College Students Aren't Working For Tips, They're Working To Get Us Fit

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. - Aug. 10, 2015 - PRLog -- Starting a new career or changing professions has never been more exciting or as easy for those interested in entering the world of fitness.  Whatever state you reside in, you can complete an online fitness program through Lake Region State College’s Fitness Technician (FTT) Degree program.  Lake Region State College proudly offers the only nation-wide online accreditation for a Fitness Technician Degree (FTT).

Lake Region State College FTT program director Tammy Riggin explains, “Our FiTT program is 61 credits so if a student went to school full time, they could finish in 2 years.  The beauty of the program is that it is offered online and on campus.  I have had many students do entirely online or a combination of the two.  This is also a great opportunity for a student looking at an advanced degree in athletic training, physical therapy, nutrition or other fitness fields to get a jump start in the professional field.  They could work as a trainer, making good money, while they continue on with their education.  That beats being a server for tips or a cashier for minimum wage.”

Lake Region graduate Molly Nienhaus used the program as a stepping stone.  “Once I graduated from Lake Region, I started attending the University of North Dakota. I did undergraduate work in the Kinesiology program while I applied to UND's School of Physical Therapy. I was accepted to Physical Therapy school in the spring of 2015 and will begin the Physical Therapy program this fall. While at UND, I taught an exercise class for the Grand Forks YMCA's Parkinson Wellness Program. When the coordinator heard that I was ACSM certified, she exclaimed that the ACSM certification was "the best of the best!"

Riggin adds the need for trainers isn't going away,“According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor the median pay in 2012 was $31,720.  You have to keep in mind that a lot of trainers do this as a part time gig, so it is hard to relate it to a 40/hour week job.  The Labor Bureau also predicts a 13% increase in jobs in the next 10 years.  Trainers can be found in a variety of locations:  fitness centers, hospitals, yoga and Pilates studios, resorts and at home gyms.  Qualified trainers can work with a wide range of clients:  prenatal, youth athletes, elderly, elite athletes, many different medical conditions, ect.”

For more information or to schedule an interview with Tammy Riggin about the Lake Region State College online FTT program, contact Amber at 701-630-5433 or email amber@alnmedia.com.

Check out lrsc.edu.

ABOUT LAKE REGION STATE COLLEGE:

Lake Region State College is a student-centered, open-access, comprehensive community college within the North Dakota University System. The college provides quality academic education, vocational/technical training, workforce training, educational outreach opportunities, and life-long learning.