Apart from creating unique exercise programs tailored to individual clients, most personal trainers are also able to apply their expertise to other areas of the profession, including leading group sessions and developing suitable nutrition plans. In the guide below, we outline the steps and considerations typically involved in launching a personal training career in Idaho. We cover the basic educational requirements, transferable skills, specific training programs, career growth opportunities, and specialized programs led by top-class instructors.
Readers will also gain a clear knowledge of the numbers to expect concerning their possible yearly earnings.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Idaho
These are the steps required to launch a successful career as a personal trainer in Idaho.
Choosing a Training Institution
To establish a strong foundation for their careers, aspiring personal trainers in Idaho are often encouraged to complete an academic program. Here, they will be able to earn an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, depending on how long they wish to spend in training.
They can also choose to attend programs designed specifically for certification preparation. These types of programs can be arranged as online programs with a self-paced curriculum or as a hybrid program combining virtual and in-person training sessions.
The next section covers the best training destinations to consider.
Work Experience
After completing a training program, personal trainers can secure employment and build credibility through certification. However, as with most professions, performing the duties of a personal trainer in a work environment is usually different from doing so in a training environment.
For this reason, professionals typically set aside a few months to work as interns, performing entry-level roles and shadowing established professionals.
Career Opportunities
Personal trainers can facilitate career opportunities by joining professional organizations, becoming certified, and attending networking events. Certification is great as it tends to combine all of these benefits.
Professionals can also build a strong social media presence to boost their credibility. We examine the certification steps and possibilities in the next section.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The state of Idaho is one of several across the country where personal trainers are not required to register or obtain a license to work professionally. Candidates are encouraged to pursue certification, but not because it is compulsory.
From professional opportunities to better platforms for networking, certification offers numerous benefits that have made it essential for both new and established professionals in the field. Candidates may consider the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and its Certified Personal Trainer credential as a suitable option.
Other organizations that offer this designation are the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Idaho
Below are some of the top programs to consider for aspiring personal trainers in Idaho.
Boise State University
Online, ID Online Only
Boise State University Extended Studies has an online personal trainer program for interested individuals in Idaho to consider. The program helps students prepare for the credential offered by the American Council on Exercise.
Tuition
$1,595 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
National Personal Training Association
Online, ID Online Only
National Personal Training Association is one of the most prominent providers of online education for personal trainers. The school employs a hybrid approach, offering both in-person and virtual lessons.
Email: admin@personaltrainercertification.us
Tuition
$65 - $225 per ProgramContact
(800) 449-6189
Email in Bio
Boise State University
Online, ID Online Only
Boise State University offers a training program designed to help candidates become familiar with theoretical principles as they prepare to become future personal trainers.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore personal trainer schools in Idaho by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The highest-paying cities for personal trainers in Idaho include Post Falls, with an annual average salary of $62,533; Fruitland, with an annual average salary of $45,570; and Moscow, with an annual average salary of $44,648. Of course, working in a favorable location is not the only way to improve yearly returns as a personal trainer in the state.
Regardless of location, more experienced professionals who possess more credentials and excel at networking and personal promotion are typically more likely to earn a higher income than their less experienced counterparts. Generally, a personal trainer in Idaho in the median category can expect an annual average salary of $38,218, according to Indeed.
Those who start in the bottom 10% can still manage an annual average salary of $17,605, while those already in the top 10% earn an annual average salary of $82,962.