Becoming a Certified Personal Trainer in Ohio
Ohio has a large population and a thriving fitness industry. People are more interested than ever in getting fit, working out, and living healthier lifestyles. You could be a part of this trend working as a certified personal trainer in Ohio. Demand is high for qualified trainers and will be for years to come. Personal trainers are responsible for:
- Recruiting new training clients
- Conducting individual and group training sessions
- Helping clients reach their fitness and weight goals
- Designing and implementing workouts
- Educating clients about fitness, diet, and good form when working out
- Evaluating and monitoring clients’ progress
Becoming a personal trainer requires some education and skill development, but you don’t need a four-year degree to start working in this exciting industry.
Requirements to Become a Personal Trainer in Ohio
To work as a personal trainer in Ohio you do not need to have any specific license or certificate, but education and certification are strongly recommended. Many employers, like gyms and fitness centers, will only hire trainers with some degree of post-secondary education, with CPR and First Aid training, and with certification through a nationally recognized organization.
Personal Trainer Degrees in Ohio
A good way to start off in this career is to enroll in and complete a related academic program after completing high school or earning your degree:
- Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland. In Cleveland, you can complete the Fitness Specialist Certificate of Proficiency program at Cuyahoga to start your career. It’s designed to provide the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to start working as a trainer. You will be prepared to pass an exam for national certification, and you can transfer the credits to an associate’s degree program in sport and exercise studies.
- Owens Community College, Findlay. Owens offers students a certificate program in exercise science that will prepare you to pass the certification exam set by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The three-semester program includes certification in First Aid and CPR and can be transferred to a two-year associate’s degree course.
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Clifton, Middletown, Evendale, and Harrison. With a choice of several campuses, students at Cincinnati State also have a choice of several programs to lead to a personal training career. You can choose from certificates in group fitness, health and fitness special populations, aquatic group fitness and personal trainer, or an associate’s degree in exercise science.
Personal Trainer Certification in Ohio
Many employers and clients seeking personal trainers in Ohio will only consider those who hold national certification. Completion of a post-secondary program should prepare you to pass an exam from one of several nationally recognized organizations: the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Some examples of nationally recognized personal training certification organizations include: the American Council on Exercise, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the International Sports Sciences Association, the National Federation of Professional Trainers, and the National Council on Strength and Fitness.
Job Outlook and Salaries for Personal Trainers in Ohio
The job outlook for certified personal trainers in Ohio is positive. Positions in this field are growing at a rate of just over eight percent, which means you can expect to have more than 1,000 open jobs each year to consider.
Salaries are currently listed as $32,960 per year on average for fitness trainers in the state. However, certified personal trainers are likely to make more than this. You can also earn more with specialized certifications in subjects like group training or senior fitness.
Working as a Certified Personal Trainer in Ohio
As a certified personal trainer, you have the flexibility to seek full-time employment with a gym, to start your own training business, or to take on just a few clients part-time as a freelance trainer. For the most opportunities, look in and around the state’s larger cities: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, and Dayton.