Possible Careers with an Exercise Science Degree

Possible Careers with an Exercise Science Degree
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An exercise science degree is a broad degree that encompasses several facets of health, wellness and fitness. With an exercise science degree, you can choose from a variety of careers that allow you to work with people and improve their health and lifestyles. The possible careers with an exercise science degree range from a personal trainer to a rehabilitation specialist, so you can be sure your options won't be limited by your degree.

Personal Trainer / Exercise Instructor

With an exercise science degree, you're prepared to train others privately or in a gym. You can also lead aerobics and other exercise classes. After getting your degree, you still may need to obtain personal trainer and group exercise instruction certifications through the American Council on Exercise or another certification association in order to become employed, but you'll have an advantage over those who are certified but do not have the degree.

Coaching

An exercise science degree could lead you to coaching. As you learn more about the body, how it works and how to improve performance, it puts you in a position to help coach various sports' teams in high school, college or even in your community. Your degree will have prepared you to teach others how to improve performance and protect their bodies while playing sports.

Wellness Director

As the national attitude shifts from that of excess and laziness to one of health and vitality, companies are looking for ways to help their employees live healthier lifestyles. It saves money on health care costs and can make more effective employees, so wellness directors are often hired to manage the health, weight and fitness level of a company's employees according to the American College of Sports Medicine. An exercise science degree can help you get hired in this field.

Exercise Physiologist

With your exercise science degree, you are qualified to study to become an exercise physiologist. Exercise physiologists study the effect of fitness and health concerns on the human body and they apply their findings to benefit patients. Exercise physiologists are utilized by companies, sports' teams, private clients and hospitals to help improve the wellness of various individuals.

Rehabilitation Specialist

When athletes sustain injuries or a person is in an accident, it can alter the body's response to movement and fitness. As a rehabilitation specialist, you're responsible for helping injured people get back on their feet by working with machines, exercise and care plans to rehabilitate your patient. You may work with a physical therapist for physical problems or you may be asked to work with cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disorder patients.

References

Article reviewed by Molly Solanki Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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