Exploring Careers in Health and Exercise Sciences: From Personal Training to Public Health
Tuskegee University
Health and exercise sciences are about understanding how the human body works and helping people live healthier, happier lives. It combines clinical care and public health with fitness, wellness, and rehabilitation. Professionals in this field don’t just focus on treating illnesses — they’re dedicated to preventing them, boosting physical performance, and supporting overall well-being.
Whether helping someone recover after an injury, guiding an athlete to reach new goals, or promoting healthy habits in the community, health science professionals play a crucial role in healthcare, working side by side with doctors and nurses to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Fields of Study
Health and exercise sciences encompass various majors focusing on human health and performance. While the division of these disciplines may vary by institution, programs in these areas typically share similar coursework and lead to overlapping career opportunities.
- Clinical Health: Clinical health focuses on providing direct care to individual patients through diagnosing, treating, and managing various health conditions. Careers in this field include nurses, physician assistants, physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient outcomes and overall well-being.
- Public Health: Public health professionals focus on health and wellness from a community and societal perspective. They work to improve the systemic and social factors that impact well-being by developing policies, providing health education, and guiding governance efforts. Their goal is to create healthier populations by addressing the root causes of health challenges and promoting sustainable, long-term solutions.
- Fitness, Wellness, and Rehabilitation Services: Professionals in this field focus on enhancing physical fitness, promoting overall wellness, and supporting injury recovery. They collaborate closely with clients, often over extended periods, to help them reach their health goals, heal from injuries, and maintain long-term well-being.
Course Subjects
Students planning to pursue careers in these fields typically enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in health and exercise sciences. Such programs include a wide range of related course subjects, such as:
- Analysis of movement
- Assessing athletic injuries
- Fundamentals of athletic training
- Physical activity and aging
- Motor development
- Physical education
- Kinesiology
- Sports medicine
- Legal issues in health
- Bioenergetics of movement
Careers in Health and Exercise Science
Majoring in one of these fields can prepare you for a wide variety of careers, including:
- Physical therapist or physical therapy assistant
- Personal trainer
- Fitness trainer and instructor
- Sports coach and scout
- Recreational therapist
- Physical education teacher
- Community program director
- Recreation and sports director
- Sports facility manager
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Gym manager
- Massage therapist
The Importance of Black Representation in Health and Exercise Sciences
Historically, the health and exercise sciences field lacks diverse representation, particularly among Black professionals. Increasing Black representation in these areas not only enriches the field but also addresses health disparities that disproportionately affect Black communities. It also brings different perspectives and approaches to healthcare, ultimately benefiting entire health systems and communities.
Black professionals in this field contribute significantly to research, policy-making, and community health, adding their unique voices to the canon of health sciences. Donors can play a crucial role in fostering diversity and equity in healthcare by supporting HBCUs and their health and exercise science programs.
Advantages of Pursuing a Career in Health and Exercise Sciences
- High Demand: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% growth in physical therapist jobs from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage was nearly $100,000 in 2023.
- Rewarding Work: You can make a meaningful impact by helping patients regain mobility, restore independence, and improve their quality of life.
- Diverse Work Settings: Health and exercise professionals can work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, sports facilities, and patients’ homes.
How to Support Students in This Field
To support equity in health and exercise sciences, consider donating to UNCF. Your contributions will help students achieve their academic goals and diversify the healthcare industry.
Want to learn more about this possible career path and college major? Have questions about which UNCF colleges and universities offer degrees in health and exercise science? Looking for help with financing this degree?
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How to Prepare for Success
Success in this field requires foundational biology, anatomy, and physiology knowledge. Supplemental knowledge in psychology or communications will help tremendously. Finally, working or volunteering in healthcare facilities is a great way to experience the day-to-day work of health and exercise science professionals.
UNCF Schools to Consider
These UNCF-member HBCUs offer health or exercise science programs:
- Dillard University
- Morris College
- Oakwood University
- Tougaloo College
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Huston-Tillotson University
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Morehouse College
- Spelman College
- Tuskegee University
Professional Organizations
Many organizations in various health and exercise sciences fields can offer more insight into working in those fields. A sample list includes:
- American Society of Biomechanics (ASB)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- National Athletic Trainer Association (NATA)
- National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK)
- Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI)
- Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Whether you’re a student eyeing a career in health and exercise sciences or a donor aiming to make a difference, supporting programs in this field is a win-win situation. With the right education and support, the next generation of healthcare professionals can make a lasting impact on individual and community health.
Scholarships Available
There’s no better way to start on your path to a successful health and exercise sciences career than with a solid financial foundation. Fortunately, many scholarships are available through UNCF, including some specifically for health and exercise sciences majors. Keep an eye on the UNCF website for current scholarship opportunities and announcements.
You can search for specific scholarships and view those currently accepting applications here! Students should also check with each college or university to see if additional scholarships are available to study health and exercise sciences.
As you explore your options, use our guide to apply for scholarships and grants. You can also receive guidance by submitting a major interest form if you are interested in a career in health and exercise sciences. Submit the form on our website to get started. Follow us on UNCF’s social media channels to receive notifications about our scholarships and member HBCUs. Reach out today!
You can also support students pursuing careers and furthering equity in health and exercise sciences by contributing to UNCF member schools. Education is our greatest tool in creating a just and equitable society where economic mobility is available. Help us achieve this future by donating today!