Personal Fitness Trainer training program at Lamson Institute in San Antonio TX
Skilled Trades

Personal Fitness Trainer

Train as a Personal Fitness Trainer at Lamson Institute's San Antonio campus with hands-on instruction in anatomy, kinesiology, exercise programming, nutrition, and corrective exercise.

In as few as 10 Months
NASM CPT

800 Clock Hours

Program Length

Diploma

Program Credential

Small Classes

Personal Attention

Career Services

Job Search Support

  • Diploma Program

    800 clock hours of training, with a normal program length of as few as 10 months at Lamson Institute's San Antonio campus.
  • NASM CPT & Nutrition Coach Exams

    Hands-on training in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise nutrition, assessment & program design, strength and conditioning, corrective exercise, and biomechanics.
  • Hands-On, In-Classroom Training

    Students officially sit for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition Coach exams during the program (passing is not a graduation requirement).

Training That Prepares You — Not Just Passes You Through

A shorter program can get you to graduation sooner — but what really matters is whether you’re ready on your first day of work. Lamson’s Personal Fitness Trainer program is built around the hands-on hours and real-world experience that employers look for, so you finish prepared, not just finished. And you can still complete it in as few as 10 months.

800 hours of hands-on, in-person training

Real gym and classroom instruction where you practice with real equipment and real clients.

Ten focused modules

Anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, assessment and program design, strength and conditioning, corrective exercise, biomechanics, and the business side of training.

You sit for NASM exams during the program

Students take the NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition Coach exams as part of the program (passing is not a graduation requirement).

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Financial aid for those who qualify.

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Program Overview

Lamson Institute's Personal Fitness Trainer diploma program is 800 clock hours, in as few as 10 months, of traditional in-classroom and lab-based training. Curriculum covers anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, exercise nutrition, assessment & program design, strength & conditioning, corrective exercise, biomechanics, and the business side of personal training. Students sit for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer and NASM Certified Nutrition Coach exams during the program.

The Personal Fitness Trainer program is offered at our Northwest San Antonio campus, where small classes and hands-on labs are part of an ACCET-accredited career training environment. Tuition assistance is available through our financial aid options for those who qualify, and graduates receive ongoing support from our career services team with connections to San Antonio-area skilled trades employers. Ready to apply? Review the steps on our admissions and enrollment page.

Curriculum Highlights

Anatomy & Physiology
Kinesiology
Exercise Nutrition
Exercise Assessment & Prescription
Certified Nutrition Coach
Exercise Physiology
Strength & Conditioning
Corrective Exercise Lab Techniques
Biomechanics
Business & Sales for Trainers

Certifications This Program Prepares You For

NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Students officially sit for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam during the program. Passing the exam is not a graduation requirement.

NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Students officially sit for the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach exam during the program. Passing the exam is not a graduation requirement.

NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

The program prepares students to test for the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist credential. Graduates also receive CPR certification and are eligible to pursue certifications from ACE, NSCA, or ACSM.

Where This Career Path Can Take You

Explore the career paths and advancement opportunities available after completing this program.

Entry Level

Entry-Level Personal Trainer

Build a client base, deliver one-on-one and small-group sessions in commercial gyms or studios.

0-2 years
Mid Level

Specialist Trainer

Add specialty credentials (corrective exercise, performance, nutrition) and serve niche clientele.

2-5 years
Senior Level

Senior Trainer / Lead Coach

Lead programming for athletes, weight-loss clients, or special populations; mentor newer trainers.

5-8 years
Leadership

Fitness Manager / Studio Owner

Manage a fitness team, lead a studio, or launch your own personal training business.

8+ years

Course & Module Breakdown

Lamson Institute's Personal Fitness Trainer curriculum is structured into focused 80-hour modules. Below is what students cover in each module:

PFT101 — Anatomy & Physiology80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Foundational anatomy and physiology applied to exercise — body systems, structures, and functions relevant to personal training.

