Exercise And Sports Science Careers

Careers in exercise and sports science vary greatly based on the angle you take during your studies, certifications you acquire and your personal interests or goals, explains Dr. Patricia Pierce, a professor in the Department of Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Your work in this field will extend your knowledge of psychology, biomechanics, physical fitness, nutrition and conditioning.

Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, assessing, diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating injuries and illnesses of the muscle and bone, Pierce says. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2010 to 2011, all athletic training careers require a bachelor of science degree, but almost 70 percent of athletic trainers achieve a master's degree or higher. According to the handbook, average earnings for an athletic trainer range from $32,070 to $49,250 annually as of May 2008.

Fitness Workers

Fitness workers include personal trainers, group exercise instructors and fitness directors who help people become physically fit by leading, instructing and motivating groups or individuals in cardiovascular exercise, strength training and stretching. Many of the specialized exercise classes taught by these professionals, such as Pilates or yoga, require specialized training and certifications. Management positions in these fields typically require a bachelor's degree. As of May 2008, fitness workers average earnings ranged from $32,070 to $49,250 annually, according to the 2010 to 2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Physical/Occupational Therapists

Physical therapists and occupational therapists help clients recover from injuries and conditions of the nerves, joints and bones. Physical therapists work mostly with gross-motor movement, while occupational therapists work with fine-motor movement, according to Heath Brown, a physical therapist at Rehabilitation Today in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Other therapies related to these occupations include cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, biomechanics and sports medicine. Most physical therapists and occupational therapists have two or more years of graduate school after earning a bachelor degree. Physical and occupational therapists also have to pass a national examination to gain a license to practice. According to the 2010 to 2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook, as of May 2008 the average yearly earnings for a physical therapist range from $60,300 to $85,540, and that the average yearly earnings for an occupational therapist range from $55,090 to $81,290.

Other Careers

A background in exercise and sports science can lead you in many directions, depending on how much time, energy and money you want to put into your education. According to Rutgers University, degrees in exercise and sports science can lead you to careers such as director of community relations, director of sports facilities, exercise specialist, physician, sports psychologist, sporting goods manufacturer's rep, sports nutritionist and many others.