Personal trainers enjoy significant demand for their expertise and competitive rewards. They can also advance their careers by gaining experience, pursuing higher-level certifications, or specializing in niche markets such as athletic performance, rehabilitation, or senior fitness.
Some trainers in Philadelphia even transition into gym management, fitness education, or entrepreneurship by opening their training studios. In the guide below, we provide a brief overview of how candidates can get started in this profession in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
However, the primary objective is to introduce readers to the top training programs that can provide them with the best possible education.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Philadelphia
Philadelphia residents may take different approaches to starting their personal trainer careers. Some may, for example, choose associate degree programs, while others choose bachelor’s degree programs.
It is also possible to go for a Personal Training Certification preparation program with a focus on preparing for a specific credentialing agency’s certification exam. Some of the most prominent agencies with nationally recognized certification for personal trainers in Philadelphia include:
- The National Strength and Conditioning Association;
- The American Council on Exercise, and
- The National Academy of Sports Medicine.
All of these agencies require candidates to pass a certification examination before they can become officially certified. Some also offer unique digital courses that interested applicants must complete as part of the process.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The institutions below are among the best for entering into the personal training discipline as a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA Campus Only
Aspiring personal trainers in Philadelphia have an excellent program to launch their careers, offered by the Community College of Philadelphia. This personal training proficiency certificate program ccomprises27 total credit hours, enabling candidates to earn an academic certificate. upon graduation
Tuition
$159 - $477 per CreditContact
(215) 751-8010
admissions@ccp.edu
Harrisburg Area Community College
Harrisburg, PA Campus + Online
The personal trainer certificate program offered by Harrisburg Area Community College is another wonderful option for candidates to consider. The program stands out thanks to its emphasis on interactive education and flexibility.
Tuition
$2,995 per ProgramContact
(717) 221-1386
Mtherapy@hacc.edu
Delaware County Community College
Media, PA Campus + Online
Delaware County Community College offers a fitness Training certification program that includes additional workshops in partnership with the World Instructor Training Schools. The certification courses take place online and include several resources that prepare candidates for credentialing examinations.
Tuition
$875 per ProgramContact
(610) 359-7344
wecare@dccc.edu
Montgomery County Community College
Blue Bell, PA Campus Only
Montgomery County Community College offers an Aspiring Personal Trainers Certificate in Personal Training program, comprising 31 total credit hours of instruction. The program is very extensive, incorporating both classroom education and hands-on training.
Tuition
$171 - $513 per CreditContact
(215) 641-6300
healthsciences@mc3.edu
Central Penn College
Online, PA Online Only
At Central Penn College in Enola, interested individuals can apply for a personal training certification program to launch their careers on a strong foundation. The program was designed to prepare candidates for the American College of Sports Medicine certification examination.
Tuition
$597 per ProgramContact
(800) 759-2727
admissions@centralpenn.edu
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Explore detailed steps and the state’s licensing requirements: