Personal Trainer Schools in Indiana

As a personal trainer in Indiana, it is possible to specialize in one area of the profession, such as athletic training, performance enhancement, and weight loss. It is also common for professionals in this field to adopt a more general approach, especially when they are just starting their careers.

The guide below was created to help candidates start successful personal training careers in Indiana regardless of sub-specialty. Readers will discover what to consider when selecting a training program, explore specific programs available, learn about licensing and certification options, and learn about platforms for career growth.

They will also discover how much to expect in terms of yearly earnings during various parts of their career journey.

How to Become a Personal Trainer in Indiana

All of the steps outlined below are essential for launching a successful personal training career in Indiana.

High School & Basic Requirements

Anyone who would be a successful personal trainer in Indiana must obviously be in good physical shape. They must also meet several other prerequisites, including having a high school diploma or GED, possessing excellent communication skills, and demonstrating a high level of attention to detail.

Choosing a Program

Completing a kinesiology or exercise science program is a very popular approach to starting a career as a personal trainer. Such a program allows students to develop solid fundamentals while also becoming sound in practical application.

Most programs allow candidates to choose between an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree track. Those who choose the associate degree track typically graduate in approximately two years, while those who opt for the bachelor’s degree track can complete their education in three to four years.

Some programs – especially those that are designed specifically for certification – often allow candidates to complete their education online. We will explore suitable options in an upcoming section.

Work Experience

There are several ways to develop work experience as a personal trainer. While some individuals transition directly into full-time positions, others take the time to develop their skills by working under experienced trainers or participating in an internship program.

This can be very beneficial in helping candidates develop the confidence to establish themselves as authorities in the field.

Networking & Continuing Education

Networking is key for fresh personal trainers not only to settle in but also to meet potential clients and peers. Certification organizations usually arrange such networking events.

Certification can also be an excellent way to gain access to continuing education resources, as we analyze below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

One of the reasons it is so appealing to start a personal trainer career in Indiana is that candidates don’t need a state license or registration before they can start working professionally. They can get the right level of training and pursue certification.

Certification is advisable and common, not because it is compulsory by law, but because it is a great way to stay in a position for rapid career growth. The process to become certified usually includes passing a professional examination and completing an academic program, either online or in-person.

Permanent organizations with respected credentials for candidates in Indiana to consider are the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Top Personal Trainer Schools in Indiana

The following are the top training programs to consider for aspiring personal trainers in the state of Missouri.

#Indiana

Indiana University South Bend

South Bend, IN Campus + Online

Indiana University South Bend offers a Professional Development and Lifelong Learning division, featuring a hybrid program for personal trainers. Students complete their education by attending virtual lectures and then in-person classes.

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Tuition
$750 per Program
Contact
  • (574) 520-4839

  • iusb.admissions@iu.edu

#Indiana

Vincennes University

Online, IN Online Only

Personal trainers in Indiana can also start their careers at Vincennes University. The school offers a certified personal trainer program, including examination preparation for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer credential.

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Tuition
$1,495 per Program
Contact
  • (855) 520-6806

#Indiana

Indiana Tech

Online, IN Online Only

Indiana Tech boasts a Certified Personal Trainer program with a specific focus on women's fitness. The area of focus is mainly women's health. Students will have the opportunity to pursue credentials in this exciting specialty.

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Tuition
$2,095 per Program
Contact
  • (855) 520-6806

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Salary & Career Outlook

Personal trainers in Missouri in the median category earn an annual average salary of $41,533, according to Indeed. This is the most common bracket, but of course, it is possible for professionals to still be above all, below the bracket.

For candidates who start in the bottom 10% bracket, the annual average salary is typically around $20,735. This can be rapidly improved by focusing on factors such as experience, location, networking, personal promotion, professional credentials, and more.

Optimizing all these factors will enable candidates to rapidly move to the top 10%, where they will manage an annual average salary of at least $83,192. Concerning location, personal trainers in Carmel are first in the state with an annual average salary of $51,856.

Those who work in Noblesville and Indianapolis follow with annual average salaries of $49,395 and $49,314, respectively.