CDU’s students eligible to become registered personal trainers

Territory students can now qualify to become personal trainers at the completion of their first year of study at Charles Darwin University (CDU), enabling them to work in the fitness industry while they continue their study.

CDU has become one of the first universities in Australia to enable students undertaking higher education degrees in Exercise and Sport Science, to apply for registration as a personal trainer, as a part of a new partnership with AUSactive, the peak Health and Exercise Industry Association. 

Under the previous CDU study model, to be qualified as a personal trainer, students would be required to undertake a SIS40215 Certificate IV in Fitness after the completion of their degree, extending their academic journey and delaying their entrance into the workforce by six months.

Personal trainers are in high demand in the Territory, not only in metro locations but also in regional and remote areas due to their specialist skills in developing health and fitness goals and planning, conducting, and evaluating exercise programs to support the health care needs of Territorians.

CDU’s College of Health and Human Sciences Dean, Professor Dominic Upton said it is important for students to have the opportunity to gain relevant professional accreditation and experience while they study.

“At CDU we want to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed in their chosen career path,” Professor Upton said.

“Being able to apply for accreditation as a personal trainer in their first year of study will ensure our students become well-rounded individuals who will bolster the Territory’s workforce.”

CDU Exercise and Sport Science Lecturer Dr Daniel Gahreman said the course helps students to develop an expert understanding of how the human body responds to exercise and draws from the knowledge and expertise of fitness professionals.

“Having students that can go out and work as registered personal trainers while studying will provide an opportunity to bring real world experience into the classroom. This will make for a better learning experience for our students,” Dr Gahreman said. 

“Our students will be able to gain important experience while creating key connections with other health workers which will be beneficial for them down the track.”

AUSactive Industry Standards and Development General Manager, Chris Alexander said the collaboration provides a great opportunity for CDU students who meet the essential requirements to become a registered personal trainer and attain meaningful employment.

“Professional registration with AUSactive will provide confidence to employers in the Fitness Industry that CDU students meet the industry requirements,” Mr Alexander said.

“Employment in the sector will enable students to accelerate their knowledge and skills while completing their degree and advancing their professional careers.”

CDU students studying either a Bachelor’s Degree, Associate Degree or Diploma of Exercise and Sport Science can now apply for registration as a personal trainer via ausactive.org.au following the completion of a set structure of first year subjects.

Explore CDU’s range of Exercise and Sports Science courses and degrees which can be studied online or on campus and part-time or full-time.