PFT102 — Kinesiology80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Study of human movement, muscle action, joint mechanics, and applied kinesiology for exercise programming.

PFT103 — Exercise Nutrition80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, energy systems, and nutrition strategies that support exercise and performance.

PFT104 — Exercise Assessment and Prescription80 hours · Prerequisite: PFT101, PFT102, PFT103

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Client screening, fitness assessments, goal setting, and individualized program design.

PFT105 — Certified Nutrition Coach80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Coaching-focused nutrition content aligned with the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach exam.

PFT106 — Exercise Physiology80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise across cardiovascular, muscular, and metabolic systems.

PFT107 — Strength and Conditioning80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Programming for strength, power, hypertrophy, and conditioning across general and athletic populations.

PFT108 — Corrective Exercise Laboratory Techniques80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Movement assessment and corrective exercise techniques to address common compensations and imbalances.

PFT109 — Biomechanics80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Mechanical principles of human movement applied to exercise technique, programming, and injury risk reduction.

PFT110 — Introduction to Business and Sales80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

48 Lecture + 32 Lab. Business fundamentals for personal trainers — client acquisition, sales, retention, and the professional side of training.

Career Outcomes

The greater San Antonio metropolitan area includes an active commercial and residential construction market and supports a wide range of contracting, service, facilities, and maintenance companies. Graduates of Lamson's Personal Fitness Trainer program may qualify for a variety of entry-level job titles, depending on the specific roles and certifications they pursue. Examples of entry-level job titles include:

  • Personal Trainer / Fitness Trainer
  • Group Personal Trainer
  • Performance Enhancement Specialist
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist
  • Weight Loss Specialist
  • Nutritional Specialist

Note: This list reflects examples of entry-level job titles graduates may pursue. Lamson does not promise or guarantee employment to any student or graduate. Some entry-level positions may require additional certifications, background checks, drug screenings, or state licensure not provided by the Lamson program.

Learn more about career services support for Lamson graduates, review admissions and enrollment steps, or explore financial aid options for those who qualify.

Training for a Personal Training Career in San Antonio

The greater San Antonio metropolitan area supports a robust fitness industry — from commercial gyms and boutique studios to hospital, university, and corporate wellness facilities, country clubs, and recreation centers.

Lamson Institute's Personal Fitness Trainer program at our Loop 410 campus is hands-on, in-person training in a real gym and classroom environment, and students sit for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer and NASM Certified Nutrition Coach exams during the program.

Lamson's Loop 410 campus is located at 5819 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 160, San Antonio, TX 78238, serving students from across the San Antonio metro area including Leon Valley, Balcones Heights, Castle Hills, Helotes, Shavano Park, and the Medical Center area. Explore all Lamson programs or learn how financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Important Disclosures

  • Lamson offers career education and training. Lamson does not offer employment.
  • Lamson does not promise or guarantee employment to any student or graduate.
  • Career outcomes are not guaranteed and vary based on individual circumstances.
  • Some entry-level positions may require additional certifications, examinations, background checks, drug screenings, and/or state licensure that are not part of the Lamson program.
  • Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
  • Lamson Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET), and is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges Section, Austin, Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Lamson Institute's Personal Fitness Trainer program?
The program is 800 clock hours, with an expected completion time of as few as 10 months.
What does the curriculum cover?
The curriculum covers anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, exercise nutrition, exercise assessment & prescription, certified nutrition coaching, exercise physiology, strength & conditioning, corrective exercise laboratory techniques, biomechanics, and introduction to business & sales.
What certifications does the program prepare me for?
The program prepares students to sit for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) exams during the program, and to test for the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) credential. Graduates also receive CPR certification. Passing these exams is not a condition for graduation.
Where do graduates work?
Graduates may pursue entry-level positions at commercial gyms, boutique studios, hospitals, universities, corporate wellness facilities, country clubs, and in independent personal training. Employment is not guaranteed.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet Lamson Institute's general admissions requirements. Contact our admissions team for details.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Contact Lamson Institute's Financial Aid Office for more information.

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