Becoming a Certified Personal Trainer in Nevada
Are you considering a career as a certified personal trainer? Do you enjoy designing programs for fitness and nutrition? Do you have good interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate others? Would you enjoy working in a fitness center or owning a business of your own? If so, perhaps a career as a certified personal trainer would be a good fit.
Certified personal trainers have the knowledge and ability to help others reach their health and fitness goals. This may include setting up training programs, motivating discouraged clients, providing nutritional information and teaching proper training techniques.
Nevada Requirements for Certified Personal Trainers
Nevada does not require professional licensure for certified personal trainers; however, employment usually depends on holding certification through an accrediting organization. Most organizations have specific prerequisites for application, including a high school diploma and possibly training in Basic Life Support through the American Heart Association. Ongoing continuing education may be required to maintain certification. Popular certifying organizations include the following:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offers certifications as a Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, Exercise Physiologist or Clinical Exercise Physiologist.
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)offers certification as a Personal Trainer Group Fitness Instructor or Nutrition Coach.
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers certification as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach and Medical Expertise Specialist
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) offers certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator or Certified Special Population Specialist
- National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT) offers certification as a Personal Trainer as well as opportunities for ongoing continuing education.
- World Instructor Training School (W.I.T.S.) offers courses and certification as a Personal Trainer (levels 1 and 2) as well as Older Adult Fitness Specialist, Group Fitness Instructor, Youth Fitness Specialist and Online Lifestyle Wellness Coaching.
Certified Personal Trainer Programs in Nevada
Nevada has few suitable training programs for those interested in a career as a certified personal trainer; however, there are some possibilities including:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in Las Vegas offers an NASM Personal Training Certificate. Students will learn the basics of human movement, flexibility, cardiovascular training, balance, core strength and resistance training. Graduates will be ready to jump into employment at gyms, fitness centers, corporate fitness programs and resorts.
- Western Nevada College in Carson City offers a Certified Personal Training course in partnership with W.I.T.S. The program fee includes both Level 1 and Level 2 certification through W.I.T.S.; however, Level 2 is optional and is achieved through completion of an additional internship. This employer-assisted internship allows students the opportunity for hands-on experience with real-life client interactions.
Salary Projections and Job Growth Outlook in Nevada
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors is $20.77, with a mean annual wage of $43,200. Certified personal trainers are likely at the high end of the pay scale for this occupation.
A projected 430 new positions will open each year in this category. Nevada is experiencing a 13.8 percent projected job growth rate with jobs for trainers growing from 2,240 to a projected 2,550 in the years between 2016 and 2026. The national projected job growth rate for this field is 10 percent.
Career Opportunities for Certified Personal Trainers in Nevada
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the highest concentration of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors in fitness and recreational sports centers, followed by civic and social organizations, self-employment, educational services and finally government organizations.
Potential employers in Nevada include WTS International, 24 Hour Fitness, Inc., Select Medical, The Mentor Network, Canyon Ranch, Namaste New York and Clark County School District.