The steps to become a successful personal trainer in Arizona are as encouraging as it gets. Interested individuals need only focus on developing technical and professional proficiency, and they should be well-equipped to succeed 02
Naturally, understanding all the little requirements that make up this process can be very helpful in helping candidates deal with challenges and start their careers on a strong foundation. This is why we have put together the guide below to help readers become familiar with all the considerations they will need to make to achieve their professional goals.
We explore basic prerequisites, educational alternatives, specific programs, licensing and certification requirements, and other relevant details.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Arizona
All of the considerations below are needed to start a successful personal training career in Arizona.
Professional Attributes
Naturally, professionals whose job it is to help people get fit have to be fit themselves. This is why personal trainers in Arizona are expected to be in good shape and have excellent stamina.
Other essential professional attributes include interpersonal skills, effective communication, patience, and problem-solving abilities, among others.
Training Routes
Personal trainers can receive training from an academic institution or learn from an experienced professional. Regardless of their choice, candidates must ensure that they are sound in both the theoretical and practical areas of the discipline.
Classroom Education
It is through classroom education that candidates learn the fundamental principles of human kinetics, psychology, exercise science, anatomy, and other key topics, enabling them to become excellent personal trainers. Such an experience can be gained by completing a formal program.
This also helps professionals earn an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree, which can be crucial for professional opportunities.
Practical Education
To receive practical education and build confidence in their skills, personal trainers can shadow experienced professionals or volunteer at community business centers. They can also offer their services for free to family and friends for a while to achieve the same goal.
Career Advancement
Even after securing employment, personal trainers in Arizona are expected to continue learning and staying up-to-date with the constant advancements in the fitness industry. Certification is a great way to achieve this, and we explore the main requirements for doing so below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Pursuing a license is not compulsory for personal trainers in Arizona. Pursuing certification is technically optional, but it is an established professional convention that is essential for candidates to secure employment.
Some of the most popular certifications and certifying organizations for personal trainers in Arizona include the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise, both of which offer a Certified Personal Trainer credential.
The National Council on Strength & Fitness and the National Academy of Sports Medicine also offer Certified Personal Trainer credentials. The process of obtaining certification usually involves completing a professional examination.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Arizona
The following are the most notable training programs for prospective personal trainers in Arizona.
Maricopa Community Colleges
Tempe, AZ Campus Only
Maricopa Community Colleges offers an 18-credit Certificate of Completion in Personal Training, built around a science-based curriculum aligned with major industry certifications, including those offered by ACSM, NSCA, NASM, and ACE.
Tuition
$97 - $579 per CreditContact
(623) 845-3333
info@gccaz.edu
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ Campus Only
Pima Community College offers a Fitness Professional certificate program that includes a practical internship, providing students with real-world training and exposure. The program is structured to prepare candidates for professional certification and is eligible for financial aid.
Tuition
$1,809 per ProgramContact
(520) 206-4500
sschutte@pima.edu
Arizona Western College
Yuma, AZ Campus Only
Arizona Western College offers a Personal Fitness Trainer Occupational Certificate program designed to train students in the fundamentals of physical education, health, and exercise science while preparing them for certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Tuition
$88 - $115 per CreditContact
(928) 344-7540
jane.fisher@azwestern.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of a personal trainer in Arizona can start at approximately $46,201 if they begin in the median category. If they begin in the bottom 10% category, a professional in the state can end up with an annual average salary of $28,700.
Regardless of the starting figure, personal trainers in Arizona can increase their yearly returns by optimizing certain factors that contribute to these numbers. These may include experience level, employers, networking, credibility, and even location.
If they climb to the top 10%, they earn an annual average salary of at least $100,224.
Organizing the top-paying destinations to work as a personal trainer in Arizona, we have Glendale as first with an annual average salary of $56,900; and Surprise following in second place with an annual average salary of $55,319.
Personal trainers in Tucson are third with an annual average salary of $49,506.