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Industry Aligned Skills
Build career ready skills in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, nutrition, behavior change, and fitness business through Lionel’s online Master Trainer Credential Course.
Learn a comprehensive foundation in personal training, fitness nutrition, and fitness programming for special populations. Graduates learn to assess, train, motivate, and coach clients across a wide range of fitness and nutrition needs.
REAL-WORLD VALUE
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Build career ready skills in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, nutrition, behavior change, and fitness business through Lionel’s online Master Trainer Credential Course.
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Earn industry recognized certifications including Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
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Prepare for careers in personal training, performance coaching, and wellness leadership with practical, real world exercise science training and Career Connect support.
CAREER-READY SKILLS
Lionel University’s Master Certified Personal Trainer Credential goes beyond entry-level certification. You develop the scientific knowledge, coaching skills, client communication, and professional competencies needed to work with real clients across fitness, wellness, and human performance settings.
Build a stronger understanding of anatomy, physiology, neuromuscular control, body systems, and energy systems. Learn how the body moves, adapts, and performs so you can make more informed training decisions.
Learn how to assess movement and performance, interpret results, and design safe, structured exercise programs based on client goals, ability levels, and evidence-based training principles.
Develop foundational knowledge in human metabolism, nutrition, hydration, supplementation, and recovery strategies that support health, performance, and sustainable client outcomes.
Learn how to modify exercise for clients with chronic conditions, orthopedic limitations, aging-related considerations, and other special needs while maintaining appropriate safety and professional boundaries.
Understand the science behind motivation, adherence, goal setting, habit formation, and long-term behavior change. Build the coaching and communication skills needed to help clients stay engaged and make meaningful progress.
Develop professional consultation, client acquisition, retention, referral, and relationship-building skills. Learn how to communicate your value, manage objections, engage clients ethically, and grow a professional fitness practice.




CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
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Skills Learned in This Program Include:
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Prepare for Roles Such As:
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Put Your Skills to Work Across the Fitness Industry:
Take our 3-minute Exercise Science Readiness Quiz and get a personalized report on your strengths, interests, and potential career fit.
Take the 3-Minute Readiness QuizExpert Faculty
At Lionel University, our faculty aren’t just educators — they’re pioneers, practitioners, and mentors. Each one brings real-world experience from the fields of exercise science, fitness, performance, recovery, and wellness directly into the online classroom.
Instructors scored 4.6–4.8 out of 5 on average across all categories

Chancellor

Chief Academic Officer
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Dean of Academic Innovation & Graduate Studies
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CAREER OUTLOOK
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment across exercise science and fitness related occupations is projected to grow faster than average between 2024 and 2034, as organizations increasingly prioritize prevention, performance, and long term health.
INDUSTRY GROWTH
Healthcare is shifting from treatment to prevention, recovery, and longevity. Increasing demand for exercise science professionals who improve performance and reduce chronic disease risk.
Professional sports teams, Olympic programs, tactical units, and elite performance centers are investing heavily in strength and conditioning specialists and sports scientists.
Companies, schools, and municipalities are prioritizing employee wellness, injury prevention, and performance optimization. Creating new leadership roles in fitness and wellness management.
An aging population and rising lifestyle-related conditions are driving demand for qualified professionals trained in exercise physiology, behavior change, and long-term health programming.
Take our 3-minute Exercise Science Readiness Quiz and get a personalized report on your strengths, interests, and potential career fit.
Take the 3-Minute Readiness QuizRecognition
Lionel University is recognized by respected accrediting and industry organizations.
Lionel University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. See accreditation & disclosures
Note: Industry partners and recognitions shown do not imply endorsement of outcomes, employment, or licensure.

Lionel University has been fully accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission since 2009, ensuring high quality, flexible education for online learners nationwide.
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Lionel University is honored to support military-connected students with flexible, career-focused education designed for those who serve and their families.
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Our Certified Personal Trainer credential is recognized by the Health and Fitness Association, affirming alignment with national standards for fitness education.

