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Exercise Science Careers

Area: Physical Fitness

• Exercise Physiology
• Personal Training
• Performance Enhancement and Management
• Strength and Conditioning Coaching
• Group Fitness Instruction
• Health Club or Fitness Center Management
• Consultation

Employer

• Health clinics
• Fitness centers
• Specialized studios, e.g. yoga, pilates
• Retirement centers
• Nursing homes
• Daycare centers
• Correctional facilities
• Resorts
• Camps and park districts
• Cruise lines
• Community centers
• Rehabilitation centers
• Healthcare programs: Clinical, Industrial, Corporate
• Universities and colleges
• Sports facilities
• Individual athletes
• Self employed

Information/Strategies

• Maintain up to date knowledge of trends in fitness and safety practices, including proper technique and equipment.
• Obtain necessary certification(s) in addition to CPR and first aid training.
• Develop computer skills and familiarity with technology used in the field.
• Consider a business minor to gain administrative skills such as scheduling, marketing, and ordering equipment.
• Maintain excellent personal fitness and athletic proficiency.
• Volunteer at a gym or fitness facility to gain familiarity with methods of fitness instruction.
• Explore different certification procedures for personal group fitness training, especially for specialized programs such as yoga or pilates.
• Remain calm under pressure and maintain a positive, outgoing personality.
• Develop excellent interpersonal skills for working with clients, coaches, and team physicians.
• Volunteer to work with college or high school sport teams or lead exercise programs for local, nonprofit organizations.

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Area: Athletic Training

• Performance Enhancement/Management
• Strength & Conditioning Coaching
• Biomechanics
• Consultation

Employer

• High schools
• Colleges and universities
• Health clinics
• Sports medicine clinics
• Fitness centers
• Retirement centers
• Nursing homes
• Resorts
• Cruise lines
• Community centers
• Rehabilitation centers
• Healthcare programs: Clinical, Industrial, Corporate
• Professional sports teams
• Private sports organizations
• Sports facilities
• Individual athletes
• Private or group practice
• Local government including law enforcement agencies and departments of health
• Federal and state government:
• ÌýÌýÌý Public Health Service
• ÌýÌýÌý Veterans Administration
• ÌýÌýÌý Department of Defense

Information/Strategies

• Certified Athletic Trainers must earn a degree from an accredited institution. 70% of Athletic Trainers hold a master’s degree or higher. Obtain certification through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
• Athletic training is not the same as personal training.
• Develop communication and decision-making skills and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Demonstrate ability to establish close and trusting relationships with others.
• Be willing to work long and irregular hours and travel with sport teams.
• Understand and implement current injury prevention strategies.
• Typically you must build your reputation in smaller programs before moving into roles at larger universities and colleges or professional leagues.
• Obtain an internship or part-time job with a sports team, athletic organization, or fitness facility.
• Complete first aid certification and CPR training.
• Join fitness oriented associations and organizations.
• Volunteer to work with college or high school sports teams or to run exercise programs for non-profit organizations.

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Area: Physical Therapy

• Clinical Practice:
• Acute care
• Neuro-rehab
• Out-patient
• Management
• Education
• Research
• Consultation
• Specialties Include:
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Cardiopulmonary
• Electrophysiology
• Women’s Health

Employers

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Home healthcare agencies
• Nursing homes and residential care facilities
• Sports medicine facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Doctors’ offices, particularly orthopedic
• Schools
• Health clubs and fitness centers
• Group or private practices
• Universities and colleges
• Federal and state government:
• Public Health Service
• Veterans Administration
• Department of Defense

Informational/Strategies

• Obtain knowledge of several basic sciences including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Attain superior grades in pre-physical therapy course work due to intense competition for admittance to physical therapy programs.
• Volunteer for a physical therapist in a hospital or clinic to gain experience and improve chances of acceptance into a program.
• Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must possess patience and a desire to help individuals of all ages with disabilities. A positive attitude is important when working with patients.
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina are important for success.
• Earn a doctorate in physical therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• All states require licensure which includes passing an examination.
• Some physical therapists specialize in an area after gaining several years of general experience.

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Area: Occupational Therapy

• Screening
• Evaluation
• Treatment:
• Physical
• Psychosocial
• Social
• Vocational
• Follow-up
• Administration
• Teaching
• Research

Employer

• Hospitals (including psychiatric and rehabilitative)
• Schools
• Group or private practice
• Nursing homes and residential care facilities
• Community mental health centers
• Adult daycare programs
• Job training centers
• Out-patient rehabilitation facilities
• Home healthcare agencies
• Federal and state government:
• Department of Defense
• Public Health Service
• Veterans Administration
• Universities and colleges

Informational/Strategies

• Build a solid foundation in physical, biological, & behavioral sciences.
• Develop excellent communication skills which are important interacting with patients & their families.
• Volunteer in an occupational therapy or related healthcare setting to experience the field first-hand and meet program requirements.
• Individuals working in occupational therapy should possess patience and a true interest in helping people with disabilities reach their full potential.
• Learn to work well within a team. O.T.’s work with other professionals in rehabilitation of patients.
• Earn a master’s (MOT, MA, MS) or doctoral (OTD degree from accredited program by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy EducationÌý
• Doctoral degree is preferred for university teaching/ administrative.
• All states regulate O.T. licensure. Requirements include passing a certification exam given by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board and a supervised clinical internship. Those who have passed the exam apply to become Occupational Therapists Registered
• Occupational therapists may choose to specialize in a particular age group or type of disability after passing national exam certification.

