Careers That Change The World: Health And Sports Science Published June 22, 2016

Whether you grew up as an athlete or just enjoy being a spectator, sports in the 21^st century are omnipresent. Though few actually make it to the big leagues, their passion for sports and overall health and wellness does not have to end after their amateur sports playing career ends. There are plenty of rewarding career options in health and wellness that can leave positive, lasting effects on the public and allow practitioners to remain involved in athletics.

Rose State College provides students with the expertise and hands-on training to make a difference in the health and wellness of their community. Whether students want to be a licensed physical therapist, an occupational therapist, an athletic director, a physical education teacher, or a fitness manager, Rose State College’s Associate of Science in Health and Sports Science contains a number of optional paths to help make that goal a reality.

Personal Training

The personal training program option at Rose State College prepares students to do one-on-one fitness programming. This option prepares students to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Training exam and/or to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree upon completion of the Associate in Science degree.

The 24-credit hour Personal Training certificate program prepares students who are interested in Health and Sport Sciences to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a major or minor in Health and Sport Sciences and/or work in physical therapy programs, personal training studios, wellness centers, fitness facilities, weight loss clinics, and sport strength and conditioning facilities.

Physical Education Teacher/Coach

With a focus on physical activity and exercise physiology, our program at Rose State College will prepare you to transfer to a four-year university and pursue a state-approved teaching credential in order to be a properly licensed physical education teacher and coach. Many of us look back on our younger years with fond memories of gym class and those endless games of “Knock-Out.” What we probably realized later was that we also learned important information about health and wellness, including nutritional lessons that created a foundation for healthy living. 

If you have a love of sports and desire to motivate students in the game of your choice, Rose State College offers professional preparation to students who aspire to coach across a variety of experiences.

Physical and Occupational Therapist

A Health and Sports Sciences Associate in Science Degree can prepare students for a career as a physical or occupational therapist. Physical therapists rehabilitate patients who have limitations due to disease or injury. Occupational therapists provide rehabilitation, but do so in order to prepare physically challenged individuals to work or complete daily living tasks. A degree from Rose State College would be the first step in becoming a professional in these fields, as physical therapists must complete graduate school at a minimum and earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. A master’s degree is required for those seeking employment in the field of occupational therapy. Therapists enjoy excellent job opportunities with substantial earning potential, as well as the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of clients in an exciting, ever-changing environment.

Athletic Directors

Public schools, colleges, and universities all need athletic directors. Athletic director positions are often administrative in nature -- they coordinate, plan, and implement athletic events and programs for their employers. You will have the opportunity to take courses in sports marketing, financial accounting and sport event management to prepare you for this career.

Fitness Manager

Health promotion, fitness management and nutrition classes are often required to complete your Associate, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.  Rose State College’s Exercise Fitness Management program option trains students to work in fitness clubs, gyms, and training facilities overseeing personnel, group fitness programs and operations management.

Having a positive impact on the sports, health and wellness world extends beyond the ball field or court. At Rose State College, students will be able to contribute right away while working toward one of these careers paths. Students receive practical, hands-on experience at the on-site wellness center. Once students complete their programs of study, they will assess human movement and how it applies to exercise, sports, and everyday aspects of living. Positive, service-oriented individuals thrive in this dynamic field.

Ready to get started? Find out more about our Health and Sports Sciences program and what this exciting field can offer.

Photo cutline:  Liz Brown, Rose State College Instructor performing a body fat test on a student.