How Many Dogs Can You Legally Own in Massachusetts?
You Can Do These 6 Jobs With An Exercise Science Degree
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
If you want to take your enthusiasm for fitness to the next level—and do so in a way that directly helps other people—consider pursuing a career in exercise science. The field blends technical, scientific and social skills, allowing for fulfilling work as a fitness instructor, occupational therapist or exercise physiologist.
While you can start your exercise science career right out of high school, you'll qualify for more jobs with a relevant degree. Some roles, especially in research and academia, require a master's or doctoral degree.
Keep reading to learn about the roles, specializations and certifications you can pursue as an exercise science graduate.
What Is Exercise Science?Exercise science studies how the body responds to physical movement. This discipline incorporates biomechanics, motor development, exercise physiology and sport psychology. The field explores the overlapping effects and benefits of diet, exercise and fitness.
Exercise science curricula also delve into social and psychological topics related to movement. Students explore group fitness, sports psychology and the impacts of exercise across the lifespan.
Exercise science professionals become experts in the human body as it relates to fitness. They may perform and analyze tests to determine clients' needs and goals. They might also create training programs or fitness plans and carefully track clients' progress. Exercise science professionals empower their clients through education and action.
What Can You Do With An Exercise Science Degree?Careers in exercise science encompass various roles, all focused on improving people's overall well-being through physical fitness. Exercise science professionals work in athletics and coaching, research and the medical field. As a few examples, they might specialize in cardiac rehabilitation, athletic performance or fitness for specific groups.
Before committing to an exercise science program, consider your long-term goals. A well-rounded undergraduate degree prepares you to enter the workforce in a client-focused or entrepreneurial role. Earning a graduate or doctoral degree equips you for specialized jobs in healthcare or research.
Skills for Exercise Science CareersNo matter which industry you pursue, you should be passionate about wellness and physical fitness and want to help others achieve their best. Whether you work to optimize elite athletes' performance or help aging individuals regain their independence, you must be empathetic, patient and encouraging.
Exercise science jobs typically require you to be on your feet and take an active role. You can expect to work hands on with clients and may have to lift them or help them perform exercises.
Finally, you must have a firm grasp of scientific concepts related to physical movement, including anatomy and physiology, psychology and motor control.
Careers in Exercise ScienceYou can enroll in an associate, bachelor's or master's exercise science program, and each degree level offers its own career prospects. Advanced medical and research roles typically require at least a master's degree. Below, explore six common jobs for people with exercise science degrees.
We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in November 2023.
Fitness InstructorMedian Annual Salary: $45,380Minimum Required Education: High school diplomaJob Overview: Fitness instructors work with individuals or groups to improve their physical health. They develop exercise routines, demonstrate movements and motivate their clients. This path lends itself to entrepreneurship; with more education, you can become a fitness manager or gym owner. Working as a fitness instructor provides experience and income to support further studies.
Exercise PhysiologistMedian Annual Salary: $51,350Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degreeJob Overview: Exercise physiologists help people improve their fitness through targeted programming and health education. They assess clients' needs and goals, such as improving flexibility, strength or cardiovascular health. Exercise physiologists perform and analyze tests, then develop, implement and monitor adherence to fitness plans. Exercise physiologists commonly work with clients who have chronic medical conditions.
Health Education SpecialistMedian Annual Salary: $59,990Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degreeJob Overview: Health education specialists promote well-being in their communities. Their scope of influence depends on their workplace. In public health departments, these specialists could influence policy decisions or create campaigns related to nutrition or immunization. Nonprofit workers, on the other hand, might focus on acquiring local grants or tailoring educational materials to focus on a specific disease.
Occupational TherapistMedian Annual Salary: $93,180Minimum Required Education: Master's degreeJob Overview: Occupational therapists typically treat individuals with disabilities, illnesses or injuries. They help people gain independence by developing, improving or regaining physical skills. Occupational therapists also educate clients and their families about how they can use adaptive equipment or make their homes more safe and accessible. Learn more with our guide on how to become an occupational therapist.
Athletic TrainerMedian Annual Salary: $53,840Minimum Required Education: Master's degreeJob Overview: Athletic trainers prevent and treat bone and muscle issues. They help various populations, including children, professional athletes and soldiers. Athletic trainers may collaborate with physicians to implement treatment injury rehabilitation programs for specific clients. If injuries occur despite their prevention efforts, they provide emergency care.
Physical TherapistMedian Annual Salary: $97,720Minimum Required Education: Doctoral or professional degreeJob Overview: Physical therapists prevent, manage and treat injuries, illnesses and chronic conditions. They collaborate with healthcare professionals to assess patients, develop a treatment plan and evaluate progress. Physical therapists use equipment, stretching, exercises and other hands-on techniques to improve patients' functional movement. An exercise science bachelor's degree qualifies students for a three-year doctor of physical therapy program.
To learn more, check out our guide on how to become a physical therapist.
