NPTI taught me how to sustain a career as personal trainer
by James Anderson
(Denver, CO)
I don't believe that NPTI is a waste of time at all ... of course that depends on which NPTI you go to. I went to NPTI Colorado and they do A LOT ... They not only teach you what you need to know to pass the CPT exam for NSCA, NASM, ACE or any of the other top exams, they teach you business, they teach the ACE Lifestyle and Weight Management course, they teach tons of program design, they give you access to PTontheNet.com for free, they even let you train clients for free in Denver for three months after you graduate. I can't say enough good things about NPTI Colorado. I loved my instructors, Kendra, Craig, Kurt, and Vanessa ... they're the best. I think NPTI Colorado is the only location that also pays for half of your CPT exam, too. Not sure.
Comments for NPTI taught me how to sustain a career as personal trainer
An Okay School, however I strongly felt the second module (second 3 months) of the program was poorly structured. With a change in staff, a lot of the material was repeat and repeat and new material neglected and rushed.
Another policy I dislike is they will not allow you to use your current Personal Training Job to count as an Externship which is complete BS in my opinion as your are already learning while on the job and gaining hands-on work experience at the same time. In order for someone to complete an Externship, they would be forced to quit their current Personal Training Job. This is a policy that NPTI Headquarters needs to strongly consider revising as it is unfair to those who already hold full time PT Positions!
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NPTI Instructor Lacks in Knowledge !!! by: Anonymous
NPTI School Owners hiring instructors who don't know their stuff. Basically reiterating word from word "verbadum" straight out from the NASM Textbook. Lacking in elaboration, giving examples of real life scenarios, application to actual training environment.
Seems to me these NPTI School Owner CEO's only care about is the Monetary Income and traveling back and forth to Mexico for vacation several times a year !!!
Save your money and get your education from a Traditional University Setting..
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Orlando by: Anonymous
Overall it's not worth the money. better off studying the nasm book and taking test. Certification wasn't recognized by employees. Gym time isn't realistic training your fellow classmates and classroom subject matter just follows Nasm book.
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Be aware by: Anonymous
I would hit the gym and train under a trainer who knows their stuff textbook and practical and just take NASM or whomever on your own. You will save a lot of money and time. I think NPTI is drawn out and is milking it. Plus the hands on portion is all over the place and I know someone who went and one of the instructors would send them to the gym while they stayed in the classroom.
NPTI seems a little too good to be true, to be honest. I am really interested in going to school rather than just getting a huge book and studying on my own. However, I did contact the Norwalk CT branch and got the most awful email back. Maybe Im just picky, but I feel like if you are representing a country wide company, you should know the different between "are" and "our" and know how to put periods at the end of a sentence. It really made me question their authenticity. Should I be worried? Or am I just overreacting? I dont want to blow $6000 on a bad school, but I definitely dont want to spend $15,000 on the other school in my area.
I was attending that school for a couple of months. But, I had to stop because there financial aid is poor. They are not federally recognized so it was difficult given the times to get a loan. The school itself is good, the instructors seemed very informative and helpful. The problems I have with it is that it costs so much when you can self-study the same amount of knowledge from a certification, and the fact that once you pass the class they don't require you to continue your education to keep the certification which doesn't make sense to me.
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npti norwalk by: Anonymous
dont go to npti norwalk. all npti's have the same setup. I went to norwalk and the practical gym time was awful. do your research first
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Response to "A little skeptical" by: Anonymous
Response to "A little skeptical.."
I am a former student from NPTI in Orlando Florida. I was the second class to graduate from the program. Everybody has different opinions and experiences about the school and I respect that. I understand how you feel because I felt the same way before I started the program. What I am going to share is only from my OWN experience. When I was in the program I enjoyed every moment of it. I had very good teachers (nurses with masters degree and also they were personal trainers)They were very knowledgeable. If there is someone picky that's me!!I am a school fanatic meaning I love to study and challenge myself every time I can, but I do not waist my time with mediocre teachers. That's why I loved NPTI because I was not wasting my time I was learning from the experts. When people say that they will prefer to study on their own I respect that too, but I do have a problem for those that only study on their own without any hands on experience how the heck they will make it in the real world!! and for those that say that training facilities or private gyms will only hire those who have ACE or other recognize certifications be careful with that statement that is not correct. I recently apply to a position at the YMCA as a Personal Trainer and I don't have any other certifications and two days ago they call me for an interview, when. The person who was interviewing told me that they knew that I did not have a certification, but they noticed in my resume that I went to NPTI and because they know what kind of school is that they decided to call me for an interview. The interview was very promising. I am studying to become ACE certified just because I want to not because I have to. I can tell you that NPTI has helped me to understand the material that is in the ACE book manual that if I did'n have had that experience I would be lost today. The ACE is a very hard test and unless you have an exercise background it will be very difficult to pass. If you want to be a knowledgeable trainer I strongly recommend the school. Here in Orlando the school is approved by the Orange county Board of Education and almost all training facilities know about the school. And yes later its not going to hurt you to get another type of well recognize certification. Certifications are another way of telling your clients how well prepared you are in your field. Good Luck!
