Personal Trainer Schools in North Carolina

Personal trainers are very meticulous and intentional about their craft. Naturally, any individual looking to enter into this discipline in the state of North Carolina must patiently familiarize themselves with the requirements of the profession to guarantee success.

They must understand the unique requirements, educational options, certification pathways, and regulatory responsibilities, among many others. Thankfully, all of this information is readily available for readers of the page in the sections below.

We also explore top training destinations for the best outcome, salary projections, and career outlook for the coming decade.

How to Become a Personal Trainer in North Carolina

Aspiring personal trainers in North Carolina can start their careers following the approach below.

Educational Considerations

Individuals who would like to become personal trainers in North Carolina first have to decide where they would like to receive their education. Then, they have to decide how long they want to spend in training and what particular program they want to apply for.

As for where to receive training, candidates have no shortage of options in technical schools and colleges around. Concerning how long to spend, the most common options are 2-year associate degree programs and 4-year bachelor’s degree programs.

Lastly, individuals may choose kinesiology programs, sports medicine programs, personal education programs, and nutrition programs, among others.

Certification Organizations

Personal trainers need certification for credibility and other professional advantages. It is important to choose a reputable certification organization, and there are several options to consider.

In the next section, we examine the top agencies and their processes for certifying fresh candidates.

Essential Skills

Some essential skills that personal trainers need to cultivate even after technical education include strength and conditioning, communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and customer service.

Specialization & Continuing Education

Specialization offers a pathway for personal assistants to set themselves apart and become industry leaders in their chosen specialty areas. Certification in a particular specialty can be very effective for credibility.

Some areas of specialization to consider include nutrition, strength and conditioning, and corrective exercise. Some professionals may also focus on working only with athletes or on weight loss.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a chef in North Carolina

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The National Academy of Sports Medicine is one of the top certifying agencies for personal trainers nationwide. The Academy offers North Carolina personal trainers the opportunity to earn a Certified Personal Trainer credential.

Applicants must already possess valid CPR and AED certifications before they can qualify for the certification exam. After becoming certified, they are also expected to continue to renew their license every two years.

Other options for becoming certified as a personal trainer in North Carolina include the National Council on Strength & Fitness and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), both of which offer a Certified Personal Trainer credential.

Top Personal Trainer Schools in North Carolina

These are the top destinations to learn as an aspiring personal trainer in North Carolina.

Explore personal trainer schools in North Carolina by city:

• Personal trainer schools in Charlotte

Salary & Career Outlook

According to data obtained by surveying candidates in the state, the following are the highest-paying locations to practice as a personal trainer in North Carolina.

• Charlotte, with an annual average salary of $53,696;
• Greenville, with an annual average salary of $51,468;
• Durham, with an annual average salary of $50,382 and
• Chapel Hill, with an annual average salary of $44,572.

Of course, location is not the only factor to consider. How long a professional has been on the job, their approach to marketing and outreach, and their networking skills will all influence yearly earnings.

Taking a general look at the data, one finds that the annual average salary of a personal trainer in North Carolina can be around $87,569 for the highest-paid and $22,012 for the lowest-paid.

The figure normalizes to around $43,904 for candidates in the median earning category.