CalU of PA MS degree in exercise science and wellness, what can I do with it?
Nikki,
Though I didn’t go to that school, I have a BS in Health Science (Sports / Biomechanics) and a MEd in Health Education, and I am now the Assistant Director of Fitness & Wellness at the University of Cincinnati. I get to oversee both student and professional staff, teach, develop classes and programs, and adminstrative tasks like marketing, payroll, scheduling, etc. I love the mentoring I get to do in my job, which is why I jumped on your question!
I think what you need to do is determine what you WANT to do in fitness and go from there. You say you don’t want to work as a PT – how come? Is it the recruiting of clients, the hours, or the one-on-one that you don’t like? What do you enjoy? Is it teaching? Or writing? Or managing/leading a team? I think if you can start to answer those questions, you begin to see the path lie itself out for you.
I’d be happy to provide any additional information / resources to send you in the right way, but without a clear understanding of what you do want, I don’t want to overwhelm you!
Feel free to follow up:
[email protected] / [email protected]
Nikki, there are many career tracks that you can take with your Masters in Exercise Science. If your interest is more in line with teaching, you could serve as an adjunct professor at a local college (I do, and enjoy this part of my career). Or, you could serve as a fitness administrator/manager involved more on the side of program design. I enjoy writing and continue to serve as an exercise and fitness writer for several publications – if writing is your ‘thing’ then I think that this is a great way to reach a wide audience with your message.
Aside from the type of work you choose, there is also a wide-variety of places where you can work. Hospitals, clinics, schools, community centers, corporate facilities etc. Lots to think about and to choose from. You’re only limited by your imagination!
Good luck.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]
Hello,
I am an CalU graduate. I proudly say I earned my masters degree there. For me professionally it has been a boon to my career. Here is how:
1. I’ve learned a how lot more regarding exercise science/physiology
2. I’ve had the opportunity to teach at the university level as a consequence of earning my degree.
3. After earning my clinical hours I have been able to earn the highest fitness credential in our industry — ACSM RCEP.
4. As a consequence of earning the ACSM RCEP, I am now earning my mentoring hours to become a certified diabetes educator. Only ACSM CES and RCEPS qualify to take than exam.
5. As a consequence of my masters degree I am an education partner with the American Council on Exercise.
6. And lastly, being a business owner (I own my fitness studio) it adds loads of credibility to you as a professional when you can say that you’ve earned your graduate degree.
I’m currently In the Program at CAL I will be finished in July 2013. I do really enjoy the program but I am beginning to get a little down it seems really hard to find a job in the Pittsburgh area which I thought it would be easier. UPMC won’t even look at me for their health coach positions, I’m assuming I may lack experience and I’m told the Pitt students get first pick there. I’ve been personal training since I graduated in 2011 I will be there 2 years in June and this is not something I want to do much longer. It’s just a very tough schedule because I only get paid based on clients it is very tough and can be very long hours. I guess my dream positions are the assistant director/ director at a college wellness center, I worked at the wellness center in college and lt seemed like I would love that job, I also had an internship and cardiac and pulmonary rehab but there is limited jobs and my experience stopped after the internship, and lastly I would love to teach. One of the reasons I wanted my master’s was because I found out I could teach at the college level. If anyone has any advice for me I’m desperate. I even thought about calling places and asking for an internship, since CalU doesn’t provide one I thought maybe it would help me land a job in cardiac rehab. So many people have started in ex phys and went back to school for nursing, I really don’t want to do that I devoted so much time and money in what I’m in and I really do enjoy health & fitness it can be very rewarding. If anyone see’s this and has anything they can add or help with my email is [email protected]
Thank you!