Individuals in the state of Delaware with a passion for fitness and exercise can launch a personal training career, transforming their hobby into a fulfilling and long-lasting profession. The requirements to enter the field are quite straightforward, with minimal oversight from regulatory bodies.
Below, we take a look at everything individuals across the state need to know when starting a career as a personal trainer. These steps will not only help candidates enjoy a direct path to employment but also ensure that they are properly positioned to take advantage of career growth opportunities as quickly as possible.
We discuss the educational options, specific training programs, licensing and certification possibilities, and annual average salary categories.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Delaware
The following is a step-by-step overview of how to become a personal trainer in Delaware.
Transferable Skills
Some transferable skills that are very important for prospective personal trainers in Delaware are communication, critical thinking, empathy, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
CPR and AED certification are also important for professional opportunities.
Educational Requirements
Training programs for aspiring personal trainers teach students to develop technical attributes and professional skills. It also prepares them for certification, with some providers also offering additional career services, including guidance and job placement assistance.
Candidates may also choose to pursue multiple majors in health education and fitness-related areas. These include associate and bachelor’s degrees in exercise science, physical education, and Kinesiology, among others.
We explore some specific training programs to consider in one of the sections that follow.
Real-World Experience
Personal trainers at the beginning of their careers often find that working in a real-world environment presents certain challenges that cannot be simulated in an academic setting.
This is why fresh graduates typically spend some time developing their skills by participating in internships or taking on entry-level roles at the beginning of their careers. Working with family and friends can also be an excellent way to start.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Anyone can practice as a personal trainer in Delaware, provided they have the required level of training. They don’t need to register with a state body or pass a licensing examination to secure employment.
Certification, as mentioned earlier, is very advisable, not because it is compulsory by law but because it is a great way to build credibility and take advantage of career opportunities.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers a program for candidates seeking national certification. Those who complete specific courses and pass the certification will earn the Certified Personal Trainer designation.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the National Council on Strength & Fitness are other amazing options to consider.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Delaware
The schools below are among the top choices for future personal trainers in Delaware.
National Personal Training Institute
Wilmington, DE Campus + Online
The National Personal Training Institute offers a personal trainer program that combines 300 hours of online instruction with 200 hours of practical experience at local fitness centers.
Students can work with seasoned instructors in Wilmington, supplemented by additional online support.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(800) 960-6294
info@nptifitness.com
Delaware Technical Community College
Online, DE Online Only
Delaware Technical Community College has a Personal Training program with a self-paced approach and an open enrollment policy. Candidates participate in the American Council on Exercise’s Certified Personal Trainer credentialing exam.
Tuition
$1,595 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
University of Delaware - Athletic Training
Newark, DE Campus Only
Lastly, individuals anywhere in Delaware can start their careers at the University of Delaware. The school has an athletic training master of science program with a rigorous and intense curriculum overseen by qualified professionals.
Tuition
$1,116 per CreditContact
(302) 831-3134
chs-info@udel.edu
Explore personal trainer schools in Delaware by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Bear, with an annual average salary of $84,176, Millsboro, with an annual average salary of $49,718, and Newark, with an annual average salary of $44,682, occupy the top three places when it comes to locations with the highest annual average salary for personal trainers in Delaware. Wilmington, with an annual average salary of $38,98,6, is also worth mentioning.
Generally, the lowest earners in the state make an annual average salary of $30,000, while the median earners make an annual average salary of $41,835, according to Indeed. The top 10% personal trainers in Delaware manage an annual average salary of $67,844.
Factors that determine how much professionals will earn include the length of their employment, their professional credentials, their employer, and their location within the state.