Personal Trainer Schools in Tennessee

Many personal trainers in Tennessee begin their careers by working at an established fitness facility. Some go directly into entrepreneurship and brand building.

Regardless of the chosen approach, anyone can launch a successful personal training career in the state, thanks to favorable laws and excellent institutions. Readers interested in this career path will find a detailed guide below that highlights everything they need to consider before, during, and after the process.

We analyze training possibilities, specific institutions, eligibility for certification, and other relevant details. We also cover the career outlook for personal trainers in Tennessee, including the potential annual average salary and the factors that influence these figures.

How to Become a Personal Trainer in Tennessee

The guide below outlines the steps to start a personal training career in Tennessee.

Step 1: Personal Training Education

Although there are no laws in Tennessee requiring candidates to complete a specific program to become a personal trainer, students must attain a high level of proficiency and prepare for certification; as such, education is crucial.

Of course, there is considerable flexibility in this area, as candidates can pursue certificate programs, associate degree programs, or even bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The majority of programs for personal trainers do not have a “personal training” designation and are offered as exercise science, physical education, or kinesiology programs.

Step 2: Real-World Experience

Once they have completed their training, candidates will be technically able to start working professionally. However, it is usually imperative for candidates to transition from the academic space into a real-world learning environment.

For this reason, professionals should work with family members and friends for free to fine-tune their practical skills before working on a commercial scale.

Step 3: Continuing Education & Career Advancement

As in most health-related fields, advancements continue to be made in exercise science and human movement. This is why personal trainers need to continue learning even after they have started their professional careers.

Ultimately, candidates can leverage certification, networking, and social media to advance their careers, reach a wider client base, and establish themselves as credible authorities in their specialty fields.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dental assistant in Tennessee

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Personal trainers working in Tennessee don’t need to register with the state or complete a licensing step to start working professionally. Technically, they don’t even have to be certified.

Of course, not pursuing certification as a personal trainer is equivalent to working with a handicap. Being certified provides professional opportunities and leads to significant returns.

Those who wish to become certified can do so by passing the credentialing examination administered by a reputable organization, such as the American Council on Exercise. The National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine also offered their own credentialing exam.

Professionals who successfully pass this exam will officially earn the Certified Personal Trainer designation.

Top Personal Trainer Schools in Tennessee

All of the schools below offer prominent training programs for aspiring personal trainers in Tennessee.

Explore personal trainer schools in Tennessee by city:

• Personal trainer schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

At the beginning of their career, personal trainers in Tennessee may earn an average annual salary of $19,649 or $43,525, according to Indeed. Those in the first category are among the lowest-paid but can quickly move up to the second, which includes median earners.

The highest-paid personal trainers in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $96,412. Candidates advance up the salary ladder by enhancing their experience, location, networking, professional credentials, place of employment, and other factors.

The highest average salaries for personal trainers in Tennessee are in Franklin ($54,711), Cordova ($53,953), and Nashville ($49,483).