Career exploration is an important part of personal and professional growth. For students who are enrolled in sports health science and similar majors here at Life University (Life U), here is a helpful starter guide to get you thinking about possible career paths.

For more assistance with career exploration, please contact Life U Career Services.

M.S in Sport Health Science

In the Department of Sport Health Science at Life U, our Master of Science Sport Health Science degree program explores numerous aspects of optimal human performance, from the elite athlete to members of the community improving their fitness. Life U’s unparalleled master’s program in Sport Health Science is designed to advance your undergraduate and professional knowledge, experience and passion for human athletic performance. With extensive, hands-on labs, practicums and internships available both on and off campus, you won’t have to wait until after graduation to get in the game.

  • Coach or Athletic Scout- Coaches teach amateur and pro athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts look for new players, evaluating their skills and likelihood for success at the amateur, college or professional level. Many coaches also are involved in scouting potential athletes for their team.Coaches teach amateur and professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts look for new players, evaluating their skills and likelihood for success at the amateur, college, or professional level. Many coaches also are involved in scouting potential athletes for their team.National Median Salary: $38,970Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 249,900(Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

  • Physical Therapist- Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses or injuries.Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, care for people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries, sprains, strains, fractures; arthritis, amputations, neurological disorders (such as stroke or cerebral palsy), injuries related to work and sports and more.Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to care for their patients. These techniques include exercises and training in functional movement, which may include the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs and walkers, as well as special movements of joints, muscles and other soft tissue to improve mobility and decrease pain.National Median Salary: $95,620Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 239,200

    (Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

  • Occupational Therapist- Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.Patients with permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, often need help performing daily tasks. Therapists show patients how to use appropriate adaptive equipment, such as leg braces, wheelchairs, and eating aids. These devices help patients perform daily tasks, allowing them to function more independently.National Median Salary: $85,570Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 131,600(Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

B.S in Exercise Science

Life U’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science prepares graduates for rewarding careers in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, sport injury management, health promotion, corporate fitness and community-based fitness and wellness programs. Those planning to go on to advanced study in preparation for careers in exercise physiology, clinical exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, athletic training, physical and occupational therapy, nutrition, Chiropractic, medicine or research will find Life University’s Bachelor of Exercise Science degree equips them well for the challenges of graduate study and sets them apart from the competition.

 

  • Exercise Physiologist- According to the Cleveland Clinic, exercise physiologists analyze a patient’s fitness, helping them improve and maintain a certain level of health. This includes patients in rehabilitation for heart disease and other chronic problems as well as athletes looking to optimize performance.There are many different types of health testing that an exercise physiologist can administer to evaluate a person’s current health status. This may include exercise stress testing, body composition, flexibility tests, power or strength tests and sub maximal aerobic tests. From there, they can develop and prescribe exercise plans focusing on fitness, strength, endurance and flexibility.National Mean Salary: $ 54,030Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 6,860(Data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)
  • Massage Therapist- Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation and aid in the general wellness of clients.Massage therapists talk with clients about what they hope to achieve through massage. They may suggest personalized treatment plans for their clients, including information about additional relaxation techniques to practice between sessions.Massage therapists can specialize in many different types of massage or modalities. Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage and sports massage are just a few of the many modalities of massage therapy. Most massage therapists specialize in several modalities, which require different techniques. The type of massage given typically depends on the client’s needs and physical condition.National Median Salary: $46,910Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 144,600

    (Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

  • Pro-Athlete or Sports Competitor- Athletes and sports competitors participate in organized, officiated sporting events to entertain spectators.When performing or playing, athletes and sports competitors must understand the strategies involved in their sport while following rules and regulations. The events in which athletes compete include team sports such as baseball, football, hockey and soccer, or individual sports, such as golf, NASCAR and tennis. The level of play varies. Some athletes compete in regional events; others compete in national or international events.Being an athlete involves more than competing in athletic events. Athletes spend most days practicing and improving their skills under the guidance of a coach or sports instructor. They review videos to critique and improve their performance and technique. To gain a competitive advantage, athletes also study their opponents’ weaknesses.National Median Salary: $77,300Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 16,700

    (Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

  • Athletic Trainer- Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Athletic trainers work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes. They are usually one of the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries occur on the field. They work under the supervision of a licensed physician and with other healthcare providers, often discussing specific injuries and treatment options or evaluating and treating patients, as directed by a physician. Some athletic trainers meet with a team physician or consulting physician regularly.National Median Salary: $48,420Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 30,000(Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

  • Fitness Trainer or Instructor- Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardio workouts, strength training and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels.Fitness trainers work with individual clients or choreograph their own group classes. They may do a variety of tasks in addition to fitness duties, such as managing the front desk, signing up new members, giving tours of the facility or supervising weight-training and cardiovascular equipment areas. Fitness trainers also may promote their facilities and instruction through social media and other marketing tools.National Median Salary: $40,700Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 309,800(Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

 

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