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Step 1
According to the Minnesota Athletic Trainers' Association, you need to enroll in a college program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). In order to become a Certified Personal Trainer in the state of Minnesota, you need a formal education. Certified Personal Training is an entry level program, but if you choose, you can continue your education and obtain a bachelor's or master's degree. It's estimated that more than 70 percent of Certified Personal Trainers hold an advanced degree.
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Step 2
Next you need to complete the Certified Personal Training curriculum, which is available at the University of Minnesota as well as some other Minnesota colleges. You will need to take foundation courses that include: Food and Nutrition, Strength Training, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Acute Care of Injury and Illness, and more. You will also need to take the professional courses, which include: Health Care Administration, Pharmacology, Weight Management, Medical Ethics and Legal Issues, Professional Development and more.
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Step 3
After you have completed the required curriculum, you'll need to take the three-part certification test that is granted by the Board of Certification. Once you pass this test, you will be certified and able to apply for Certified Personal Trainer positions.
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Step 4
In order to sustain your certification, you need to be recertified in CPR once every three years.