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Area: Education

• Research
• Teaching
• Assessment & Evaluation
• Program Development

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Employers

• Colleges and universities
• Athletic associations
• Research facilities

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Informational/Strategies

• Develop strong computer, mathematics, science and both written and oral communication skills.
• Obtain teaching or instructional experience through volunteering or internships.
• Seek opportunities to join faculty in research projects to gain experience.
• Join related student and professional organizations.
• Acquire a master’s degree for community college teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and universities.

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Area: Business

• Product Development
• Product Distribution
• Program Development
• Biomechanics
• Sales:
• Pharmaceutical
• Healthcare
• Sport and FitnessÌý

Employers

• Sporting goods manufacturers
• Exercise equipment manufacturers
• Sports facilities
• Specialized studios, e.g. yoga, pilates
• Health clubs and fitness centers
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Hospitals
• Clinical and corporate healthcare programs

Information/strategies

• Develop outstanding communication skills, written and oral.
• Take additional courses in marketing, advertising, and public relations.
• Gain experience with public speaking and sales.
• Obtain a part-time job or internship in the areas of wholesaling or retail.
• Build relationships with coaches, athletic directors, and college equipment/uniform representatives.
• Volunteer or work in campus recreation facilities that rent equipment to students.
• Consider working with manufacturers of exercise equipment or nutritional supplements to learn more about the field and make contacts.

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Area: Sports Medicine

• Orthopedics
• Osteopathics
• Chiropractics
• Prosthetics
• Biomechanics
• Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Psychology
• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
• Nutrition
• Research

Employers

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Home healthcare agencies
• Nursing homes
• Sports medicine facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Fitness centers
• Group or private practices
• Universities and colleges

Information/strategies

• Develop strong computer, science, mathematics, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Join related professional and student organizations and seek leadership roles.
• Find internship and research opportunities with professors and other experts in the field to gain experience.
• Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically to discuss curricular decisions.
• Maintain a high grade point average, particularly in science classes, and secure strong recommendations for graduate or professional schools.
• Look at entrance requirements for desired institutions.
• Be aware of any standardized test requirements, minimum grade point averages, and prerequisites.
• After earning an undergraduate degree, the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) requires 4 years of medical school followed by 3-8 years of internship, residency, and fellowship depending on specialization chosen.Ìý Upon completion of residency, pursue a fellowship in sports medicine and take certification exam.

Sport Management Careers

Possible Careers in Sport Management-Related Professions

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Sport Management is a relatively new field emerging from the growing world- wide popularity of sport. Billions of dollars are generated annually, directly or indirectly, from sport franchises, sport involvement, sport spectating, sport tourism, and sport merchandising. Sport has an increasing influence on society.

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Many sport organizations operate as a small-business. Sport managers provide for the effective and efficient operation of the enterprise. They are expected to have skills in finance, personnel management, marketing, sport field operations, grounds and facility maintenance, planning, and public relations.

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A sampling of the types of positions available to sport management graduates is provided on the following page. Entry-level jobs offer a variety of starting salaries and offer excellent opportunities for rapid advancement. Some graduates may follow up the sport management degree by going to graduate school for a master's and/or doctorate, or by attending law school to become sport agents.

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The Media

• Newspapers
• Television
• Cable
• Special interest sports/recreation publications

The Olympic Movement

• The International Olympic Committee & United States Olympic Committee
• National sport governing bodies (more than 40)
• Various state governing bodies

State & City Sports Commissions

• Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, New Orleans, etc.
• City & state government sports agencies
• Parks & recreation departments

Sports & Leisure Industry

• Ski resorts
• Tennis & golf resorts
• Major health spas
• Health & fitness clubs
• Racquet clubs

Sports Equipment & Supply industry

• Wilson, MacGregor, Head, Spalding, etc. (golf, tennis)
• Nike, Reebok, Adidas, New Balance
• Sporting Goods Manufacturer’s Association
• Leisure, outdoor recreational clothing (skiing, swimwear)

Professional Leagues

• National Football League
• Major League Baseball
• National Basketball Association
• Women’s National Basketball Association
• National Hockey League
• Major League Soccer
• Arena Football League
• Women’s Professional Softball League

Professional Minor Leagues

• AAA, AA, A baseball leagues
• Arena Football 2
• National Basketball Developmental League
• Continental Basketball Association
• American Basketball Association

Colleges & Universities

• League or conference offices (NCAA, etc.)
• Individual institutions

Major Corporations

• ÌýIn-house marketing & promotions departments
• ÌýIndividual companies

Sports Marketing Agencies

• International Management Group (IMG)
• Women’s Sports Foundation
• National Association of High

Sports Management Group

• Managing municipal golf courses for cities
• Running special events for companies & marketing firms
• Conducting venue surveys, etc.

Stadiums & Arenas

• Management positions
• Marketing & public relations
• Design & development

Event Management

• Creating & implementing sports events for sponsors
• Consulting on existing events

Professional Player Associations & Unions

• ProServ
• Advantage International
• Del Wilber Associates
• Wilhelmenia Models, Inc.

Major Advertising/Public Relations Agencies

• Many have in-house sport marketing unit

Special Organizations

• YMCA & YWCA
• Special Olympics
• Senior citizens’ groups
• Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs of America

National Sports Organizations

• National Association of Governors Councils on Physical Fitness & Sports
• National Association of State Games
• President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports

NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA players’ associations

• ÌýVarious player alumni associations

Player Agent or Representatives

• Usually requires a law degree, as well as financial & investment skills

Individual Sports Associations

• PGA Tour
• LPGA Tour
• Senior PGA Tour
• Nike Tour
• United States Tennis Association
• Motor Sports
• NASCAR
• Individual race teams or companies (Joe Gibbs Racing, Dale Earnhardt, Inc.)
• Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART)
• Indy Racing League
• National Hot Rod Association
• Formula One racing

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See this PDF for more Sports Management related careers & information.