Lionel University is designated as an Educational Recognition Program institution by the NSCA, a global leader in strength and conditioning standards.
COSTS AND FEES
Review the current undergraduate tuition rate and required fees for Lionel University students.
Students residing in the U.S., regardless of citizenship, and U.S. citizens residing abroad.
$333 / credit
Undergraduate tuition for international students.
$440 / credit
Paid per certification.
Paid once per quarter.
Paid once per quarter.
Digital textbooks are embedded into each course at no additional cost. Unrestricted access is available seven days prior to the start of class and throughout the quarter.
Apply at any time at no cost.
Our staff will review your transfer documentation at no cost.
Partners
We work with organizations across the fitness, wellness, and performance industries to create opportunities that help students grow professionally and prepare for long-term career success.

Transfer More. Finish Faster.
Eligible NCCA-accredited or ISSA personal training certifications may qualify for transfer credit toward the Master Trainer Certificate. Up to one qualifying certification may be accepted, subject to a competency exam and institutional transfer-credit evaluation.
Take our 3-minute Exercise Science Readiness Quiz and get a personalized report on your strengths, interests, and potential career fit.
Take the 3-Minute Readiness QuizStudents who successfully complete the program earn the following credentials and specialized certificates.

This credential recognizes foundational personal training knowledge, technical skill, client communication, exercise instruction, safety, and professional readiness at a level of distinction.

This credential recognizes advanced preparation across exercise science, assessment, program design, nutrition, behavior change, special populations, client engagement, and professional practice development.

This certificate validates knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, neuromuscular control, body systems, movement function, and performance adaptation.
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This certificate validates the ability to analyze movement mechanics, joint actions, posture, stability, mobility, force production, and exercise technique.

This certificate validates the ability to design structured, evidence-based training sessions and programs aligned with client goals and performance outcomes.

This certificate validates the ability to administer, score, interpret, and report movement and performance assessments.

This certificate validates foundational knowledge of micronutrients, hydration, electrolytes, supplementation, recovery, metabolism, and performance nutrition.

This certificate validates the ability to modify exercise programs for clients with metabolic, cardiovascular, orthopedic, aging-related, and other special considerations.

This certificate validates the ability to apply motivation theory, habit formation, goal setting, adherence strategies, and coaching communication.

This certificate validates skills in client acquisition, consultative communication, service positioning, objection management, retention, referrals, and practice development.