Evie
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NPTI is a great investment by: Chris
NPTI was a great decision for me. The curriculum was great, and prepared me very well for my career in health and fitness. The program is taught based off of NSCA guidelines, so it sets you up for either the NSCA CPT or CSCS exam.
NPTI has not been around that long, and like any growing buisness goes through some growing pains. The faculty before my class was awful from what I hear, and was much improved for my class and the following classes. Though the NPTI model is supposed to run the same at every school, the fact is that there will always be some differences, and some experiences will be better than others. My recommendation would be to interview with an instructor, and even ask to sit in on a class to see what it is like.
As far as recognition, some places recognize and respect it, some have heard of it, and some have not. Based on what I have seen, most places recognize it, and will hire with the NPTI cert., but will also insist you sit for a more recognized exam later such as NSCA, NASM, etc.
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NPTI vs. BDU by: Bridget
I went thru both programs and they are night and day.
The main problem with NPTI is that you can't know if your instructor is going to be qualified to even teach the material. At BDU, you can be assured to have incredible instructors because they only have one location and the instructors are not just teachers they are leaders in the personal training industry. Body Design University was half the price and twice the education.
The truth is a lot of the teachers just want your money.
I feel like I got screwed over and lied too about getting a certification. Only in the state of Arizona is it considered to be a Certification. Everywhere else it's a diploma.
Good Points: 500 hours (the state of GA is going through licensure requirements for personal trainers and they are looking at 500 hours plus a certification.
Hands on training (depends on your teacher)- you do get hands on training in the gym. there is a con to this tho.
Get to work with a variety of people
Cons: Way too expensive. I found out I could have gotten an NCCA accredited cert for way cheaper.
The hands on training is only effective if you have a good teacher. For example the first three months our teacher taught us nothing about form except to breathe on exertion and keep your back straight. We got new teachers the second half that taught us interesting things like the way you flex your foot can help or hinder a certain exercise.
The knowledge you gain really totally depends on how good your teacher is. If your teacher sucks you are lost for good. We were lucky (not) to go through 4 teachers. Hopefully it will get worked out. I would say two out of the four actually cared about us.
I went to the San Francisco location of the NPTI. I bought into it at first, but as time progressed, my instructor obviously ran out of info and just began repeating himself. Then halfway through, a group of new students arrived, and it became even worse. Frank, the instructor, was basically an ego maniac who spent alot of the time talking about how awesome he is. So much stuff was left out of the 500 hours, that when I got hired at Ballys I was totally lost. The trainers there were nice enough to help me get up to speed. From there, I got a job at Club Sport, and they wouldn't let me train until I got ACE certified, because they didn't recognize the NPTI cert. All in all, it was a huge waste of over 5000 dollars. Do yourself a favor, if you want to be a personal trainer, just go with ACE.
I'm so sorry to hear that people are having bad experiences at NPTI. I completed the NPTI night program in Raleigh, NC in October 2009, and had a wonderful experience. I even later went on to take the NSCA CPT certification in Jaunary 2010 without studying since the past October and passed with 85%.
I would encourage you guys to write letters and let people know they are meeting expectation in San Diego.
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Tough fair you earn it by: Cricket
I do not care how good a course is, bad teacher bad results .Good teacher good results.Take it one step more, good student,bad student works the same way.You can not say all of something is bad because of one situation!Ever had a bad date? so I guess all girls guys are bad.ever met a white or black person did something bad.So all are bad! B.S. Well there you have it.Take it up line over the instructors head they are accountable to someone.Quit fussing man up and see if they will help you out. P.S. I had a great instructor. Best wishes and success.Cricket
I am in NPTI Raleigh and it sucks. The teachers are smart as hell but they can't teach for shit. The two hour gym time is the biggest waste. Most of the time the instructors are still in the classroom. No homework, no quizzes, just a test every two weeks which gets graded by your peers while the teacher calls off the answers. It's not school at all, it's just bullshit. The smoke and mirrors on the website should have caught my eye but they didn't. They accept students who the teacher knows will never step foot in a gym as a trainer in their life. They sell job placement when they can't guarantee because 99% of gyms want NSCA, NASM, ACE, etc. If you are lost, have 6 months, 500 hours, $6300, and just want to sit around and waste time with people that you don't enjoy, then come to NPTI and let the time wasting, half-ass "mock training", social hour bullshit begin..
