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Health & Wellness
Campus Recreation

Become a Personal Trainer

Students do not have to have a national fitness certification in order to be hired as a Personal Trainer with W&M Campus Recreation. However, once hired, Personal Trainers-in-Training must obtain a national Personal Trainer Certification before the start of the next semester (e.g. students hired in the spring must get their national certification over the summer so they can start work in the fall). Students must have either taken the Personal Training Methods Class (INTR 110-14) or Health Related Exercise Prescription in order to go through the hiring process. Students who are hired as Personal Trainers with W&M Campus Recreation are elligible for funding assistance to pay for certifications and continuing education credits, and they are also paid while they work through their New Personal Trainer Checklists in the Fall.

Student Application Process

Spring 2026 Hiring Dates:

Personal Trainer Interest Meeting: Tuesday, April 7th @ 6:00 PM, location TBD.

Applications Due: Friday, April 10th @ 11:59 PM

Auditions: Tuesday, April 14th in late afternoon/evening- time TBD.

Interviews: Friday, April 17th- time TBD. Scheduled individually with those called back from auditions.

Apply here

Questions? Contact [[echurley, Elayna Hurley, Personal Training Supervisor]].

Personal Trainer job description, expectations, responsibilities

Non-Student Application

Non-students interested in working as Personal Trainer for William & Mary Campus Recreation can apply through this application. If you have any questions about the non-student hiring process, please reach out to [[jvrueh, Jenny Dunfee]], Associate Director of Fitness & Wellness.

Personal Trainer Job Description

Through one-on-one fitness assessments, consultations, and training sessions, the Personal Trainer assists and supervises in the advancement and improvement of a client's health and well-being. As a professional in the field of Exercise and Health, the Personal Trainer educates and motivates individuals on the benefits of exercise and nutrition through personal and professional relationships with clients and other fitness professionals. Trainers are required to work with the Trainers-in-Training, and are encouraged to be involved with various new employee training sessions.

Personal Trainer Expectations and Responsibilities

  • Become nationally certified over the summer before they start working as a Personal Trainer-in-training in the Fall.
  • Shadow and team-train with a supervising Trainer while completing their training checklist.
  • Attend weekly Personal Trainer meetings on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM.
  • Attend the Campus Recreation Staff Training once/semester, the day before school starts.
  • Attend all workshops and special events that are designated as mandatory by the Associate Director for Fitness & Wellness.
  • Arrive on time to all meetings, workshops, training sessions, and special events.
  • Report to work at least 15 minutes before your session and have your client's workout or session prepared beforehand.
  • Maintain current CPR, First Aid, AED, Blood Borne Pathogen, and national PT certifications. CPR, First Aid, and AED must have an in-person component. W&M Campus Rec offers Red Cross training/certification for all employees free of charge.
  • Keep up-to-date with the latest health and fitness trends. Continue your knowledge and education by attending workshops, presentations, expos, conferences, etc., to earn continuing education credits.
  • Maintain open and frequent communication with the Associate Director for Fitness & Wellness, the Graduate Assistant, the Personal Training Supervisor and your co-workers, and return all emails, texts and calls in a timely manner.
  • Follow Center Center rules and guidelines, including equipment use and dress code.
  • Act in a professional manner at all times.
  • Abide by the honor code.
  • Prescribe safe and effective exercise programs for clients.
  • Keep track of your clients' sessions and payments.
  • Be familiar with your client's health history and medical limitations (if any).