AUT - Short Course FAQ's
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Short Course FAQ's
Certificate in Fitness Instruction/ Personal Training
Q. Why should I study to become a Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer at AUT?
We are well known for being one of the best in the fitness industry business and for ensuring that quality graduates are properly skilled, informed and quality assessed to be able to effectively work within the fitness industry. It is definitely to your advantage to be able to graduate with an industry recognised University Certificate qualification which will assist you with securing employment in the health and fitness industry.
Q. How do I become a Personal Trainer?
To become a qualified AUT Certified Personal Trainer you will need to qualify first with a Certificate in Fitness Instruction, which consists of three papers. To then gain the Certificate in Personal Training, you will need to successfully complete a fourth and final paper.
Q. What does it mean to be an AUT Certified Personal Trainer?
As an AUT Certified Personal Trainer you will not only have the qualification and skills to fitness assess, pre-screen and write programmes as a qualified Fitness Instructor, you will also be able to develop, train and maintain your own personal training clients as part of a gym franchise or you could contract as a qualified Personal Trainer and start your own Personal Training business.
Q. How do I become a Fitness Instructor?
The Certificate in Fitness Instruction consists of three papers: Fitness Foundations, Prescription for Exercise and Fitness Assessment and Counselling. These papers are each offered twice per year to allow flexibility of choice and you can choose which option you enrol into. The order of papers cannot be changed as each paper, builds on your previous knowledge and prepares you to become a qualified Fitness Instructor. Each paper is assessed and you must successfully pass in order to move onto the next paper.
Q. What does it mean to be an AUT Certified Fitness Instructor?
As an AUT Certified Fitness Instructor you will have the qualification and skills to work on the gym floor as a fitness instructor, undertake pre-screening, write and update gym members programmes, and carry out gym members fitness assessments including blood pressure, body composition, cardiovascular and muscular testing.
Applications & Enrolments
Q. Who can enrol into a short course?
People who are passionate about the fitness industry, their own fitness and health or who want to be fitness instructors or personal trainers are encouraged to enrol. Many mature students who work during the week or who have family commitments will find it highly beneficial to study at AUT on the weekends.
Q. Am I too old to study?
No! You are Never too Old to study and learn new skills. Our students have ranged in ages up to 70 years + and have successfully graduated! There is a need in the fitness industry for fitness instructors and personal trainers of all shapes, sizes and ages, as our population is very diverse and demographics are changing. If you have the energy and passion to do it then follow your dream!
Q. Can I get a student loan from Studylink to study Short Course Certificate programmes?
Short Course Certificate programmes are not eligible for a student loan from Studylink. We encourage students to pay per short course paper to help ease financial pressure, instead of paying for all three papers in advance.
Q. Can I get funding from WINZ to study Short Course Certificate programmes?
WINZ will be able to advise whether you can apply for educational funding. Please contact WINZ directly.
Q. I want to enrol who do I contact?
We would be delighted to have you join us as an AUT student studying the short courses. Please call the AUT Short Course office on (09) 921 9999 ext. 7503 or email: fitnessinfo@aut.ac.nz
Fees
Q. Are there any additional fee's?
As well as your individual paper/ course fee there are some other fee's that may be applicable to you dependant on the paper/ course you enrol in and whether you are a Domestic or International student as outlined below.
Certificate in Personal Training/ Fitness Instruction
Domestic Student:
- Learner Service Levy Fee (per paper)
International Student:
-
Insurance - Medical/ Travel (either approved by AUT University from your own provider or purchased from AUT University)
Continuing Education courses
International Student:
-
Insurance - Medical/ Travel (either approved by AUT University from your own provider or purchased from AUT University).
Q. What are the Learner Service Levy fee's for a part time student studying these programmes?
The information provided on this website is relevant to full time students. Part time students pay a proportion of this fee for each paper. These fees are between approximately NZD $40 - $50 depending on which paper you are enrolled in.
General
Q. Is AUT a recognised REPS Training Provider?
Yes! AUT is an Accredited Education Provider with the Fitness Industries Registration Body, Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS). This means we are recognised by the fitness industry as providing programmes that meet or exceed the industry standards.
Q. What will my lecturers be like?
AUT highly values quality lecturing staff and we ensure that the people teaching you have a wealth of up to date knowledge, fitness industry experience and the empathy needed to relate to you as a student studying the short courses. Lecturers understand that for many students it is a juggling game, with adapting to part time study, whilst working and or running a busy household.
Q. How are the short courses organised?
All AUT short courses to becoming a Certified Fitness Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer are run on the weekends. They are intensive workshops, delivered by quality lecturing staff who are dedicated to helping you understand the information, applying the practical skills and to helping you succeed in the courses.
Our Continuing Education courses and Workshops are run on both weekends and evenings depending on the specific course.
Q. Do I need to gain working hours within a gym as part of my qualification?
No, as AUT’s lecturers teach students both the theory and practical sides of becoming a Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer.
Q. What other courses can I take that may interest me?
We offer a range of other short courses in Massage, Sport Performance Nutrition, and Body Composition (Anthropometry), as well as Workshops on a range of new and important topics. These courses all have REP’s credits and will help keep you up to date by furthering your knowledge and building towards your REP’s credits.
Q. Can I use the AUT Sport and Fitness Centres?
Yes. You will have access to all three Sport and Fitness Centre weight rooms for the duration of each paper. If you wish to use these outside of the dates you are enrolled in a paper, you will need to join by paying for a membership or pay the casual member rate. In 2012 both the City and North Shore campus Sport and Fitness Centre’s are offering students enrolled in the School of Sport and Recreation Short Course Certificates a competitive joining package.
Q. I have not studied for a long time and did not do very well at school will I cope?
Many of our students who have never studied at a University or did not achieve at school are concerned about studying the short courses. We have found over the 26 years of running these short courses that students have surprised themselves with their own level of achievement. Many people find that if they pursue their passion they actually can succeed to become a Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer. Learning about the human body, and in fact your own body helps you relate to the information and classes a lot easier. You will need to apply yourself to your own learning and study during the week so that you are prepared for your classes on the weekend and your assessments.
Q. Where can I go to get help with studying?
AUT’s Te Tari Awhina (Learning and Development Centre) can assist students with academic help. Alternatively if you have a disability please contact the Disability Student Support team and they can assist.
Q. Can AUT help me with seeking employment after I am qualified?
The Career Centre can provide advice on career related issues. Click on this link or phone 09 921 9899 for more information.