Occupational Possibilities
Exercise Science is the study of movement and the associationed functional responses and adaptations. The exercise scientist must understand the scientific basis underlying exercise-induced physiological responses. Students who complete the degree requirements for Exercise Science are qualified to work in commercial or private health and fitness centers, hospital exercise and cardiac rehabilitation programs, and corporate fitness centers. The individual would also be qualified to pursue a graduate degree in exercise physiology. Students who complete the degree requirements for Pre-Physical Therapy are qualified to apply for most physical therapy graduate schools. The requirements of the KU program meet the prerequisites of the Kansas University Medical Center Physical Therapy Program; additional courses may need to be taken to fulfill admission requirements for other physical therapy graduate schools. Individuals would also be qualified to work in agencies that dispense health- and fitness-related programs. Some typical job titles for persons with majors in exercise science or pre-physical therapy are listed below.
Sports Teams/Athletic Departments - *Athletic trainer/Team trainer
- Training director
- Assistant Athletic Director
- *Athletic Director
- Sports medicine specialist
- *Team physician
- *Sports Nutritionist
- Strength/conditioning coach
- Community recreation specialist
| Hospitals/Rehabilitation Clinics - *Physical therapist
- Rehab specialist
- Director of Rehabilitation
- *Occupational therapist
- *Physician assistant
- *Registered Nurse
- Recreational therapist
- Wellness specialist
- *Chiropractor
- *Massage therapist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Recreation therapist
- *Biomechanist
- *Occupational therapist
- Activities Director
|
Health Clubs/Training Centers - *Sports medicine specialist
- General manager, Facility manager
- Risk assessment manager
- Injury prevention specialist
- Exercise/Fitness Instructor
- Recreational therapist
- Health/wellness educator
- *Exercise physiologist
- *Orthopedist
- Personal Trainer
| Administration/Education/Business - *College/University professor
- Department manager
- Unit manager
- Training supervisor
- Medical equipment/supply sales
- *Medical researcher
- Account Executive, Special-Risk Insurance
- Wellness program coordinator
- Employee Fitness/Wellness Director
- *Occupational Physiologist
|
back to top
Skills and Abilities
Exercise Science and Pre-PT majors develop extensive knowledge of the body, physiology, and biomechanics. In addition, they learn about working with individuals and groups to encourage wellness, healthy habits, and recovery from physiological problems. Many of the specific skills in these areas are applicable to a wide range of occupations. Following are some of these skills:
Analysis - Using deductive reasoning to discover answers to problems
- Performing injury analyses
- Testing and data collection and analysis
- Evaluating and assessing
- Recording, organizing, and storing of data (record-keeping)
- Analyzing ideas and using logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses
| Management - Managing time of self and others
- Assessing how well one is learning or doing something
- Obtaining needed equipment, facilities, and materials and overseeing their use
- Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work
- Responding rapidly to crises
- Using strong judgment and decision-making
- Performing risk analyses, both individual and corporate
- Instructing, presenting, demonstrating
- Planning and implementing programs
- Judging costs and benefits of possible action
- Planning recreational activities
|
Problem-solving - Analyzing and prescribing treatment or dietary regimens
- Using keen observation for accurate diagnosis
- Operating physical equipment
- Noticing when something is wrong or likely to go wrong
- Identifying problems and reviewing information; developing, reviewing, applying solutions
- Analyzing needs and requirements when designing products or solutions
- Determining causes of technical problems and finding solutions for them
- Designing equipment and technology to meet user needs
| Communication - Listening to others, understanding, and asking appropriate questions
- Expressing ideas clearly when writing and speaking so other people can understand
- Interacting with diverse populations
- Referring and recognizing limitations
- Understanding and conveying new information or materials by studying and working with them
- Solving problems by bringing others together to discuss differences or possible treatments (teamwork)
- Learning or teaching others how to do something, using several methods
- Developing awareness of others’ reactions and understanding the possible causes
|
back to top
Career Planning and Resources
Internships
An internship for credit is required for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in Sport Science at KU. For more information, see the Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences website [http://www.soe.ku.edu/hses/]. Additional part-time, volunteer, or internship positions may help you be better qualified to enter a full-time position upon graduation. A few sites where you might find these opportunities are below.
Job Search
Professional Associations
For More Information
About careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions, contact:
University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624
For more information about the Community Health major at KU and required internships, contact:
http://www.soe.ku.edu/hses/ - Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences (HSES)
Robinson Center, Rm. 161
(785) 864-5552
back to top
Copyright © 2006 by the University of Kansas: Text Only
Email Page 
Print Page