The duties of a personal trainer in Maryland typically include evaluating customers’ needs in terms of their physical fitness goals and assigning appropriate exercise activities to achieve these objectives. A personal trainer must also ensure to keep track of their clients’ fitness progress and make adjustments when necessary.
In the following article, we will examine the essential requirements for launching a personal training career in the state of Maryland. We will examine the necessary technical and professional skills that candidates must possess, as well as the basic educational requirements.
The guide also covers other important considerations, including licensing and certification, as well as specific training destinations and annual average salary possibilities throughout a career.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Maryland
The following requirements are needed to become a successful personal trainer in Maryland.
Step 1: Completing a Degree Program
Completing a degree program is crucial for launching a career as a personal trainer. Candidates may pursue programs in exercise science, kinesiology, and physical fitness, among others.
Although an associate degree is often sufficient to launch a career in the profession, it is common for individuals to pursue bachelor’s degree programs for a more comprehensive educational experience.
Step 2: Developing Crucial Skills
During their education, prospective personal trainers are also expected to develop crucial professional attributes, including interpersonal and communication skills. Professionals in the field are also expected to be physically fit and possess strong customer service skills.
Step 3: Practical Experience
Personal trainers in Maryland who have completed the training program can secure employment with fitness centers across the state. They can also start their outfit if they want to.
One thing that is absolutely crucial before this step, however, is to develop practical experience either by participating in an internship or providing free services to family and friends.
Step 4: Building a Client Base
Personal trainers can build a solid client base by leveraging social media and networking events. Professionals can also leverage introductory sessions, free consultations, and workshops to attract new clients.
Step 5: Career Growth & Continuing Education
Ultimately, even after starting a career as a personal trainer, candidates must continually put themselves in a position to take advantage of career opportunities and grow within their role. Certification and continuing education are absolutely crucial to achieve this goal.
We explore these issues in-depth below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Personal trainers in Maryland are not required to register with the state or obtain a dedicated license before they can start working professionally. It is common for candidates to pursue certification primarily due to the professional benefits it offers.
Generally, the majority of employers will refuse to work with personal trainers who are not certified. Some will also have a list of accepted certification organizations and credentials.
Typically, these include the American Council on Exercise, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. To be certified, candidates must complete a preparatory course and pass the certification examination.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Maryland
Candidates may start a personal training career in Maryland by attending any of the following programs.
Morgan State University
Online, MD Online Only
Morgan State University offers an online NASM-Certified Personal Trainer program that prepares students for a successful career in fitness through comprehensive theoretical instruction and certification readiness.
Tuition
$1,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD Campus Only
Montgomery College features an Advanced Personal Trainer Certificate program that emphasizes both foundational and advanced proficiencies in fitness and wellness.
Email: lakisha.nickens-gaither@montgomerycollege.edu
Tuition
$203 - $475 per CreditContact
(240) 567-7980
Email in Bio
Prince George's Community College
Largo, MD Campus Only
Prince George's Community College offers a personal trainer certification training program aligned with the American Council on Exercise standards, preparing students to earn the Certified Personal Trainer credential upon successful completion.
Tuition
$119 - $316 per CreditContact
(301) 546-5632
WellnessCulinaryHosp@pgcc.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
A regular personal trainer in Maryland can expect to make an annual average salary of around $53,959, putting them in the median category. Not all professionals start in this range, however, as some can begin in the bottom 10%, making an annual average salary of $32,570.
For those who can optimize their earnings to reach the top 10% bracket, the annual average salary to expect is typically at least $89,394.
The factors that may help candidates improve their yearly earnings as personal trainers in Maryland include experience level, professional credentials, networking and marketing, specific employers, and specific locations within the state.
Currently, the most favorable places to work as a personal trainer in the state, in terms of annual earnings, are Bethesda, with an average annual salary of $64,132, and Gaithersburg, with an average annual salary of $60,654.
Personal trainers in Rockville manage an annual average salary of $59,427.