Exercise Science SpecializationsCareers in exercise science all revolve around physical movement, but you can specialize your career path in an area that particularly interests you. Common focus areas include:
Kinesiology and exercise science are heavily intertwined, but they differ in scope. Exercise science programs typically fall under kinesiology departments. Even so, program breadth varies by college, so explore the curriculum before enrolling. You may be able to achieve your goals with either degree.
KinesiologyKinesiology studies human movement in everyday life, inspecting the body's anatomy, physiology and biomechanical processes. Kinesiology students explore the effect of healthy behaviors, including diet and exercise, and ways to apply these principles to improve someone's physical or mental well-being.
Because kinesiology careers encompass so many concepts, students can often choose a specialty. Common focus areas include sports management, nutrition, physical education, inclusive physical activity and rehabilitation. Kinesiology degrees prepare graduates for careers in research and development, education, clinical healthcare, health promotion and administration.
Exercise ScienceMany schools offer exercise science as a kinesiology degree concentration. Rather than focusing on the mechanics of movement, exercise science studies the human body's broader response to exercise, including adaptation and performance.
Pursue an exercise science degree if you want your career to emphasize physical fitness and its practical applications to human function. While these programs incorporate kinesiology science, they better equip you for movement-based roles in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and personal training.
Professional Organizations for Exercise ScienceJoining a professional organization can hone your skills in the highly technical field of exercise science. Many organizations offer professional certifications, which establish your expertise and encourage you to continue learning and improving. You can also access educational materials and networking opportunities.
Many exercise science associations focus on a particular skill set. With many groups to choose from, make sure to rely on nationally recognized or accredited organizations.
American Council on Exercise (ACE)ACE, one of the most respected professional organizations in the field, offers accredited certifications in personal training, group fitness, health coaching and medical exercise. The group also provides continuing education via online courses, research studies and webinars.
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)NASM hosts self-paced, accredited certification programs for personal trainers and fitness coaches, plus dozens of specializations, including corrective exercise, home gym design and virtual coaching. Members receive support with client management, workout building and performance tracking.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)NSCA provides certification, professional development opportunities and educational materials such as articles, courses and journals. NSCA also awards research grants and scholarships to support its members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Exercise Science Careers What is the highest-paying job in exercise science?Some of the highest-paid exercise science professionals work as physical therapists. Physical therapists made a median annual wage of $97,720 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What are the career opportunities available to an exercise scientist?Exercise science professionals work as researchers, professors, trainers, entrepreneurs and medical workers. They often use their expertise to help individuals improve their physical well-being by working as fitness instructors, physical therapists or occupational therapists.
Is exercise science and kinesiology the same thing?Exercise science is one component of kinesiology. Kinesiology broadly studies human movement, including mechanical and biological processes, and how people interact with their environment. Exercise science focuses on how the body responds to physical movement.
Health Problems
Mental Health Problems: Stigma Of Mental illness & Identification, Expert Speaks, Watch VideoThere are presently several challenges for diagnosing mental health disorders, from the common to the more severe. These involve problems that range from the way mental health disorders are categorized to the way they are perceived, and this is assuming they are even diagnosed at all, There are problems with access to services that are inefficient and in need of change. In this video, our expert will be discussing mental illness and the problem which people face. Watch Video.
9 Nutrition Careers To Consider
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Living a healthy and vibrant life has much to do with what we put on our plates. If you have a penchant for designing meal plans and a desire to help others live healthier lives, a career in nutrition might be your calling.
In a nutrition career, you can guide individuals and communities toward more balanced nutrition and healthier lifestyles. And the field offers a variety of rewarding career paths, such as registered dietitian, nutritionist and health coach.
Read on to learn more about what it takes to launch a successful career in nutrition, including potential roles, education paths and earning potential.
What Is Nutrition?Nutrition focuses on promoting good health through food, and it's one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields. This interdisciplinary field combines elements of biology, chemistry, psychology, physiology and food science to understand how food impacts the body. Careers in nutrition typically require a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related field.
Nutrition professionals educate individuals and communities about the role of healthy eating in overall wellness and disease prevention. They may develop personalized meal plans, establish evidence-based dietary guidelines, conduct research and implement public health initiatives. They work in diverse settings, from hospitals and research institutions to schools and corporate wellness centers.
This guide explores nutrition career options, including education requirements and earning potential for each.
9 Popular Careers in NutritionIn the field of nutrition, there are many career options available. Here's a look at our top picks.
We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale and Glassdoor in November 2023.
Registered Dietitian (RD)Median Annual Salary: $66,450Minimum Required Education: Master's degree in nutrition or a related fieldJob Overview: Registered dietitians specialize in assessing, diagnosing and treating nutritional issues. They conduct in-depth assessments to evaluate an individual's nutrition needs based on their health status, age, gender, medical conditions and goals. An RD's expertise qualifies them to help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Using an evidence-based approach to nutrition, RDs can work in various settings, from hospitals and schools to private organizations. To become an RD, you must complete an internship and obtain state licensure or certification.
