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jackson · 05-16-2007, 06:20 PM

John,

Thanks for your input thus far. However, I think instead of you responding to my specific question if you indeed have a reply you're trying to get at another point of which Ive already on my own considered and made my decisions about. I understand you speaking as a Manager yadah, yadah but I think its a bit unfair to take this thread in a direction that I didnt ask about. I mean Im one who is open for enlightenment but I feel like I took myself through a thorough process to come to the decision that I have. Im not just a fitness enthusiast as you put it but I'll leave that as is. And as for my comparision to community college to 4 year university I think you went outside of the scope of my example. When I receive my certification it will be well known to whoever hires me what my "experience" is. I also think a responsible manager should look beyond just a certification and also at experience level which would also help keep expectations in perspective.

I don't think becoming acclimated to the industry should happen by choosing a "lesser" certification but rather about how you pursue becoming educated in and entering the industry. A person who seeks to be a Psychologist doesn't opt to attend a less "reputable" school to learn about the field. They actually seek out getting the knowledge through the best school in the field. Then get an entry level position upon graduation. And this is my approach to this process.

I have no intentions on jumping in with both feet even having NSCA CPT behind my name. That would be irresponsible of me and would do more damage to my reputation and the welfare of my clients than good. Trust me Im not in it just for a name behind my name so I take it seriously.

Im already pursuing working PT in a gym NOW to gain some insight learning from others who are where Im trying to go. I do have a plan, this is not just some fly by night decision. In addition, Im looking into working with a veteran trainer in an intern role to further my experience and education.

One of my reasons for not going with some of the organizations that you named was not only about them not being the ones my area ask for but also because there is conflict in the information that each organization teaches. There is a reason why some are considered more reputable than others. I dont want to have learn something to later unlearn it.

Again, thanks for what youve had to say. Now that youve made your point Im wondering do you have any insight on the actual question that this thread speaks to? I noticed that youre not NSCA certified so perhaps you cant help me with the specificity of my question.

Please dont take my reply as harsh or anything, I just dont want this thread to become about something its not. I know there are people out there who pursue the certs for various reasons, some of which are not fair, but dont categorize me without knowing me.

I already own the NSCA material, just was asking if others had another approach to learning the material than the one Im currently employing to study for the exam. I am not just studying to take a test, Im studying to learn a profession and about how to be the best at what Im seeking to do. I seek to help people not hinder them so for me this is beyond an exam.

You say expectations are lower with a "softer" certification. Whose expectations? Perhaps the management but I believe the clients expectations are the same regardless of softer or not. With that in mind, this concept that you introduce here seems to unfair to the one who is supposed to be helped.

You mentioned getting an entry level certification. When did delineation between entry level and advanced become determined by the certifying body?

Matthew: thanks for your reply as well. I do have some anatomy history in my arsenal from HS and college :-)

Best,

Jackson

05-16-2007, 06:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
jackson Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 22 My Profile	John, Thanks for your input thus far. However, I think instead of you responding to my specific question if you indeed have a reply you're trying to get at another point of which Ive already on my own considered and made my decisions about. I understand you speaking as a Manager yadah, yadah but I think its a bit unfair to take this thread in a direction that I didnt ask about. I mean Im one who is open for enlightenment but I feel like I took myself through a thorough process to come to the decision that I have. Im not just a fitness enthusiast as you put it but I'll leave that as is. And as for my comparision to community college to 4 year university I think you went outside of the scope of my example. When I receive my certification it will be well known to whoever hires me what my "experience" is. I also think a responsible manager should look beyond just a certification and also at experience level which would also help keep expectations in perspective. I don't think becoming acclimated to the industry should happen by choosing a "lesser" certification but rather about how you pursue becoming educated in and entering the industry. A person who seeks to be a Psychologist doesn't opt to attend a less "reputable" school to learn about the field. They actually seek out getting the knowledge through the best school in the field. Then get an entry level position upon graduation. And this is my approach to this process. I have no intentions on jumping in with both feet even having NSCA CPT behind my name. That would be irresponsible of me and would do more damage to my reputation and the welfare of my clients than good. Trust me Im not in it just for a name behind my name so I take it seriously. Im already pursuing working PT in a gym NOW to gain some insight learning from others who are where Im trying to go. I do have a plan, this is not just some fly by night decision. In addition, Im looking into working with a veteran trainer in an intern role to further my experience and education. One of my reasons for not going with some of the organizations that you named was not only about them not being the ones my area ask for but also because there is conflict in the information that each organization teaches. There is a reason why some are considered more reputable than others. I dont want to have learn something to later unlearn it. Again, thanks for what youve had to say. Now that youve made your point Im wondering do you have any insight on the actual question that this thread speaks to? I noticed that youre not NSCA certified so perhaps you cant help me with the specificity of my question. Please dont take my reply as harsh or anything, I just dont want this thread to become about something its not. I know there are people out there who pursue the certs for various reasons, some of which are not fair, but dont categorize me without knowing me. I already own the NSCA material, just was asking if others had another approach to learning the material than the one Im currently employing to study for the exam. I am not just studying to take a test, Im studying to learn a profession and about how to be the best at what Im seeking to do. I seek to help people not hinder them so for me this is beyond an exam. You say expectations are lower with a "softer" certification. Whose expectations? Perhaps the management but I believe the clients expectations are the same regardless of softer or not. With that in mind, this concept that you introduce here seems to unfair to the one who is supposed to be helped. You mentioned getting an entry level certification. When did delineation between entry level and advanced become determined by the certifying body? Matthew: thanks for your reply as well. I do have some anatomy history in my arsenal from HS and college :-) Best, Jackson Last edited by jackson : 05-16-2007 at 06:49 PM.