The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that fitness careers will experience much faster job growth than average, up to a 29 percent increase from 2008 to 2018 for fitness workers. Job outlooks for wellness workers such as dental assistants, massage therapists and nursing aides will also outpace other careers, with the need for home health workers anticipated to grow by 50 percent between 2008 and 2018. Online fitness and wellness courses encompass several levels, from basic certifications through doctorate level studies.
Certifications
Certification programs provide a limited curriculum focusing on the essential skills and knowledge students need to perform a specific job. For example, in 2010 the online Certified Personal Trainer program from Penn Foster Career School covered topics such as "Fitness Anatomy and Physiology" and "Flexibility Training and Injury Prevention." The course also prepared users for the National Council on Strength and Fitness Certification.
Bachelor Degrees
Bachelor degree programs require that you complete foundation level courses such as math and certain sciences before progressing to degree specific content. Kaplin University's 2010 online Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Wellness included core level courses, electives and courses focused on the degree program. Kaplin also offered an advanced-start bachelor degree with the potential to transfer your existing college credits into the Health and Wellness program.
Master's Degrees
Master's degrees expand a practitioner's knowledge and also open career doors. Many colleges and universities require that their instructors hold advanced degrees, and some corporate positions require master's degrees. Master's programs require a bachelor's degree in the area of study and build on that foundation through higher-level coursework. For example, the Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2010 offered an Advanced Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Master's foundation courses expand the student's understanding of occupational therapy theory and trends in the industry. Students use elective courses to specialize into their area of interest, such as geriatric or pediatric occupational therapy. To demonstrate their understanding, students work with course supervisors on a project exploring their area of interest.
Doctorate Degrees
Doctorate level programs require a master's degree in the area of study, or that students take specific courses to prepare them for the program. The University of the Rockies in 2010 offered a Doctor of Psychology, Health and Wellness degree, with a psychology specialization. Courses addressed advanced psychology topics with an emphasis on health and wellness, and provided the student with a foundation in research methods and leadership. Holders of doctorate degrees follow a variety of career paths, including research, teaching and corporate leadership.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 Edition -- Fitness Workers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 Edition -- Home Health Aides
- EarnMyDegree.com: Online Degrees from Top Colleges and Universities
- Penn Foster Career School: Certified Personal Trainer Program Overview
- Kaplin University: Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness
- Arizona School of Health Sciences: Advanced Occupational Therapy Online
Member Comments