had CJ develop his own because we did not like the concept either. I believe it is no longer up. As far as second certifications and you can quote me and post this anywhere. If any of our students cannot get hired because of our certification not being accepted, I will reimburse them the cost of getting NASM or NSCA.(this has yet to happen) I truly have a passion for what I do and what PFTA stands for. I love being able to walk into any gym and look at the wall of personal trainers and see my graduates who have made a career out of what they love! My passion is in teaching and helping students learn. So much that if a student does not feel comfortable with the material even after the entire 15 weeks, I invite them to sit through the classes as many times as they need(at no charge!) Some people learn at a different pace and I realize this. I doubt any other program offers that! I love reading the post that my students leave and to see them having so much success. Thanks guys! Hope this helps everyone to understand a little bit more about our program. I really think that if you sat through a few classes Dar, you might actually enjoy it and see that we are not a big money grubbing company but people that truly care.

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Worth the money
by: Kyle B.

I went to the PFTA School here in Austin/Round Rock. I went into the school knowing somewhat about fitness and nutrition. Before even talking about getting me to sign up Mark Jackson invited me to sit in during a class. I LOVED IT! I ended up sitting in a whole week worth of classes before making my decision. I graduated at the beginning of September. I was offered a position as a Personal Trainer at the Golds Gym in Cedar Park. I know that thea PFTA certification is not "nationally recognized" Tell that to the fitness manager at the Golds!! How many 21 year old personal trainers with absolutely no experience at all get offered a job by one of the best gyms here in the Austin area?? If you have any questions feel free to contact me on Facebook. Thank you for reading. Kyle Boehm

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Hey Kyle
by: Mark

Glad to hear that Kyle! Again, sometimes bad post draw more of my students to show their support in our program! I would much rather see positive comments from people who have actually attended the program then people who are just putting the program down for no apparent reasons. As I mentioned in class, you will see a lot of trainers out there who are very intimidated by competition. But how can someone support the thought of going online to become a personal trainer? Would you go to a doctor with an online certification? How about a dentist? Massage Therapist? Heck I wouldn't even go to a barber who got an online certification with no hands on training. I think you get my point! Would love to have you swing by class and let the current students hear about your career!

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GOOD and BAD
by: Chris

First off I like to say I think the idea of a school like yours see well and hope other school do more like it. I just went to your website 11-9-11 250pm and well for someone that has been a personal trainer for over 15 years and several Certs. It does not come across a professional but like a startup. I do think the idea is great and I as a Fitness Manager/Fitness director/ and General Manager would only think about hiring some from you school or any others that are not accredited School is if they were already getting a cert that is accredited and we would have a 90day time period to get that Cert. or lose their job. SO I think first what your company needs to do is get accredited that will show that not only is the idea as good as it truly is but that for the money they are paying it is above board. I hope you put the time and money into this for you company and maybe become National Recognized. Put for a new trainer starting out the money you are charging to only have to go out and get an accredited national recognized Cert. is not worth it. Get your course to be CEC/CEU for all the bigger Certs as well that would show value. I wish you the best and hope the changes that need to be made are being made because if not someone will take your idea and do it the right and professional way and you guys will be a after though. Good luck and love the passion.

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Excited to begin a new career!
by: Kyle W

Hello! My name is Kyle W. and I'm a student in Mark Jackson's PFTA course in Round Rock, Texas. I have a bachelors degree in Secondary Education and am a licensed high school teacher, but I quickly realized I cared more about teaching health and fitness to young people than I did teaching them history. Several years ago I purchased the materials to begin studying for my ACE certification. I progressed through over half of the materials, completing the study guides all along...but all along had a rather strong "umm....what?!" feeling nagging at me. Ultimately the books were put aside and a couple years passed before I came back to my desire to learn more about health and fitness, and pass the info along to those who need it. I've only been in PFTA courses for about a month now, but I have certainly learned and retained more information than I did in the months studying the ACE certification materials. I'm very happy with my experience thus far and look forward to mastering the material in months to come.

