Aspiring personal trainers in Wisconsin can look forward to an exciting career with numerous professional opportunities. Of course, to get started, they need to fulfill a few requirements concerning skill acquisition, credibility, and career opportunities.
Interested individuals will discover all of these considerations through the article below. We analyze everything candidates need to do, from preparing for training to selecting a specific route and pursuing opportunities in locations recommended by prominent professional organizations nationwide.
The guide also includes a list of top training programs, along with their corresponding annual average salaries.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Wisconsin
The following are the major requirements to become a personal trainer in Wisconsin.
Basic Requirements
Aspiring personal trainers in Wisconsin may need a high school diploma or GED to secure admission into a training program. Professional and transferable skills, such as problem-solving, communication, physical fitness, and customer service, are also crucial for success in the workplace.
Formal Education
For their formal education, prospective personal trainers can stop at a technical school or college to complete a suitable program. It is common for professionals in this field to launch their careers by completing courses in kinesiology and exercise science.
Participants can graduate in just two years if they pursue an associate degree program. Those who would like to spend significantly more time in training may go for 4-year bachelor’s degree programs.
Hands-On Training
Hands-on training enables new personal trainers to apply their skills in real-world work environments with actual customers. Candidates can secure this kind of opportunity by volunteering at community fitness centers or participating in an internship program.
It is also common to offer free services for friends and families in order to enjoy the same benefits.
Employment & Continuing Education
Personal trainers can secure employment working with customers either independently or as part of a company. Professionals can also specialize in specific areas, such as working with individuals trying to lose weight or athletes.
To keep up with advancements, personal trainers are expected to participate in continuing education even after securing employment.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Personal trainers in Wisconsin have a better chance of career success if they are certified. The American Council on Exercise offers a Certified Personal Trainer certification that is among the most reputable in the industry.
To obtain this credential, applicants must complete digital coursework, pass an exam, and recertify every two years. Another prominent organization with a highly rated credential is the American College of Sports Medicine.
The College also offers a Certified Personal Trainer credential, which requires passing an exam and recertifying every three years. Other notable options include the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Council on Strength & Fitness.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Wisconsin
All of the schools listed below offer exceptional training programs for aspiring personal trainers in Wisconsin.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI Campus Only
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a comprehensive personal fitness certificate program that combines classroom instruction with practical gym-based sessions to thoroughly prepare students for careers in personal training.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(414) 229-3914
russelek@uwm.edu
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Online, WI Online Only
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers an online personal fitness trainer certification program designed to prepare students for credentials from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Tuition
$1,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
University of Wisconsin Parkside
Online, WI Online Only
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers a 150-hour online personal training program that prepares students to pursue certification through the American Council on Exercise.
Tuition
$1,595 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore personal trainer schools in Wisconsin by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
According to BLS data, the most prominent places to secure employment as a personal trainer in the state of Wisconsin for the highest average salary include:
- Milwaukee, with an annual average salary of $54,131;
- Madison, with an annual average salary of $47,585; and
- Menomonee Falls, with an annual average salary of $46,467.
In addition to their location, the amount of experience that a personal trainer has and their specific employers will also determine their annual average returns. Other relevant factors to consider include credentials, networking, and marketing strategy.
Generally, personal trainers in Wisconsin earn an annual average salary of $25,093 in the bottom bracket, $72,396 in the top bracket, and $42,622 in the median bracket.
Naturally, professionals in the median bracket are the most common.