Wrong! I went there but not at your location by: Joel
Dont make a statement if you havent used other branches, every school as their ups and downs. I loved every moment of it and if not for them then I wouldnt have been where I am today.
Today I train 45ppl a week, I do online training, Etraining, own a 350ft studio and planning on offering in the near future bootcamps.
And yes I thank NPTI every single day.
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NPTI Raleigh Teaches, Trains, and Motivates by: Anonymous
I attend the NPTI Raleigh School and am having the best experience with both the teachers and the other students. The gym time is essential for becoming a qualified trainer and I find that the instructors are available whenever I have questions. This school enables you to sit for one of the best personal training certifications currently offered. Learning is a two-way process and the student is encouraged to engage, participate and enjoy their NPTI education. I am coming out of the program learning way more than I every would have thought. As with any training school, such as massage therapy, law, nursing, medicine, the certifications are completed afterward. But the school that you attend before taking the certification will help you gain the knowledge that you need. I would recommend NPTI Raleigh to any body who wants to actually learn proper training techniques and network with other personal trainers and I know that my classmates would too.
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Your own Opinion by: AW
I am currently enrolled at NPTI Raleigh and I am learning new topics and exercises every class. I disagree with the above post about the class being useless, you take home what you give to the class. I know several students who have graduated from this course and are successful personal trainers at corporate gyms, studios, and yoga centers. The teachers are very knowledgeable about the program: anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, gym etiquette, weights, etc. Five hundered hours are needed to get the certification, about 1/3 of the program is practicum (on the gym floor). This is where you learn the correct technique and form of each machine and piece of exercise equipment. If you choose to mess around and ignore the teaching then that is your choice, but I thnk I speak for most people in the class that we paid good money to be enrolled in NPTI and we want to learn what the role of a PT is and does! I would reccommend this school to anyone who is serious about becoming a personal trainer.
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Disagree with "P" by: j
I would have to disagree with p's opinion that NPTI is "worthless". "P"'s statements seem to be based off of anger and a false sense of superiority. As a former student in Raleigh's program, I can say first hand that the instructor was not only knowledgeable, but also an excellent teacher. The program rocks. There is a ton of material and its not a walk in the park, but you will be very knowledgeable after finishing the program. Also, how dare "p" make judgement on the other students in the class based off of appearance or age. perhaps "p" should be reminded that the people he will be training in the future won't always appear as models and athletes. "P" should have some faith that his classmates are enjoying and bettering themselves and may have the attitude to become a better trainer than those that feel that they are better than everyone else. This was the great thing about NPTI Raleigh- the diversity of students. I learned how to train a variety of body types, genders, and personalities. I disagree with "P". NPTI- Raleigh rocks.
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seriously? by: Anonymous
seriously?
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Interesting... by: Concerned
Are students really writing these reviews? They seem so scripted...
-Concearned
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haha yes some of them do sound like that by: Joel
however I am a real human and was an actual student at NPTI in Hoboken, Nj. I heard they moved out to Union nj, you can email me anytime if you are still not convinced im real lol ptjoelg@Yahoo.com
have a great day
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sorry joel by: Anonymous
Sorry to hear it Joel.
But take heart - if you need an NCCA accred cert then just doggon it go get one.
I would venture to say that most hiring managers would hire someone with NPTI PLUS a ncca accred cert over a new trainer, no experience without any schooling.
Learning is never a waste.. even if your experience wasnt the best
I am sure you learned something that would help you pass an ACE or other test faster than normal.
Sorry to hear about it, but make the best of life today with what you CAN do :)
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youre so right! by: Anonymous
Dude, I had the exact same experience in the SF location.
Smoke, mirrors, and a waste of my money. Period.
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Lets put it this way by: Anonymous
It all depends on the person!
Like I mentioned earlier one of the principles in training is Individual differences. so depending on the person that needs a classroom setting or not Period!
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N.P.T.I=good by: Greg
I graduated from NPTI in 2006, and everything I know about personal training I learned from Charles and Cammie! I went on the get another nationally accredited certification, and opened my own personal training/in-home business. They teach you what you need to know, and that is it. I would tell anyone looking for a school for personal training to look there!