As to some of the previous posts about PFTA Certification not carrying with it the ability to land you a job, I've seen otherwise in the month I've been a student. Some students have been hired by Gold's, I know of a couple working for the YMCA and 24 Hour Fitness...and I am still in contact with one graduate who decided to not pursue the gym route, but is running a boot camp twice a week at his apartment complex and is making enough to pay his rent! Does a PFTA Cert. carry the same weight as a NSCA Cert? Probably not...but more often than not, your ability to get a job is going to be based on your interpersonal skills and ability to prove to your future employer that you're the right man, or woman, for their gym. Thanks!

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Newby
by: Joel B.

I just wanted to jump in here to say that I just graduated PFTA in Round Rock with Mark on Tuesday. As I was about to leave the facility I was approached by the fitness manager at Anytime Fitness. He told me that he had been certified at PFTA about a year ago and he was there looking for good personal trainers and he asked me if I would be interested in coming to work at his gym. I am writing this on Thursday night and I will be going to work there tomorrow. The best thing about it is that I am not even the least bit worried about not knowing how to do my job because I have all the knowledge and experience and confidence because of this class. Mark Jackson has his heart in the right place and he really does a great job getting people ready for the workforce. I know that I would not feel the same way had I gone through any other certification.

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hello everyone
by: Anonymous

hello everyone , i knw its last min research as i decided to look more into it, i see alot of round rock ppl on here , as im from san antonio tx and i just signed up lasted week and my first class in this saturday coming , as i read all the way dwn and well was told they pay for the nasm exam , i just wanna get into the fitness industry and get good knowledge and do well for others , learning more for myself and others as well , but i really hope this school is promising of the words they say , just dont wanna pay so much as if im not gonna get hired anywhere , but so far i called all golds gyms and they all reconiged them so was like ok , well hope to meet some more pfta grads and meet some new ppl in the fitness industry

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PFTA Prepares you for more!
by: Anonymous

Hello! I am a PFTA graduate and I currently work for Gold's Gym. The reason I chose to go to PFTA rather than take an online exam was because of the hands on experience. I had some previous physical fitness experience from being in the military and wanted more hands on training and that is what I got from PFTA. My instructor, Mark Jackson, has been working in the field of fitness for long time. He takes his experience and his knowledge of the industry and brings it into the classroom. He stays abreast of the changes in the industry as well as the changes that go on in the large gyms. Having this information as a student was invaluable. While PFTA isn't accredited, and this is only by choice, the confidence that I have from working with Mark is what got me in the door with Gold's Gym and is what is keeping me there!

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Not worth the money
by: Anonymous

It is true that PFTA cert is not nationally accredited, but its also true that a few gyms do accept it. However, ive been personally turmed down by NUMEROUS gyms not due to the fact of lack of experience, but do to the fact that this cert is not accredited. Also it is true that in this school you learn nothing about selling yourself and marketing, which is essential to make it in the business. I personally would reccomend a nationally certified cert like NSCA, NASM, ACE ETC... Before you drop 4000$ on this, waste of money imo, at least not worth that much, maybe 1000$

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New School in El Paso
by: Mark Jackson

It has been awhile since I have visited this blog. So humbled to see the great things that my past students have said about our program. Of course there is always negative things to be said as well. At least one of the negative things said was from an actual student and not someone in another country just bashing something that they know nothing about...lol We can't please everyone, that is for sure but we wouldn't be growing like we were if we were ripping people off! Some people just don't have the personality to make a living as a personal trainer...I can't teach personality...lol Just to clarify to some of the haters.. you will receive an accredited certification through our program and it is included in the cost. I have not had one single student fail the NASM, NSCA, NCSF or NCCPT test after attending our school. Now go back and read the blogs on this site on how many people fail those exams on their first attempt. Again, would any of you go to a dentist who was certified online? How about a message therapist? I wouldn't even get my hair cut from someone with an online cert....lol. With all of that being said, our newest location in El Paso, Texas will be opening this year! Very excited! Hope everyone has a blessed day!

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