Nutrition ConsultantMedian Annual Salary: Approximately $73,000Minimum Required Education: Associate degreeJob Overview: These professionals advise individuals and groups on nutrition and healthy eating for optimal health. Duties typically include developing meal plans and setting nutrition goals for clients.
Nutrition consultants may specialize in various areas of nutrition, including weight management, nutrition for athletes or nutrition geared toward managing specific health conditions. Licensing and certification requirements for this career vary by state.
Health CoachAverage Annual Salary: Approximately $53,800Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree (for certification, with some exceptions)Job Overview: Health coaches guide people seeking a healthier lifestyle, working either one on one or in group settings. They help clients set nutrition goals and implement sustainable behavior changes, providing personalized support and motivation.
These professionals can work in many settings. For example, some may provide online coaching services, while others may work in community settings. Often, they collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Because the health coach title is unregulated, these professionals should earn certification to demonstrate credibility.
Health EducatorMedian Annual Salary: $59,990Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree in public health, education or a similar disciplineJob Overview: Health educators are advocates for public health. They work to help individuals and communities adopt healthy behaviors to improve their well-being. These professionals may develop educational materials, conduct public health screenings, organize community outreach initiatives and raise awareness about common health issues.
Health educators work in government agencies, corporate settings, healthcare facilities, nonprofits and community organizations. To learn more, check out our public health education career guide.
EpidemiologistMedian Annual Salary: $78,520Minimum Required Education: Master's degree in public health or a related disciplineJob Overview: Epidemiologists investigate the cause and spread of diseases to safeguard public health. They research potential causes of specific health concerns and identify and recommend possible solutions.
Epidemiologists often work in hospitals, educational institutions and government health departments. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including doctors and public health officials, to develop disease and infection control strategies.
Want to know more? Check out our guide on how to become an epidemiologist.
Food ScientistMedian Annual Salary: $85,730Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree in food science or a related fieldJob Overview: Food scientists work on various aspects of food production, such as product development, improvement and flavor enhancement. Using their background in biology and chemistry, they ensure food production meets quality and safety standards. They may also work to improve a food's nutrient content and availability.
Food scientists typically work for universities, research institutions, government agencies, food and beverage corporations, or nonprofit organizations.
Nutrition CoordinatorMedian Annual Salary: Approximately $58,000Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree in nutrition or a similar disciplineJob Overview: Nutrition coordinators create and implement programs to promote healthy eating. Though their specific responsibilities vary, these professionals typically develop educational materials, assess dietary needs and provide customized nutrition advice.
Nutrition coordinators work in various settings, such as community or government organizations, healthcare facilities and schools.
Registered Nutrition and Dietetics TechnicianMedian Annual Salary: $33,960Minimum Required Education: Associate degreeJob Overview: Registered nutrition and dietetics technicians support healthcare and food service management teams. They give guidance on dietary needs, conduct assessments, design meal plans and educate about healthy food choices.
These professionals may work in a variety of healthcare settings, including assisted living facilities, hospitals and clinics . They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as registered dietitians, doctors and nurses, to optimize patient care.
Food and Nutrition Services DirectorAverage Annual Salary: Approximately $67,600Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related fieldJob Overview: Food and nutrition services directors oversee the operations of an organization's food service department. They ensure patients' nutritional needs are met and food quality and safety regulations are maintained. Responsibilities typically include menu planning, overseeing food preparation, and hiring and training staff.
These professionals may work in schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities and other institutions.
Nutrition vs. Dietetics: What's the Difference?The fields of dietetics and nutrition are closely related; both focus on how food and nutrients impact human health. Nutrition and dietetics professionals share foundational knowledge of the relationship between nutrients and disease. They may work in similar settings, as well, such as hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, government organizations, nonprofits and private institutions.
Nutrition professionals typically provide counseling in meal planning and healthy eating, whereas dietetics professionals have more specialized qualifications, allowing them to provide nutrition advice to treat specific diseases and health conditions.
If you are interested in a role with a broader focus on general health promotion and education, you may want to pursue a nutrition role. On the other hand, if you are interested in working in clinical settings and managing complex medical conditions, a career in dietetics may be a good fit for you.
Organizations for Nutrition ProfessionalsThe following professional organizations may be helpful to individuals in the field of nutrition.
Registered dietitian is one of the highest-paying jobs in the field of nutrition. Dietitians who make diagnoses and administer treatments report some of the highest incomes in the field, earning a mean annual wage of $93,710, according to the BLS.
Can a nutritionist make six figures?While salaries vary based on experience, education and location, making six figures as a nutritionist is possible. One strategy to boost your overall income is to provide online coaching services.
Can you make good money being a nutritionist?Yes. If you want to maximize your earning potential, consider obtaining a master's degree in nutrition.
Comments
Post a Comment