Key Takeaways:
- Jobs in exercise science are growing, with many positions requiring only a bachelor’s degree.
- Key careers include personal trainers, athletic trainers, and exercise physiologists, offering diverse opportunities and good salaries.
- Additional certifications can enhance employability and expertise in specialized areas within the exercise science field.
- The field allows for impactful work in improving public health and individual well-being across various settings.
Health and fitness jobs are on the rise. For example, jobs for exercise physiologists are expected to increase by 9% by 2031 and 14% for fitness trainers! This surge in focus on physical health has made the job market very welcoming for those looking into health and fitness careers.
The future looks very promising for exercise science career paths and more than 60% of these jobs don’t need a master’s degree! Getting a job in exercise science can be done with a bachelor’s degree.
In this article, we will give you seven undergraduate exercise science careers. All of these positively affect people’s health and quality of life.
Related:
- What are Kinesiology and Exercise Science Jobs?
- Kinesiology and Exercise Science Salary with an Associate Degree
- 10 Best Online Exercise Science Degree Programs
The Value of a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science
Starting a career in health and fitness often begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. This degree offers a wide-ranging education in areas like anatomy, kinesiology, and nutrition. It lays the foundation for jobs in exercise science. Careers that help communities stay healthy without needing a master’s degree.
The job outlook for those looking at fitness careers with no master’s required is promising, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These positions offer good pay and the chance to work in exciting places like sports centers. Plus, just having a bachelor’s degree already puts you ahead for many non-master’s health and fitness jobs.
People who graduate in this field are valued for their know-how and ability to use science in real life. They know how to make strategies that promote health and fitness. With a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, many doors open to varied and fulfilling careers.
“Right after school, I started working with Life Time Fitness doing metabolic testing, Run club coaching, and personal training as well.” – Reddit user in r/bodyweightfitness
Here are some of the best exercise science jobs with a Bachelor’s degree:
Certified Personal Trainer Jobs
A personal trainer’s main job is to create fitness plans that fit each client perfectly. They might work one-on-one or lead group sessions. It’s their job to mix their fitness know-how with great people skills. This way, they help clients reach their health goals. They are crucial in planning custom fitness routines and promoting lasting healthy choices.
Requirements
Many fitness trainers and instructors follow education paths highlighting exercise science. Employers often want at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in these areas. To build trust and show their knowledge, most trainers get certified. Certifications from respected groups like NASM or ACE will give you a big leg up in getting hired.
Job Market
Personal trainers often work in gyms, private studios, and wellness centers. There’s also a growing interest in fitness at companies. The job market for trainers allows them to potentially become head trainers or start their own businesses. The median pay for personal trainers is $45,380 per year.
Athletic Trainer Positions
Athletic training is great for those who love fitness and want to help people stay healthy without needing advanced degrees. These professionals work closely with athletes every day. They design special workout programs to prevent injuries. They also give emergency care on the spot and help with recovery. Athletic trainers are crucial for athletes to perform safely and well. It’s an exciting career path for anyone interested in sports and helping others.
Requirements
Starting a career in athletic training often begins with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Getting a national certification, like the BOC, is also needed. It shows you know your stuff and that you are dedicated. Employers love to see that.
Job Market
The need for certified athletic trainers is on the rise. Jobs in this field are expected to rise 14% by 2032. There are plenty of job opportunities that don’t require a master’s degree. You can find jobs working with sports teams, in schools, and at places that focus on health and fitness.
Exercise Physiologist Roles
An exercise physiologist designs workout plans for each person’s health needs. They do fitness checks, make rehab programs, and track client progress. Their work is key in preventing and treating chronic diseases, placing them at the center of healthcare.
Requirements
To become an exercise physiologist, you need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. This qualification puts you in a good spot for jobs that don’t need a master’s. Getting certified, like by the ASEP, shows you meet high standards.
Job Market
The job market for exercise physiologists is full of options. They work in hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers. Almost half become self-employed, opening their own places to help the community. It is a flexible career that offers personal and professional satisfaction. It allows you to improve public health with exercise science. Currently, exercise physiologists with a bachelor’s degree made up to $51,350 per year.
Wellness Program Coordinator
Wellness program coordinators play a big part in improving the health of both communities and companies. They are the key to creating and running health-focused initiatives. They set goals, organize events, and check results to see if things are working well. Their main job is to make it easy for everyone to make healthy choices.
Requirements
Being a wellness program coordinator is rewarding and doesn’t always require an advanced degree. If you have a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, you’re in a good spot to start. Getting extra certifications can make you even more ready for this job.
Job Market
The job market for wellness program coordinators offers lots of options. Graduates work in corporate wellness, community health, and hospitals. Getting involved in volunteer work can improve your skills. Joining groups like the Wellness Council of America and the National Wellness Institute is also beneficial. They provide resources and chances to meet others in the field.
Sports Facility Manager Opportunities
Sports facility managers are key to keeping sports centers running smoothly. They ensure everyone has a great time, from athletes to fans. Sports facility managers juggle many tasks each day. They plan events, check the facilities, and make sure safety rules are followed. Their job is varied and exciting. They are the main contact for workers and customers, managing events big and small.
Requirements
To get into non-master’s sports management jobs, a bachelor’s degree is essential. Adding certifications like Certified Facility Manager helps you stand out. These show you’re skilled and ready for big management roles in the sports field.
Job Market
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science can work in many places. These include local rec centers, schools, and private clubs. The sports industry’s growth means lots of career chances in this field for those without a master’s. The annual wage for facilities managers is $111,110 and this can be higher for sports arenas.
Recreational Therapy Jobs
These jobs are perfect for those who love helping others get better through exercise but don’t have advanced degrees. These professionals focus on making treatment plans that use fun activities. They believe that by doing things like sports or arts, patients can heal physically and mentally. To be good at this job, you need to care a lot and be able to come up with new ideas often.
Requirements
To be a recreational therapist, you need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field. Getting certified as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) can make you stand out.
Job Market
More places, like hospitals and community centers, need recreational therapists now than ever. This job is becoming important in taking care of patients in a new way as research shows how vital fun is in getting better. This career is full of chances to grow and help others. Recreational therapists with a bachelor’s degree make an average of $51,330 per year.
Sports Nutritionist Positions
Sports nutritionists develop nutritional plans for athletes. They combine nutrition and exercise science knowledge. They assess nutritional needs and devise diets for enhanced stamina and recovery. Beyond planning, they educate athletes on the benefits of healthy eating for better performance. This support is crucial for an athlete’s success from training to competition.
Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in nutrition is a great start for future sports nutritionists. This background, coupled with becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), boosts one’s career. Keeping up with new nutrition research keeps them competitive in their field.
Job Market
The demand for sports nutritionists is growing. A job increase of 7% is expected by 2032. And this can be higher for those in sports. Their work environments vary from sports teams to private practices. This growth is driven by a focus on complete athlete care. Sports nutritionists find opportunities in teams, clinics, or private practices. All contributing to health and performance.
Closing Thoughts
The job market for entry-level exercise science positions is growing and full of opportunities. With just a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, you can enter a field that improves health and offers lots of rewarding job options. These jobs let you make a real difference in people’s lives. This makes exercise science a great choice for a fulfilling career that helps others without requiring years of extra study.