As an increasing number of people realize or require the multiple benefits of exercise/physical rehabilitation, the need for fitness-related health professionals will continue to grow.
People who work in these fields are usually both eager and passionate in helping clients of all ages and athletic abilities to reach or recover their physical potential. It’s not unusual for them to be competitive athletes or have an athletic background themselves, which often results in feeling the need to maintain close proximity to the sports world or to avoid sitting down all day at a 9 to 5 office job.
All the fitness and sports medicine careers listed below share a common thread: They involve improvement or restoration of physical ability through exercise.
Occupational Profiles
The following tables provide a brief overview of key information relating to some of these professions:
Personal Trainer
| Academic Requirements | Depending on the certifying organization, requirements can range from high school diploma/GED to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, other than passing the personal trainer certification exam.Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED).Must complete a number of continuing education credits or units every 2 - 3 years depending on certification agency. |
| Certifying or Licensing Organization | Numerous trainer certifying organizations exist, including:American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Council on Exercise (ACE) International Sports Science Association (ISSA) National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) |
| Employment Growth | 24% (better than average) due to the increased understanding of the benefits of exercise in reducing risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and improvement in psychological well-being through enhanced body image. |
| Additional Information | Learn more about becoming a Personal Trainer |
Strength & Conditioning Specialist
| Academic Requirements | 4-year bachelor's degree in any subject is required to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification exam.Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED) is also required.Must complete a number of continuing education credits every 2 years as defined by the NSCA. |
| Certifying or Licensing Organization | National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) |
| Employment Growth | Data not available |
| Additional Information | Learn more about becoming a Strength Coach |
Exercise Physiologist
| Academic Requirements | 4-year bachelor's degree, usually in exercise science, kinesiology or related major for corporate wellness and possibly, clinical roles.Completing a 1-2 year master's program in exercise physiology usually required for obtaining research or clinical opportunities.2-3 year exercise physiology PhD degree typically required for academic and independent research positions. |
| Certifying or Licensing Organization | No official certifying or licensing organization exist that regulate the practice of exercise physiology. However, the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offer Exercise Physiologist certifications that may be required by some employers. |
| Employment Growth | Between 20 and 28 percent (average - better than average) due to increased research and interest in the effect of exercise, supplements and extremes of environment on the human body. |
| Additional Information | Learn more about becoming an Exercise Physiologist |
Athletic Trainer
| Academic Requirements | 4-year bachelor's degree in athletic training or related discipline, such as exercise physiology or kinesiology. 2-year master's degree in athletic training programs are available, but a graduate degree is not required.Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED). |
| Certifying or Licensing Organization | National Athletic Training Association (NATA) Board of Certification.Candidates are required to pass a the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to practice as an athletic trainer. Certain states have their own certification exams and require in-state licensure or registration to practice. |
| Employment Growth | 30% (much better than average) due to the prevalence of competitive sports on the recreational, youth, collegiate, amateur and professional levels. |
| Additional Information | Learn more about becoming an Athletic Trainer |
Sports Physical Therapist
| Academic Requirements | 4-year bachelors degree followed by completion of a 3-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) certification in Sports. |
| Certifying or Licensing Organization | Each state has their own specific board certification requirements.Must pass state-administered national licensing exam.Individual states may require continuing education or may have in place other standards to maintain licensure. |
| Employment Growth | 39% (way better than average) due to aging population and subsequent injuries associated with exercise. |
| Additional Information | Learn more about becoming a Sports Physical Therapist |
Sports Medicine Aide
| Academic Requirements | Usually the only requirements are being either a high school or college student interested in pursuing a career in the sports medicine field. |
| Certifying or Licensing Organization | None |
| Employment Growth | Not available |
| Additional Information | Learn more about becoming a Sports Medicine Aide |