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Oh so very confused now =( by: Worried
I am scheduled to start NPTI in Sacramento, CA on April 5th and reading the previous comments has me shakin in my boots! Compared to any of the other programs I have found in my area (other than a four year college) this seemed like my best choice. Is it really a waste of time? Should I be saving my money for another career choice? Can I get a REAL reply that doesn't sound like an administrator typed it? Thanks!
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FB by: Anonymous
If you have facebook, join the npti facebook group. I did that so I could talk to some real people who ahve taken it. I'm still considering whether or not to take the program.
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your right by: Anonymous
too much down time and i agree there should be homework quizzes etc.. THATS HOW U LEARN!!! i know i dont know enuff right now and i just graduated.im not mad about the $ unemployment paid for mine. but still i was hoping to learn alot more i went to the lynhurst nj loc.i should say iliked the teachers alot but they need a stronger program.
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NPTI Raleigh --Best $6K I've Spent So Far by: Ruby
I am sorry to hear that so many people have had negative experiences at any NPTI school. NPTI Raleigh is an awesome program and it is only getting better. But any experience is only what you make out of it. I've scanned over a few of the comments so far and wanted to share the following:
1st - I DID NOT KNOW PROFANITY WAS WELCOME ON THIS WEBSITE'S DISCUSSION FORUM? I am suprised that the orignial post was allowed to stay with the profanity. Or at least the profanity was not taken out.
2nd - Perhaps some of the responses praising NPTI Raleigh or any other school seem scripted because there are intellegent people attending and who have attended the schools. These people may also just be so passionate about the program that they wanted to get their responses accurate. But how about we just start posting our names on these sites and be confident and proud enough to stand behind our comments.
3rd - EVERYONE LEARNS IN DIFFERENT WAYS. Homework and quizzes are not how all people learn. I personally chose NPTI for the practical course work. I am in an entirely different field and knew that after interviewing with NPTI Raleigh I could come out of this program and hit the ground running. I am a lifetime athlete who majored in biochemistry, and I knew if I could handle the demands of the collegiate student athlete that I could self study and pass any cert. I chose NPTI anyway and it's the best $6K I paid for anything so far.
4th - LET YOUR ISSUES BE KNOWN AND DO NOT JUST HIDE BEHIND A BLOG. I would encourage everyone to talk with the NPTI instructors on how they can make the courses better. P and others, I am suprised that you stayed for 6 months and paid $6K in a program that you did not like. Hopefully you talked with the schools and gave adivce on how they could improve while you were there? I know in my night class at NPTI Raleigh we had group discussions with the instructors to discuss ways we wanted to be challenged more and the things that benefited the whole class where implemented immediately.
5th - PERSONAL TRAINERS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. While a large group of clients still choose trainers based on physcial appearance alone I belive the indstury is and will change. As the client base gets more knowledgable and as this country shifts to acknowledge the benefits of prevenative forms of health care. Personally I choose my trainer and other people on my athletic team based on knowledge and rapport. Although I am a personal trainer myself and know the proper way to train for my athletic goals (thanks in part to NPTI), I do not train myself. One of the people on my athletic support team just happens to be a NPTI Raleigh graduate.
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P's comments are completely false by: Anonymous
First off let me begin by saying that I just graduated from NPTI in Raleigh and it was probably the best decision I have ever made in my life. Secondly "P" is known to be a passive aggressive cry baby who clearly shows that he is not professional in any way, the teacher @ Raleigh makes NPTI and is always willing to listen,work with, and help students in any way possible. If "P" had a problem with the program then "P" should have discussed that with the teacher while he was in the program. I recommend NPTI to anyone out there who wants a career in Personal Training, or anyone who just wants to know how to take care of themselves to live a long and happy life.
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NPTI IS A GREAT PROGRAM by: mcb
Anyone who is considering NPTI vs. a "study on your own" program would be wise to make the monetary investment in your education with NPTI. As a former graduate, I am very satisfied, and know that I received a superior educational experience for the time and money involved.
NPTI's tuition vs. college tuition? It's a "no-brainer" there is serious value there- Where else can you go, receive training, and be prepared to work in your chosen field in 6 months?
Everyone's individual experience is different, and while "p" may have been disatisfied, some people approach an experience with a feeling of "entitlement" and do not have the maturity to address a situation in a positive, effective, and adult manner which would not only benefit them, but other students as well. This, like all other experiences in life- "It is what you make it."
