What You Can Do with an Exercise Science Degree: From Personal Trainer to Wellness Coach

Introduction

A degree in exercise science is an excellent way to get into the health and fitness industry. With this degree, you can explore a variety of career paths, from becoming a personal trainer or athletic trainer to working in a fitness center or teaching exercise science. In this article, we’ll discuss the various options available to those who have earned an exercise science degree, as well as the requirements, benefits, and potential salary associated with each one.

Overview of Exercise Science Degrees

An exercise science degree is a type of undergraduate degree program that focuses on the study of how physical activity affects the body. It covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and exercise physiology. Exercise science degrees are offered at both two-year and four-year colleges and universities and can lead to careers in the health and fitness industry.

Benefits of Having an Exercise Science Degree

Having an exercise science degree gives you an edge when it comes to getting a job in the health and fitness industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with an exercise science degree tend to make higher salaries than those without one. They also have access to a wider range of job opportunities than those without a degree. Additionally, having an exercise science degree can open up the possibility of furthering your education and pursuing a graduate degree in a related field.

Become a Personal Trainer

One of the most popular career paths for those with an exercise science degree is becoming a personal trainer. A personal trainer is someone who helps clients reach their fitness goals by providing individualized instruction and guidance. They create customized workout plans and provide nutritional advice, as well as motivate and encourage their clients.

Requirements to Become a Personal Trainer

In order to become a personal trainer, you must first obtain certification from a professional organization such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This certification requires passing an exam and completing continuing education courses. Additionally, many employers require personal trainers to have CPR and first aid certifications.

Benefits of Being a Personal Trainer

Being a personal trainer offers a variety of benefits. For starters, it provides a flexible schedule, allowing you to work with clients when it best suits them. Additionally, personal trainers have the opportunity to help people improve their overall health and wellbeing, which can be very rewarding. Finally, personal trainers can earn a decent salary, with the median annual wage in 2019 being $49,710.

Become an Athletic Trainer

Another career path for those with an exercise science degree is becoming an athletic trainer. Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to physical activity. They work with athletes of all ages and levels to assess and manage injuries, as well as provide advice on proper nutrition and exercise.

Requirements to Become an Athletic Trainer

In order to become an athletic trainer, you must first obtain certification from the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). This certification requires passing an exam and completing continuing education courses. Additionally, many states require athletic trainers to have a license in order to practice.

Benefits of Being an Athletic Trainer

Being an athletic trainer offers a wide range of benefits. For starters, it provides a unique opportunity to work with athletes of all ages and levels. Additionally, athletic trainers can contribute to the success of a team or individual by helping them reach their athletic goals. Finally, athletic trainers can earn a good salary, with the median annual wage in 2019 being $48,440.

Work in a Fitness Center

Working in a fitness center is another great option for those with an exercise science degree. Fitness centers offer a wide range of services, from group classes to personal training sessions. They also provide members with access to equipment and facilities needed to meet their fitness goals.

Requirements to Work in a Fitness Center

In order to work in a fitness center, you must have an understanding of basic exercise principles, as well as knowledge of the types of equipment and facilities available. Additionally, many employers require fitness center employees to have CPR and first aid certifications.

Benefits of Working in a Fitness Center

Working in a fitness center offers a variety of benefits. For starters, it allows you to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to help others reach their fitness goals. Finally, working in a fitness center can be financially rewarding, with the median annual wage in 2019 being $29,820.

Become a Nutritionist

For those with an exercise science degree, becoming a nutritionist is another great option. Nutritionists help clients develop healthy eating habits and optimize their overall health through food. They provide personalized nutrition advice and create meal plans tailored to the individual’s needs.

Requirements to Become a Nutritionist

In order to become a nutritionist, you must obtain certification from a professional organization such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This certification requires passing an exam and completing continuing education courses. Additionally, many states require nutritionists to have a license in order to practice.

Benefits of Being a Nutritionist

Being a nutritionist offers a variety of benefits. For starters, it provides the opportunity to help others improve their overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, nutritionists have the chance to work with clients of all ages and backgrounds. Finally, nutritionists can earn a good salary, with the median annual wage in 2019 being $61,270.

Work in Sports Medicine

For those with an exercise science degree, working in sports medicine is another great option. Sports medicine involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to physical activity. It includes providing advice on proper nutrition and exercise, as well as creating individualized recovery plans for athletes.

Requirements to Work in Sports Medicine

In order to work in sports medicine, you must have a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Additionally, many employers require sports medicine professionals to have CPR and first aid certifications.

Benefits of Working in Sports Medicine

Working in sports medicine offers a variety of benefits. For starters, it provides the opportunity to work with athletes of all ages and levels. Additionally, sports medicine professionals have the chance to help athletes reach their athletic goals. Finally, sports medicine professionals can earn a good salary, with the median annual wage in 2019 being $50,210.

Teach Exercise Science

For those with an exercise science degree, teaching exercise science is another great option. Teaching exercise science involves instructing students on topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and exercise physiology. It also includes creating lesson plans and assessing student performance.

Requirements to Teach Exercise Science

In order to teach exercise science, you must have a master’s degree in exercise science or a related field. Additionally, many states require teachers to have a teaching license in order to teach in public schools.

Benefits of Teaching Exercise Science

Teaching exercise science offers a variety of benefits. For starters, it provides the opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with others. Additionally, teaching exercise science gives you the chance to inspire and motivate students. Finally, teaching exercise science can be financially rewarding, with the median annual wage in 2019 being $60,320.

Become a Wellness Coach

Finally, for those with an exercise science degree, becoming a wellness coach is another great option. Wellness coaches help clients achieve their health and wellness goals by providing personalized instruction and guidance. They create customized wellness plans and provide advice on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices.

Requirements to Become a Wellness Coach

In order to become a wellness coach, you must obtain certification from a professional organization such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This certification requires passing an exam and completing continuing education courses. Additionally, many employers require wellness coaches to have CPR and first aid certifications.

Benefits of Being a Wellness Coach

Being a wellness coach offers a variety of benefits. For starters, it provides a flexible schedule, allowing you to work with clients when it best suits them. Additionally, wellness coaches have the opportunity to help people improve their overall health and wellbeing, which can be very rewarding. Finally, wellness coaches can earn a good salary, with the median annual wage in 2019 being $50,390.

Conclusion

An exercise science degree opens up a wide range of career paths, from becoming a personal trainer or an athletic trainer to working in a fitness center or teaching exercise science. Each one of these career paths offers its own unique set of benefits, from flexible schedules to financially rewarding salaries. So, if you’re looking for a career in the health and fitness industry, an exercise science degree may be just what you need.

Summary of What You Can Do with an Exercise Science Degree

Having an exercise science degree can open up a wide range of career options, from becoming a personal trainer or an athletic trainer to working in a fitness center or even teaching exercise science. No matter which career path you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to help others improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a career in the health and fitness industry, an exercise science degree may be just what you need. With this degree, you can explore a variety of career paths, from becoming a personal trainer or athletic trainer to working in a fitness center or teaching exercise science. So, whether you want to help others reach their fitness goals or share your knowledge and expertise, an exercise science degree can help you do just that.