This certificate validates the ability to attract, consult with, enroll, and engage clients using ethical, client-centered communication strategies.
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Master Trainer Credential
Complete 30 quarter credits in Exercise Science. Select 30 credit hours from the approved Exercise Science courses based on availability.
30
Quarter Credits Required
Exercise Science Courses
Build advanced knowledge in exercise science, human performance, coaching, nutrition, behavior change, and professional practice.
This course develops advanced understanding from physical culture to exercise science with a focus on improving human performance, movement efficiency, and training outcomes. Students apply scientific principles to design and implement effective performance strategies.
Functional Anatomy Knowledge, Physiology Understanding, Application of Scientific Principles, Health Promotion, Human Performance Optimization.
This course develops advanced understanding of applied biomechanics & movement analysis with a focus on improving human performance, movement efficiency, and training outcomes. Students apply scientific principles to design and implement effective performance strategies.
This course develops essential skills through training principles & program design, supporting academic success and professional readiness across disciplines.
This course develops advanced understanding of movement & performance assessment methods with a focus on improving human performance, movement efficiency, and training outcomes. Students apply scientific principles to design and implement effective performance strategies.
Description coming soon.
This course develops advanced understanding of exercise programming for special populations with a focus on improving human performance, movement efficiency, and training outcomes. Students apply scientific principles to design and implement effective performance strategies.
This course develops coaching and communication strategies through the science of behavior change, focusing on behavior change, client engagement, and long-term success.
This course develops advanced understanding of client acquisition and practice development in health and performance with a focus on improving human performance, movement efficiency, and training outcomes. Students apply scientific principles to design and implement effective performance strategies.
This course develops advanced understanding of inclusive human performance and adaptive training with a focus on improving human performance, movement efficiency, and training outcomes. Students apply scientific principles to design and implement effective performance strategies.
This course examines the scientific principles and applied methodologies required to design and lead structured performance training for groups and teams. Students explore musculoskeletal and physiological foundations, biomechanics, energy systems, and training adaptations within collective training environments. Emphasis is placed on group assessment strategies, program periodization, exercise scaling and modification, safety management, equipment utilization, and session structure across cardiovascular, strength, and conditioning formats. The course also addresses professional leadership, participant engagement, and operational considerations relevant to group-based performance settings.
This course discusses growth and development, metabolism, physiology, body composition, training, endurance, flexibility, strength, plyometrics, program structure, sports psychology, nutrition, and injury as each relates to children and teens.
This course covers topics related to programming and motivation for athletes including anatomy, physiology, assessment, flexibility, strength, programming for specific sports, athletic nutrition, sports psychology, and injury.
This course provides an evidence-based examination of exercise programming for older adults, grounded in current research on aging physiology, functional health, and longevity. Students explore biological, physiological, and psychosocial aspects of aging; age-related changes across cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, endocrine, neurological, and metabolic systems; and appropriate assessment and screening strategies.
Emphasis is placed on designing safe, individualized, and developmentally appropriate exercise programs that support functional independence, chronic disease management, fall prevention, and quality of life. Students develop competency in applying scientific principles to diverse older adult populations, including those with chronic conditions and master’s athletes.
This course provides an advanced, evidence-based examination of nutrition science and metabolic physiology as they relate to human performance, exercise adaptation, and body composition management. Students explore digestion and nutrient metabolism, macronutrient and micronutrient functions, nutrient timing, hydration and electrolyte strategies, supplementation science, and nutrition for special populations.
Emphasis is placed on critical evaluation of research, individualized nutrition assessment, body composition analysis, and the development of structured nutrition interventions aligned with performance goals and professional scope of practice.
This course examines advanced psychological theories and applied behavior change strategies within exercise and human performance environments. Students explore the Transtheoretical Model of Change, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Social Cognitive Theory, commitment strategies, and experiential sampling methodologies.
Emphasis is placed on assessing readiness for change, tailoring stage-matched interventions, fostering intrinsic motivation, and designing structured transformation frameworks. Students develop competency in integrating evidence-based psychological principles into coaching practice while recognizing professional scope and referral boundaries.
Take our 3-minute Exercise Science Readiness Quiz and get a personalized report on your strengths, interests, and potential career fit.
Take the 3-Minute Readiness QuizCareer Services
From enrollment through graduation and beyond, Lionel University students receive lifetime access to career coaching, professional development tools, and resources designed to help them achieve their goals.
✓ Personalized career coaching
✓ Resume and LinkedIn support
✓ Job search tools and resources
✓ Professional development guidance
✓ Lifetime access at no additional cost

The Master Certified Personal Trainer Credential is an advanced, credit-bearing certificate pathway from Lionel University that prepares students in exercise science, movement assessment, program design, nutrition, behavior change, special populations, client engagement, and professional practice.
Yes. Courses are 100 percent online with 24/7 access.
The program includes 10 courses.
Students earn the Certified Personal Trainer Credential with Distinction, the Master Certified Personal Trainer Credential, and multiple specialized certificates in areas such as functional anatomy, biomechanics, program design, assessment, nutrition, behavior change, special populations, and client engagement.
A basic personal trainer certification often focuses on entry-level knowledge. The Master Certified Personal Trainer Credential provides a deeper, credit-bearing academic pathway with advanced competencies in assessment, programming, anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, behavior change, special populations, and business development.
Yes. Lionel University is proud to be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Applying to Lionel University is simple. There is no application fee and no test scores are required for admission.
Students should speak with Lionel University to confirm eligibility. Financial aid eligibility depends on program enrollment, student status, funding source, and federal requirements.
This credential can support preparation for roles such as personal trainer, fitness coach, wellness coach, strength and conditioning coach, small group training coach, online fitness coach, special populations fitness coach, and fitness business owner. Employment is not guaranteed.
Customize your path while building advanced, career focused skills.
Yes. Students study energy systems, human metabolism, cellular health, nutrition, hydration, recovery, and performance support concepts.