I have an NPTI certification, AND a NSCA certification. (One certification is great- two cert's ROCK!) NPTI's curriculum totally prepared me to sit for the NSCA exam and "ace it"- The average failure rate for those taking the NSCA exam is 3 to 4 times when using the "study on your own- buy a book & take a test" method. They pay approx. $400 each exam attempt,and they still donot have a full, well rounded understanding of the science behind what they read- this is where the interaction of teacher & student is critical & invaluable. In the end, everyone will make the decision of what is right for their particular situation, but I have absolutely NO REGRETS for the route that I have taken.
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Shady financing by: Anonymous
DO NOT sign up for NPTI unless you are ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE you will go through with it. My husband signed up for classes and was directed through NPTI to a loan company to pay for the school. He lost his job a month in and was forced to drop out. He filed all the correct paperwork with NPTI to discontinue and was told since he paid for the classes he attended there would be NO additional charge. WRONG!!! The finance company sold our "debt" to TWO different collections agencies. It has destroyed our credit. BOTH agencies are somehow demanding thousands of dollars of payments for classes never attended. NPTI says we don't owe any money... but sorry, you're on your own dealing with the loan company and collections agencies. It has been an absolute NIGHTMARE.
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NPTI Ohio by: Anonymous
NPTI is not worthless, I do not know what you are talking about! I attended NPTI in Ohio and I had an amazing experience! We had many assignments including a business plan, networking assignment and case studies. The exams were difficult. I studied my butt off but it was worth it. In the gym we were not free to do whatever we wanted. We had structured workouts, case studies, and group training. Each day we had to turn our workouts in which included knowing joint actions, planes of motions, and agonist/antagonist muscles we working for a particular exercise.
I am now a full time trainer at Lifetime Fitness which recognizes NPTI. I did not have to take any other certs prior to being hired. They also hired three other NPTI graduates.
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Jobs by: mike
It seems to be alot of talking about how great the program is but not alot of speaking of jobs obtained from attending this program . Big red flag right there IMO !
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Reply to Mike by: Ruby
Mike,
You make a very great point about jobs assistance. Even though the original post was not about jobs, this defiently factors into the program.
NPTI Raleigh has been helpful to me and other people I know as well with obtaining jobs.
Your comment also made me wonder how do the national certifications NSCA, NASM, ACE assist with obtaining a job. To my knowledge you name get added to a database for potential clients to find you.
I believe job assitance is one thing that NPTI can use to leveage it's position since they usually have direct contact with their future fitness professions. I think job assistance can improve for all certifications all around including NPTI.
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I hire trainers... I know what we look for! by: Anonymous
I work as a personal training manager for Lifestyle Family Fitness and the trainers that come from NPTI have done very well with our company. True we do look for certs like NASM, NSCA but NPTI will get you in the door and give you a great start! I have several BS degrees and a MS so I know formal education. NPTI is one step above a online cert. I would agree that it is not cheap but compare it to college and it now becomes a great price.
If you need a job apply to Lifestyle Family Fitness
www.lff.com
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WAY OFF ON THAT STATMENT by: DAN
NOT SURE WHAT KIND OF TEACHERS YOU HAVE BUT NPTI IN OHIO AND THE ONE IN COLUMBUS RAN BY MILES RUSH IS ABOVE AND BEYOND ONE OF THE BEST HANDS ON CERTIFICATIONS I HAVE SEEN AND BEEN INVOLVED IN. I HAVE BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR OVER 12 YEARS AND WORK WITH ATHLETES AT A PE WE LEVEL ALONG WITH PROFESSIONAL BOXERS FOOTBALL BASKETBALL AND BASEBALL PLAYERS. I AGREE THAT THE PEERS GRADING YOUR TEST IS BACKWARDS. NPTI IS PRIVATELY OWED THROUGH DIFFERENT LOCATIONS I DONT THINK IT IS THE NPTI PROGRAM IT IS THE SCHOOL YOU ARE ENROLLED AT THAT IS NO GOOD. HANDS DOWN NPTI IS ONE OF THE BEST CERTIFICATIONS I HAVE BEEN THROUGH
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I'm sorry you feel that way by: Triahtlete
Whoever wrote this article must have a very bad experience with NPTI or they just didn't really want to be a trainer? This message is for 'Worried'. If you want to change peoples lives and help them to live happier and healthier. Then attending NPTI is the thing for you to do. If you don't really think you want that responsibility and think you would enjoy something else. Then do something else. No harm done :). But NPTI is incredible!! If you want to become a personal trainer, then this is the place to go! The other students are amazing, and the teachers where I attend are incredible!! I can't wait to graduate and get out there to start helping people change their lives!! This is my opinion however, "opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one." So use your judgement for yourself and good luck with everything :)
