As a New Mexico resident, it is crucial to prioritize proper education when launching a personal training career. Certification can also go a long way in helping candidates stand out and establish a strong foundation for their careers.
For all of these reasons, the guide below provides a detailed analysis of the preparatory steps to consider when starting a personal trainer career in New Mexico. It covers possible training institutions, possible training arrangements, certification organizations, licensing possibilities, and top programs.
Candidates will also learn how much they can expect to earn at the end of the year and what steps they can take to improve these numbers.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in New Mexico
The steps below are required to enter the personal training profession in New Mexico.
Basic Requirements
The basic requirements to become a personal trainer in New Mexico usually include a high school diploma or GED and transferable attributes. High school education prepares candidates for more advanced topics, and those who wish to earn a personal training degree will also need a diploma or GED for admission.
Transferable attributes to possess as a prospective personal trainer include interpersonal skills, communication and organizational skills, customer service, and more.
Finishing a Training Program
The primary purpose of attending a training program in preparation for a career as a personal trainer is to prepare for certification examinations and, of course, to acquire the necessary skills for success in the job.
There is considerable flexibility in becoming a personal trainer, not only in the time spent in school but also in the specific programs to enroll in.
Candidates who wish to complete their education quickly can pursue certificate programs in areas such as exercise science and group fitness training. Those who don’t mind spending longer in school may pursue associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs in exercise science, kinesiology, and related fields.
There are also online programs dedicated to preparing candidates for certification.
Work Experience & Growth
Both academic and practical education are necessary to become a successful personal trainer. Even after training, candidates must continue to build their credentials through experience.
Pursuing certification, earning continuing education credits, and leveraging social media are veritable ways to grow as a personal trainer in New Mexico.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The American Council on Exercise, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association all offer prominent certifications for personal trainers in New Mexico.
Of course, certification is not a state requirement, but a professional necessity, thanks to its appeal to both employers and customers. All the aforementioned organizations expect candidates to pass a professional examination before they can become certified.
Those who successfully pass the examination will receive the Certified Personal Trainer designation. Like certification, licensing is not compulsory for personal trainers in New Mexico.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in New Mexico
The entries below are some of the top training programs for future personal trainers in New Mexico.
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM Campus Only
Central New Mexico Community College boasts an Exercise Science program that can serve as an excellent option for future personal trainers in the state.
Tuition
$70 - $356 per CreditContact
(505) 224-3000
contactcenter@cnm.edu
University of New Mexico
Online, NM Online Only
The University of New Mexico offers a NASM Certified Personal Trainer course that can be completed entirely online.
Tuition
$1,795 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
National Personal Training Institute
Albuquerque, NM Campus + Online
The National Personal Training Institute offers hybrid personal trainer programs nationwide. For residents of New Mexico, the institute offers a program with 300 hours of virtual learning time and 200 hours of in-person education.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(800) 960-6294
info@nptifitness.com
Explore personal trainer schools in New Mexico by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The average annual salary for a personal trainer in New Mexico is around $54,482. This is according to data revealed by Indeed, and is also in line with the national average.
Candidates can earn an annual average salary of $30,512 if they are among the bottom 10% and $97,284 if they are among the top 10%. Factors such as experience and branding, along with certifications and other credentials, are crucial for advancing up the salary brackets.
Location is also crucial. Santa Fe and Rio Rancho are where personal trainers in New Mexico earn the highest annual salaries, with average figures of $60,447 and $60,388, respectively.
Those who work in Albuquerque are also handsomely rewarded with an annual average salary of $55,642.




