So you have an exercise science degree and the only thing you have done is personal exercise; or maybe you want to do more. Your major is very diverse and takes many skills to perform, so where do you start? This article will give you a brief overview of what jobs are available in this industry as well as some advice for staying employed and getting promoted.
As an exercise science major, you’ll be trained to help people of all ages and abilities improve their physical health.
You’ll gain practical knowledge and skills in biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, psychology, behavior modification, and more. These are the building blocks for a career as a personal trainer or fitness professional.
You might also consider other career options that require these skills—like athletic training or sports medicine. If you’re interested in working with athletes or helping them achieve peak performance, these would be good options for you.
Or maybe you want to work as a physical therapist? Your exercise science degree could give you the knowledge and skills needed for this kind of career path.
And finally… if you decide that being an exercise scientist just isn’t your thing after all? That’s OK! There are plenty of other jobs out there that don’t require an exercise science degree but still use the skills learned from studying it:
-Sports Coaches (coach high school basketball team)
-Personal Trainers (train clients at home)
-Athletic Training (work with college athletes)
What jobs can you do with exercise science degree
Introduction
Choosing a major isn’t always easy, which is why it’s good to know what you can do with the degree once you’ve earned it. With a degree in exercise science, there are plenty of jobs that will be open to you. Consider whether any of these options would suit your lifestyle and career goals.
Exercise Physiologist
A exercise physiologist is a person who studies the effects of exercise on the body. An exercise physiologist can work in hospitals, sports teams, or research labs. Exercise physiologists often work with people who have heart disease, diabetes, or other conditions. They can also help people improve their cardiovascular fitness by recommending safe and effective exercises for them to do at home or in a gym.
Recreational Therapist
If you have an interest in health and wellness, a career as a recreational therapist could be the perfect fit for you. What exactly is a recreational therapist? A recreational therapist helps people with disabilities, illnesses, and injuries to stay active by designing individualized programs that include activities such as physical therapy, aquatic therapy, arts and crafts, cooking classes or sports.
As one of the most important positions within the occupational therapy field—which includes physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists—recreational therapists are responsible for designing recreation services based on their patients’ physical needs while also addressing psychological concerns such as confidence building or depression management. Recreational therapists must be able to use evidence-based practices when crafting these programs so they can provide patients with maximum benefit. A bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy is required to become a recreational therapist; however, some schools may require students to complete an associate’s degree first before applying to bachelor’s programs so it’s best if you check into this ahead of time before making any decisions about school choice! How much do recreational therapists make? Annual salaries vary based on experience level but generally range from $40k-$50k depending on geographic location within the country–that said though keep in mind that there are many different types of jobs available too including private sector positions where salaries might be higher than those offered by state agencies/government agencies.”
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists work with people who have a disability. They help people who are recovering from surgery, disease or injury to learn new ways of doing everyday things.
Occupational therapists can work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. Occupational therapists may also be self-employed in private practice.
Athletic Trainer
An athletic trainer is a person who works with athletes to prevent and treat injuries. Athletic trainers usually have a degree in exercise science, but they can also be certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). They work with high school, college and professional teams to help prevent injuries through strength training and conditioning programs. They also teach athletes proper techniques for working out or playing sports.
Athletic trainers often have additional certifications in specific areas such as sports medicine or sports performance. A certified athletic trainer can work with a variety of athletes from all ages and levels of competition including:
- Professional athletes
- High school students competing at the state level
- Club teams for younger players
There are lots of jobs you can get with an exercise science degree
If you’re thinking about applying to an exercise science program, it’s important to know that your degree will be broad. That doesn’t mean you can’t find jobs in specific fields though—there are so many careers out there that require a bachelor’s degree and some experience. Here are some potential job titles:
- Personal Trainer
- Recreation Manager
- Sports Medicine Specialist
- Athletic Trainer
Conclusion
If you’re a fitness buff who wants to use your skills to help others, getting an exercise science degree is the way to go. This field of study will give you the knowledge and credentials you need for a rewarding career in the health care industry. You can work as an athletic trainer or physical therapist assistant if sports medicine interests you, but some people might prefer pursuing careers in occupational therapy or even recreational therapy. Still others may be interested in becoming an exercise physiologist if they have more personal reasons why they want to get into this field—for example, because they enjoy helping people maintain good health through proper nutrition and lifestyle choices.
