As an undergraduate student in an Exercise Science program, you can expect to encounter a broad base of classes in subjects such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology and fitness programming. Graduate level programs focus on specific areas of exercise science and place emphasis on research. Career opportunities for those individuals holding Bachelors or Masters level degrees in Exercise Science are numerous and encompass a wide range of work environments.
Description
The fields of study included in an Exercise Science degree can prepare you for a career in health and fitness occupations. Your educational background will allow you to evaluate a client's health behaviors and identify risk factors that may lead to future health problems. After conducting fitness assessments you will expected to be able to write appropriate exercise prescriptions. You will also be responsible for motivating individuals to modify negative health behaviors and pursue healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Types
You can expect to find employment as a personal trainer working with a single client or as a group exercise instructor leading exercise sessions for a group of participants. A large corporation may also hire you as a employee fitness director, where you will be responsible for conducting exercise programs and helping to promote health and wellness programs. Your degree will also qualify you to become an athletic trainer, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist or exercise physiologist. These positions are contingent upon the passing of certifications that are required before you begin employment.
Considerations
There are many organizations that offer certifications that can help you boost your earning potential and prepare you to pursue higher level employment in the field of exercise science. The first certification you should look to obtain is in CPR, First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator use. Other certifications that may help you advance within your career are offered through the American Council on Exercise, the National Strength and Conditioning Association or the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. To make sure an organizations has the proper credentials, you can check the National Commission for Certifying Agencies website.
Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistic provides an Occupational Outlook Handbook every two years that provides information that can help you decide which career path to pursue. In the 2010-2011 handbook the median earnings for individuals in health and fitness instructor roles was around $29,210 as of May 2008. The middle 50 percent of fitness workers earned $19,610 up to $44,420, with the top 10 percent of fitness workers earning $60,760 or more per year. These earnings did not include those workers who are self-employed. The earnings of successful self-employed fitness workers can be much higher.
Potential
Jobs for fitness workers are expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations. You should have good opportunities for employment as the focus on health and wellness has become greater than in the past. Accruing certifications in the health science field will raise your credentials and allow you to pursue higher positions in the sector. If you choose to enter a masters program with your degree, the opportunities upon completion can lead to employment as a doctor or researcher.
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