CSCS and NSCA-CPT

[VolcomX311]

Long term goals of strength and conditioning coach while personal training on the side. Need these to do an internship at anyone of the Universities I want to go. I met with my department head yesterday and she said rack up papers like no other.

University's like to see a CSCS combined with an MBA, at least the division I schools do.

Also, the private gyms around here pay more for a CSCS, then someone who is just a certified personal trainer, but that's not universal. The private gym I work actually pays you accordig to how many and what certifications you hold, but again, not universal. The more qualifications the better, imho (to an extent). Sometimes it's your arsenal of certs that edges out the next guy.

[wearedbleedblue]

University's like to see a CSCS combined with an MBA, at least the division I schools do.

Also, the private gyms around here pay more for a CSCS, then someone who is just a certified personal trainer, but that's not universal. The private gym I work actually pays you accordig to how many and what certifications you hold, but again, not universal. The more qualifications the better, imho (to an extent). Sometimes it's your arsenal of certs that edges out the next guy.

Why would you get an MBA and a CSCS cert unless you planned on opening your own gym?

[VolcomX311]

Why would you get an MBA and a CSCS cert unless you planned on opening your own gym?

Division I Universities and pro sports teams look for that in an S&C coach. At least the ones my friends were accepted to. I wouldn't see a need for either a CSCS or an MBA to open your own gym. Most private gym owners I know have a BS at best and not in Kines or anything Kines related. Just ambition, personal fitness experience, a plan and an approved business loan.

Hell, there are a good share of "S&C" gym owners in Orange County, CA who wear shirts that say Strength & Conditioning Coach and probably aren't even CPR certified, let alone CSCS. As long as it doesn't say Certified or NSCA on there, they can conduct business if they're owners.

[wearedbleedblue]

MBA = Masters of Business Administration. I still don't understand why someone would need an MBA to work as a college strength coach.

[VolcomX311]

MBA = Masters of Business Administration. I still don't understand why someone would need an MBA to work as a college strength coach.

I'm sorry, I simply meant a Masters in something Kines related. Brain fart on my end. I could see where that would make you scratch your head.

[wearedbleedblue]

I'm sorry, I simply meant a Masters in something Kines related. Brain fart on my end. I could see where that would make you scratch your head.

Haha, yeah that makes more sense. I was honestly picturing some guy in a suit and tie working in a college gym setting. Weird.

[SRS2000]

I took the CSCS exam several years ago. I had a bachelor's degree in nutrition at the time. I studied the big NSCA textbook and got one exercise technique DVD and did well on the test. For a strength and conditioning job at a big school, a Master's degree will help. What will help even more is having internship experience and working with a program that is well connected in the S&C world. Many of those jobs are still more about who you know than what you know.
I did my Master's work at Appalachian State and I know their exercise science master's program has a track with a S&C focus. They also have good GA opportunities with the S&C staff, state-of-the-art stregth, speed, and body composition testing, and seem to have a decent track record of getting people connected for jobs after graduation.