Personal trainers in Mississippi are highly regarded and in high demand. It is natural for anyone who enjoys helping others achieve fitness to consider a career in this field.
One thing candidates must keep in mind when trying to achieve this goal, however, is the importance of proper education. Understanding the general process involved will give individuals an edge in making informed decisions about their training destination.
It will also ensure they are well-equipped to handle challenges along the way and well-positioned for future career opportunities. The guide below helps readers achieve these goals by analyzing the key requirements and opportunities for starting a personal training career in Mississippi.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Mississippi
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a personal trainer in the state of Mississippi.
Meeting Basic Requirements
The state of Mississippi doesn’t really have any major educational requirements for personal trainers. However, employers and clients usually expect professionals to hold at least a high school diploma.
Of course, personal trainers also need to be in good physical shape and possess strong communication and interaction skills, as well as excellent listening abilities.
Choosing a Training Program
After meeting the basic requirements, candidates have to choose a training program. For program length and desired award, applicants may choose associate degree programs with a 2-year training time, bachelor’s degree programs with a 4-year training time, or certification preparation programs.
For convenience, it is possible to opt for virtual or hybrid programs with self-guided arrangements.
Work Experience
There are several challenges professionals face at work that are not necessarily covered in training pamphlets. This is why fresh personal trainers must spend some time in a work environment before taking on complete roles.
Initially, candidates may work as interns or assistants to established trainers.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for personal trainers can be enhanced through effective networking and professional certification. Certified professionals will also be well-positioned to stay current with advancements in the field, thanks to the resources available to them.
We discuss the certification possibilities for personal trainers in Mississippi below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Mississippi does not mandate licensing and certification for personal trainers. However, data still shows that the majority of personal trainers in the United States are indeed certified.
This is understandable, as certification can distinguish successful professionals from those who are not. Everyone, from peers to customers and employers, usually prefers working with certified personal trainers.
Certification can also lead to access to better resources for skills acquisition and a higher salary. To become certified, candidates may choose their desired certification organization and then pass the appropriate certification examination for their level.
Top options with nationally recognized credentials include the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Mississippi
Aspiring personal trainers in Mississippi can attend any of the following institutions for top-class education.
University of Mississippi
Online, MS Online Only
The University of Mississippi and its Office of Professional Development & Lifelong Learning offer a personal trainer program that is entirely online and comprises 80 course hours of instruction. Topics covered include integrated training, flexibility training, exercise modalities, special populations, posture and movement, performance assessments, and additional areas of focus.
Tuition
$1,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Mississippi State University
Online, MS Online Only
The Center for Continuing Education of Mississippi State University has a NASM Certified Personal Trainer program. The program is great for preparing for the NASM certification examination.
Tuition
$2,095 - $2,445 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Mississippi College
Online, MS Online Only
At Mississippi College, residents of Mississippi can enroll in an online program to become successful personal trainers. The program is particularly suited for individuals who enjoy working as corrective exercise specialists.
Tuition
$2,095 - $2,390 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore personal trainer schools in Mississippi by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A personal trainer in Mississippi can take home an annual average salary of $86,791. However, this applies only to professionals who have spent some time on the job and have sufficient credibility to be among the top 10% earners.
Along with time on the job, professional credentials, networking, marketing strategies, and specific employers, these factors also influence how quickly candidates can advance through salary brackets. For those just starting, it is common to earn an annual average salary of $18,291 in the bottom 10% category.
For those who are in the middle, the annual average salary to expect is $39,844, according to Indeed. Professionals can also optimize their locations for better results.
Horn Lake, with an annual average salary of $59,184; Madison, with an annual average salary of $58,400; and Jackson, with an annual average salary of $50,714, are the places with the highest average salaries for personal trainers in Mississippi.




