Glendale Community College

Fitness & Wellness

Jump Start Your Career in Fitness at GCC!

Each Step It's Own Destination

GCC offers a variety of Certificates and an AAS degree in Strength, Nutrition and Personal Training

For more information contact: Olivia.templeton@gcmail.maricopa.edu

If you would like to receive updates on GCC certificate and degree class schedules, professional seminars and certification information, please email: fitpro@gcmail.maricopa.edu

What Will I Do On The Job?

Fitness Professionals design fitness programs and supervise workouts for a variety of clients who want to improve their fitness level in a safe, motivated and effective manner.

What Skills Will I Need?

  • Effective communication skills and the ability to provide leadership by serving as a role model and maintaining professional ethics.
  • Knowledge of exercise physiology, anatomy, nutrition, weight management, and general strength and fitness principles.
  • Ability to perform health screenings and program development for all ages and fitness levels.
  • Knowledge of professional legal issues and emergency procedures, including care for sports injuries and CPR certification.
  • Basic knowledge of fitness equipment and/or ability to instruct a group fitness class.

How Much Can I Earn?

Wages vary depending on experience, certifications, and facility standards. Approximate wages in the Phoenix area are:

Position Wage (per hour)
Aerobics Instructors $12 to $30
Personal Trainers $12 to $50
Health Club Staff $8 to $18 per hour

Do I Need To Be Certified ?

Certified Fitness Professionals have a greater earning potential and are more credible to employers and potential clients. A certificate is not required by law but is highly recommended for all Fitness Professionals.

Why choose Glendale Community College for certification?

  • GCC has been training Fitness Professionals for over 18 years!
  • GCC was one of the first colleges in the United States to offer a comprehensive training and certification program for Personal Trainers.
  • GCC's program also includes hands-on training for the Fitness Profession.
  • In addition, GCC instructors have Masters Degrees and many years of experience in the fitness industry.
  • And, you can also earn college credits which can also be applied as C.E. credits to most certification organizations.


In this site:

Fitness & Wellness
(623) 845-3780

We welcome feedback.

Content revised 9/29/09


Maricopa Community Colleges