From medicine and law to education, artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every industry.

And while AI has certainly touched the health and wellness space, the need for personal, one-on-one health guidance and coaching is still very real — and also makes for a “flexible” and “rewarding” career — especially for those without college degrees or anyone looking for a secondary income source.

National data suggests that the personal training industry is growing fast. Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Becoming a personal trainer means that you can set your own schedule, and it doesn’t require a college degree. Instead, you can prepare for a nationally recognized certification through one of several accredited training programs designed to help you study and pass the certification exam.

There are a few popular options to choose from — including the International Sports Sciences Association, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and National Council on Strength & Fitness.

Another program that has continued to stand out is the International Personal Trainer Academy.

The IPTA offers programs starting at just $399 and is NCCA-accredited, which is the gold standard for personal trainer certifications.

The program provides students with textbooks, flashcards as well as access to a mobile-first fast-track study system that is “designed to cut study time in half.” Many students pass in as little as 3 months.

Unlike some traditional certification platforms, IPTA goes above and beyond by providing the tools and support students need to succeed, including free exam retakes and free recertification to a job placement guarantee. Students can even build their own professional website to retain clients.

Those who have completed the program highlight how it stands out by supporting students through their entire study journey and offering a variety of helpful tools and resources to build confidence for the exam.

“Wow, all I can say is wow,” shared Courtney Kendall, who got the NASM CPT7 package and decided to take her first NASM exam a month into her training. “I had a free retest voucher so I figured I’d just get some practice seeing the exam. To my surprise, I passed on the first time! I was thoroughly shocked.”

Kendall mentioned that the IPTA’s audio study guides were especially helpful for her studying. She noted that the information was easy to absorb, and it was great for listening to passively.

“At first I was skeptical about this being enough to provide me with what I needed to pass the exam,” explained Syed Ahmed. ” At some points I️t felt harder than I️t needed to be. However, that being said. The program definitely overprepares you. That way I was super confident when the test questions felt easier than the practice questions.”

Compared to other programs, IPTA offers a budget-friendly option designed to truly set students up for success. According to the company, graduates are recognized by more than 10,000 gyms worldwide, giving you the opportunity to take your certification wherever your career takes you.

Plus, it’s a completely risk free offer. If you don’t pass the exam, you’ll receive a refund. And if you complete the IPTA CPT program, pass the exam and apply to three relevant employers within six months but don’t receive a job offer, IPTA will still reimburse you.

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.