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NPTI by: Anonymous
I went to NPTI in Hoboken NJ, I did learn and get in great shape but you dont get certified for NSCA you must pay again for that and take another test to get your Cert. they tell you this about 2 weeks before you're ready to graduate. If you fail or need help you can get it but you have to pay cash to the teacher, I heard of several students being told they can come in to take a test over or get some help but for cash. As for your testing for the final, the written test is a written test period, the practical is something all together different. A few mistakes and you fail, not everyone, its all favorites. Depending on the mood of the teacher you will pass or fail or if the teacher likes you. Cammie was an absolutely great teacher and person, as for the other teacher its was all favorites from what I saw his way or the highway with 6K outlayed by the student. Alot of smoke and mirrors when you first go to the school they had Sallie May for your loans, no getting away from those ! Smooth talkers get you in, talk you up and get you to sign on the dotted line. They get people in and spit them out regardless of passing or failing. I was in my 40's when I went I had a trade to go back to, some of the young people in the class payed, passed maybe but found out quickly that there is not money in it or Good jobs to be had. Its not that you dont learn, you do, but the promises and claims they make about the field are all BS. Its a huge money making operation. Sure people go and come out trainers but very few actually get a Good job and make the money they quote you while you are there.
AP
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This post is worthless by: Dallas
Every school has its own personality as does every instructor. The hard thing about teaching adults is not only figuring out how to adjust for different learning styles but also dealing with various maturity levels and committedness to learning.
No certification EVER teaches you practical anatomy or nutrition...it simply assesses your minimum level of head knowledge. I highly applaud what NPTI is doing and the care and concern of my instructors.
You should delineate between the efficacy of NPTI (which is about to offer NASM certification as part of their curriculum) and the bad experience you have had. Why didn't you put your full name so people could objectively respond to what kind of student you were?
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Interested by: James
Being a recent graduate with a bachelors degree in business adminstration, followed by working behind a desk I found that one thing that I have always wanted to do was get involved with physical training. However, this is something hard to address considering there are so many different venues you can take to achieve certification (And on top of that there are many certifaction options as well). I honeslty just want to know how one would go about understanding the differences from location to location (for NPTI), are some better than others? I know that is a question I will get back with such biased answers, but I figured I would see what people thought on the matter. All I know is I have been training for 6 years and I truly love helping out my friends to achieve a higher physical state, and a fulfilling job such as this is much more suited for me than sitting behind a desk. At the end of the day no one cares that you finished payroll twice as fast that day, but someone will care when you tack on 20 years to their lives by just simply motivating them to get off the couch.
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NPTI was the best thing I did for my career! by: Parker
It seems like you had one bad experience at one NPTI location! This school offers more than just a certification, they offer the knowledge required to actually train the human body! Sure, you can take the easy way and study for a month for a NASM or NSCA cert and think you're ready, but in all reality you haven't learned the full anatomy, physiological functions, or what accounts for 80% of goal achievement, which is nutrition. NPTI now teaches from the NASM curriculum, which means you will not only have a diploma and nutritional consultant certification but be prepared to test for the NASM cert. I graduated from NPTI Sacramento, CA., and at my first job in a gym, I quickly realized I had more knowledge about the body, and hands on training and experience than any one of the other trainers. They would injure people because they didn't know what they were doing, or they wouldn't get their client results because they may have known how to spot a bench press, but they didn't know how the metabolic pathways functioned.
All in all, NPTI is amazing!! Although, we did have a transfer student from one of the east coast branches, jersey or something?? He didn't know any anatomy of physiology and he was about to graduate! So I think it depends on what location you attend, but if its the right location, it will be the best choice you ever made for your career as a personal trainer! NPTI is quickly becoming one of the top recognized personal training schools in the nation, and now that they have paired with NASM, you are sure to have no regrets that you got an NPTI diploma. Also, FYI, they are beginning to pass regulations that you will soon have to have some sort of diploma/further education not just a cert. to be a recognized trainer!
So have an open mind, don't make your life decisions based on one persons biased bad experience!
