Online Degrees in Sports and Fitness
An online degree in sports and fitness can open the doors to several different careers in the health and fitness industry. Possible careers for individuals with an online degree in sports and fitness may include athletic trainer (for sports teams), personal trainer at a gym, sports or exercise instructor, and similar positions in the health and fitness industry.
- Online Sports and Fitness Associate Degree may limit students’ career opportunities since most athletic trainer positions require a Bachelor degree or a higher degree. However, in a few cases, an online sports and fitness Associate degree may provide students with the education and training they need to find and qualify for entry level positions in the health and fitness industry.
- Online Sports and Fitness Bachelor Degree may enable students to find their dream job in the health and fitness industry. Most athletic trainer positions require at least a Bachelor degree in sports and fitness. However, even if an individual achieves a position in the health and fitness industry with this degree, they should look to continue their education in order to maintain their knowledge of current sports and fitness practices and open up opportunities for advancement in their career.
- Online Sports and Fitness Masters Degree provides individuals with an impressive credential. Programs for an online sports and fitness masters degree prepare students with the education and training they need to excel and advance in their health and fitness industry careers. Continuing education programs often give students new insights into their careers and keep them updated on the latest practices, procedures, and technology in their field. It should be noted that some health and fitness industry workers choose to continue their education and training further to acquire a Doctorate degree.
Online Sports and Fitness Courses
Coursework in programs for online sports and fitness degrees may vary depending on the college and degree level. However, some common courses to expect include information on anatomy and physiology, biology, nutrition, biomechanics, specialist resistance training, fitness and wellness: behavior self management, integrated movement training, physical fitness tests and measurements, fundamentals of human performance, nutrition application, specialist aerobic training, first aid and responding to emergencies, organization of fitness programs, fitness management, directed physical fitness electives, lifetime fitness and wellness, fitness cycling, pilates, prevention and care of exercise injury, health and safety management, athletic training, health and physical education, kinesiology, and others. Also, studying massage therapy and sports psychology may give individuals an advantage when applying for some positions in a sports and fitness career.
Sports and Fitness Degree Careers and Salary Information
An online degree in sports and fitness enables people to enter a career as an athletic trainer, personal trainer at a gym, sports or exercise instructor, or related position in the health and fitness industry. The median entry level salary for people with a degree in sports and fitness is $39,042. However, this may range from $32,206 to $50,429 depending on the person's employment setting, level of education, and on-the-job experience. Employment settings may include physical fitness facilities, health clubs, fitness centers, civic and social organizations, and others. The number of sports and fitness careers is projected to grow by 27% by 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. More people and business are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness; therefore, they are becoming increasingly more willing to spend time and money to get physically fit. With this increased awareness of health and fitness, the industry is growing, leading to an increase in the demand for health and fitness employees.