Personal Trainer Schools in Pennsylvania

It is usually more enjoyable to start a personal training career in Pennsylvania with a robust knowledge of the profession and the legal process for entering this discipline in the state. We aim to provide readers with this knowledge through the comprehensive guide below.

Firstly, we examine the foundational expectations and general duties of a personal trainer in Pennsylvania before exploring the educational approach for individuals to develop professional expertise in the field. From there, we explore employment opportunities, licensing and certification requirements, and top certification programs.

Finally, we conclude the guide with an extensive analysis of the annual average salary of personal trainers in Pennsylvania.

How to Become a Personal Trainer in Pennsylvania

The following is the process required to become a personal trainer in the state of Pennsylvania.

Formal Training Routes

Completing a formal academic program is essential for aspiring personal trainers. However, the program and its duration are not governed by rigid laws.

The following are the common options.

Associate Degree Programs

Prospective personal trainers in Pennsylvania can enter the profession by completing a 2-year associate degree program. Some programs can even be completed in as early as 18 months.

A common pathway is for candidates to complete a two-year associate degree program in fitness and health. Another common option is to pursue a degree in exercise science.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Completing a bachelor’s degree program can bring even more credibility to individuals who are willing to invest more time in training. Some programs can be completed in 3 years, while others require 4 years.

Specific choices include kinesiology, exercise testing, nutrition and physical fitness, physical education, and human physiology.

Specialization & Core Skills

Along with technical expertise, personal trainers require core skills such as effective communication, patience, customer service, and problem-solving abilities to succeed in their roles. They may also choose to specialize in a specific work environment or type of exercise, such as weight loss, postnatal fitness, and bodybuilding.

Employment & Networking

Networking with like-minded individuals is crucial for success as a personal trainer in Pennsylvania. Candidates may achieve this by attending industry events, workshops, and conferences.

As for employment, some personal trainers may opt to work as part of a fitness center, while others choose to work independently.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania

Licensure & Certification Requirements

ACE, the American Council on Exercise, is one of the leading authorities in the country for certifying personal trainers. Candidates in Pennsylvania who would like to become certified by ACE must complete digital coursework and pass a credentialing exam.

The council also expects candidates to continue improving through continuing education and to become recertified every two years.

For those seeking an alternative credential, the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Personal Trainer credential and the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s Certified Personal Trainer credential are excellent options.

Most personal trainers will also need CPR and AED certification in the event of an emergency.

Top Personal Trainer Schools in Pennsylvania

Aspiring personal trainers in Pennsylvania may receive comprehensive education to start their careers from the following destinations:

Explore personal trainer schools in Pennsylvania by city:

• Personal trainer schools in Philadelphia

Salary & Career Outlook

Personal trainers in Pennsylvania who begin their careers among the bottom category in terms of annual returns can expect an annual average salary of $24,109. Those who are among the median earners tend to end the year with a salary of around $44,246; professionals who are lucky enough to be among the top 10% can make up to $81,200 in annual average salary.

In reality, luck is not the primary reason why candidates earn more than others; factors such as experience, location, marketing, and networking are. Sorting the data by location, Lancaster emerges as the top place to work as a personal trainer in Pennsylvania, thanks to an annual average salary of $53,449.

The top three also include King of Prussia, with an annual average salary of $53,025, and Philadelphia, where personal trainers make an annual average salary of $49,165.