Signed, A very pleased NPTI graduate 2012
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Why not just get an Associates Degree? by: Anonymous
I have been researching NPTI because I am the Director of Personal Training for a company based in Ohio and the owner hired a trainer from the New Jersey NPTI. I am curious as to why more of you who complain about how expensive the school is just don't go to a community college and get an actual degree like I did. I attended Tri-C's Sport and Exercise studies program and was taught by professor's with PhD's and Master's degrees in the field. With financial aid, I ended up only paying for one of six semester's and the cost of books. I now have an Associates of Applied Science degree: Sport and Exercise studies and I am attending the Univ Akron for my Bachelors in Exercise Physiology. I have been certified through ACE for almost five years and have been running my own in-home training business. During my associates, not only did I take general education classes but I had to take:
Teaching Exercise Techniques
Fitness and Wellness Coaching
Sport Facility Management Personal Training concepts
Biomechanics and Kinesiology
Exercise Physiology
Exercise Testing and Measurement
Exercise Prescription
Advanced Training Concepts
Exercise for Special Populations
Motor Control and Development
Anatomy and Physiology I and II
Health Education
Basic Diet
Sport Injury Care
CPR/AED course
Practicum course with 120 hour internship, where you work with real people, not class mates.
Like I said, I paid less and I have an actual degree. Most corporate wellness jobs, and other top jobs in the fitness field want Bachelors degrees - that is why I am working on my Bachelors in Exercise Phys. so that I can go into cardiac rehab.
For those of you who are considering NPTI, why not check with your local community college and see if they have a sports program. As someone who hires PT's, I will hire someone with an Associates degree in the field before I would hire someone from NPTI, just like I would hire someone from NPTI rather than someone who sat at home and took a certification through the mail.
Weigh all of your options before making a decision. A degree will get you further in this economy than a diploma from a training school.
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Simple solution by: Anonymous
If i were to ever think about ANY type of "TRADE" school, why not ask the people who you would want to be employed by? Call them up, go in to talk to them and see what advise they would give you. The employer clearly would have a better idea who they would hire and with what certificate by which school you got it from. seems ignorant to argue about things that have such a simple answer. DIDN'T like the school? should have done better research.
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NPTI by: Anonymous
I am so scard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I am about to go and get info about it at NPTI Raleigh, NC. Should I believe all the negative opinions???? I am an army veteran and I don't want to weaste my valuable benefits now days. Is a degree better that a six month program??? I will do my homework and find out what is the best for me, I am 40 and I can not wste time and money....
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wrong bro must have just been ur school by: Dylan Hammond
I went to florida with my friend when he went through the orlando residential program. i even went to some of his classes because i wanted to see how it was, im going to be going in july. the instructors were very hands on and incredibly informitive. he had homework every night and a quiz every couple of days as well as a weekly test. im sorry you had a bad experience that sucks man you shoul make a complaint on that school faculty because thats a waiste of peoples time and money. anyone wanting to go to NPTI i suggest the rsidential program only because ive seen first hand that its a great program.
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I had a bad experience at the NPTI orlando campus by: Anonymous
The teachers and classmates there treated me horribly, they also mistreated another guy I knew from a separate class and corporate customer service line never answered many questions I had after graduation on continuing education options years later. While I personally think the curriculum and training is the best out there, the instructors are disrespectful and arrogant. About half of the students there were young upstarts causing trouble everywhere, starting fights at nightclubs, shoplifting supplements at local GNC store, and bullied classmates they didnt like. A instructor who gave us his email assuring us that he will answer questions whenever we have any stopped responding to questions I had about what he taught me in his curriculum and I overheard him putting down my efforts at the gym during hands on training no matter how hard I workout at the gym basically calling me no good just because im not naturally talented in athletics and coaching clients. (why do you think I came to this school in the first place?)The most messed up part of all of this was this was the first time I was on my own without my parents at the time so on my personal time, im trying to figure everything out and at that time I was having several serious problems in my personal life I was also trying to resolve on top of all the INTENSE theory study off classtime, the fact that Im a EXTREMELY slow learner with bad memory and the theory classes were giving an EXTREME information overload at a extremely fast pace on a everyday on the day as if things were not tough enough already.
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NPTI by: Kate
I am currently attending in Chicago. I am learning so much in the 6 mo program, but since I have been out of school so long, work and seem to get sick a bunch, I wish I would have taken the 1 yr course. It is hard, but I believe it is worth it:) Good luck everyone!
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Worth Something by: Anonymous
I'm a current student at NPTI in Waltham Massachusetts. My opinion is that you need to impress yourself upon the instructors and have specific questions for them to get something out of the program. you have to make it about you, not the other students, or you will not get personalized attention. NPTI is great for people with less than elementary knowledge about exercise science and training, but for those with knowledge and experience NPTI may seem overly simplistic.
