If you enjoy exercise, nutrition and health, a career in exercise science or physical education may be a fulfilling choice. Exercise science studies the body's physiological reactions to exercise, including range of motion, muscle growth and weight loss. Physical education professionals act as teachers or coaches for sports, fitness classes and other exercise-related activities. Careers in exercise science and physical education are varied and only limited by your personal interests and career goals.
Types
Health clubs and fitness centers employ many people with backgrounds in exercise science and physical education. Personal trainers and group exercise instructors work at these facilities to help members devise and execute fitness plans that will help them achieve their goals. Athletic trainers and coaches for public schools, colleges and private teams usually have degrees in exercise science or physical education. Physical and occupational therapists help patients recovering from injuries and illnesses that affect the muscles, joints and bones. Others work in clinical or laboratory settings as researchers or exercise physiologists, studying athletes' performance and analyzing the effects of exercise on specific groups, such as the elderly or people with a specific health condition.
Education
Many careers in exercise science and physical education require a college degree. Most jobs within the field require an undergraduate degree in exercise science or a similar discipline. If you wish to teach physical education at a public school, a degree in education with a focus or minor in physical education is necessary. Some fitness instructors at health clubs and gyms do not have degrees, though most facilities require that their employees hold professional certifications. Education programs and degrees that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs are preferable. Accreditation is required to sit for some exams and professional certifications, such as certification with the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
Salary
Salaries for jobs in the exercise science and physical education fields vary and are largely dependent on the employment setting and the employee's education and professional certifications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported $29,210 was the median annual wage for fitness workers as of May 2008. Fitness workers employed by hospitals earned the most, with median annual wages of $32,140, while workers employed by schools and other instructional facilities had the lowest earnings at $24,230.
Considerations
Pursuing at least a bachelor's degree in exercise science will give you more employment opportunities and chances for higher-paid positions in the field. In addition to your education, consider obtaining one or more professional certifications depending on how you want to apply your education and training to your career. For example, the American Council on Exercise offers several certifications for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and lifestyle and weight management consultants.
Potential
A degree in exercise science or physical education can open many doors. If you decide to change the course of your career, your background and education can help you switch your employment environment. For example, if you work at a health club as a fitness instructor, but decide you would like to pursue a career as a fitness counselor, you can usually make the switch without pursuing additional education. Some people choose to pursue more advanced degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D. so that they can work as a researcher or even become a medical doctor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment opportunities for fitness workers to increase 29 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
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