NPTI claims to be readying you for your NASM-CPT certification. In Waltham, the instructors are not even NASM certified, teach you from NSCA educational material, and don't even use the NASM textbook that you are required to buy. There is also poor orchestration between the corporate headquarters and the school itself.
In retrospect I would try getting an unpaid internship at a personal training facility while studying for a recognized certification such as NASM or NSCA. It would have saved me thousands of dollars and given me direct feedback on my abilities as a trainer.
Great curriculum, excellent training but terrible customer service, and they treated me horribly at the orlando campus.
I cant speak for the other campuses, but as of NPTI Orlando and the corporate office phone calls I can tell you that even though these guys do get top level education the staff have a terrible attitude and treat you like crap if they decide they dont like you. They did this to me and one other guy I knew in another class and the classmates bullied me and him and from all the trash talk I overheard the staff say about him and all the trash I caught the instructors saying about me and other things I was told by some classmates I suspect they were indirectly encouraging the the bullying and bad behavior indirectly.
These staff played favoritism to only people they like while they bad mouth the paying students they dont like and mistreat them. The reason you dont hear this often is because these guys will treat most of the class great but single out the one or two guys they decide they dont like. And nobody has spoken out about this so I will. I was physically assaulted on the residential area by two people which im sure my classmates set that up, I was discriminated against because of my sexual orientation, and one of the instructors verbally disrespected me when I was asking specific questions pertinent to the course telling me "do you expect me to mother you?" Shes a d*** teacher and her job is to answer my questions thats what I paid her to do.
I have many more horror stories of bad customer service after I graduated but I'm typing on my smartphone and I dont have all day. In short I paid a five star pay for the worst treatment I ever received, I had to travel across state for terrible customer service and I received better courtesy and customer service and courtesy from NESTA and ACTION and these groups answered ALL my question and quickly even a local community college never treated me like this.
This was the worst experience in my life and for an executive price of around 10000 USD, while I got better treatment from ACTION for FREE online without traveling.
Comments for Great curriculum, excellent training but terrible customer service, and they treated me horribly at the orlando campus.
I feel this program is not worth the full $6,599 Tuition Amount, but more $5,000.
In Regards to the Instruction, it is 80% Cross Fit Based and 20% NASM OPT Model Based. As a student their needs to be an even split instruction with the material and just not just focus on Cross Fit in every single Lecture. I'm personally not a huge fan of Cross Fit as it only accounts for a small 10% margin and is geared to the athletic individual, not the general de-conditioned weight loss client that you will encounter most of the time at the gym! In regards to Corrective Exercise, fixing Muscle Imbalances and alignment issues, this is hugely neglected as well. Thats why we have the Overhead Squat Assessment! Do you think your everyday client will want to spend the majority of their sessions doing Olympic Lifting ( Deadlifts, Snatches, Power Cleans, Bear Crawls, etc.. ) ??
Spending the Majority of Program Design based on Cross Fit Material Concepts will not adequately prepare the student who wants to become a NASM-CPT thus furthering their knowledge with Advance NASM Specializations.
Would I recommend NPTI Sacramento to a prospective student: most definitely NO !!!! Because the only thing these instructors will spend the most of their time doing is talking about Cross Fit!
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Not recognized outside of Orlando by: Anonymous
There is absolutely NO RECOGNITION outside of Orlando for the NPTI orlando program. Takes 5 months going through NASM material to drag program out. Save yourself 6 grand and just study up the NASM book.
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NPTI Sacramento - waste of tuition money, waste of time! by: Anonymous
Wasted close to 7 Grand ($6599 to be exact) at this NPTI School in the Sacramento Area.
And this NPTI CEO Owner of the NPTI Sacramento, does not really care about the complaints that students make nor will she do anything about it. She has this 100% fake personality and BS's with the students saying, "Oh i just wrote $18,000 dollars in checks today", "Oh, I just met someone just like you while flying in 1st Class today".. I mean seriously, does it look like we students care how rich you are ??
Was a former student this school and their instruction has gotten so bad, that if I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would have just saved that $6599 tuition money and use it on a bunch of NASM Seminars versus spending it listening to NPTI Instructors forcing you to drink the Cross Fit Kool-Aid.
You need to have instructors who have a solid NASM Background, especially with the NASM CES material which I was hoping would be covered more in depth in the last 3 months of the course, and not just hire instructors who only talk and BS about Cross Fit all day!
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the npti tampa its the worst one by: Anonymous
the npti school in tampa its fucking terrible the theory and the practice does not carry over when you go into the real. everything is super fast it barerly gives time to process the information.
