Online Doctorate in Exercise Physiology Programs

If you choose to go for a doctorate in exercise physiology, you will be studying the effects of exercise on the human body.

This kind of training and knowledge is very important for improving the fitness level and health of others. It is also important for maintaining good health and fitness. As a highly trained professional, you will have the chance to be in occupational therapy, or perhaps more specialized jobs like fitness programs. Your degree can open many doors in the fitness and health industry, to you. A PhD degree means that you already have your other two degrees in related fields of kinesiology. This can be in sports science of sport management. With some educational institutions, you may need to apply, and only a select few will be chosen for doctoral programs. Sometimes, the qualifications can be significant, and you may need to have high grade averages and references.

Online Doctorate in Exercise Physiology Training and Education

Often times, it is best to have a guidance counselor or faculty member assist you with course selections. Many of your courses will be focused on research in your field. You also will have a number of required courses, which are related to your chosen field of study.

Your doctorate in exercise physiology degree can take several years of study. In fact, it can take many years, especially if you are currently working, and not a full time student. You might be taking courses like sports medicine and cardiovascular testing. Other courses like biology and advanced sports physiology may also be necessary. These courses will all be related to your main focus, which is your thesis or dissertation. Your final paper is the culmination of all of your work and research, and is vital for your degree.

Exercise physiology courses that you would likely take may include quantitative research methods, research design, statistics, metabolism and physiology, exercise programming, nutrition, pharmacology, musculoskeletal principles of exercise, psychology, kinesiology courses, and sports medicine courses.

As with other doctoral degree programs, exercise physiology doctoral programs require students to take a series of courses as well as complete a thesis or dissertation, residency requirements that may include an internship, clinical hours, and research presentations at conferences.

Careers in Exercise and Sports Science

Once you have your doctorate in exercise physiology degree, there will be various jobs to consider. A career in exercise physiology may include rehabilitation specialists, exercise physiologists, sports team trainers, sports psychologists, physical therapist, nursing, dietetics, personal trainers, sports nutritionists, and more. You may wish to continue in your job, and seek advancement. However, you may decide on something a little more challenging or different.

Employee Fitness Director

You may take a job as employee director of fitness. Exercise programs in the workplace are becoming more common, as corporations recognize their value. You could implement wellness programs or supervise fitness programs and fitness staff. You also may provide important stress management or nutrition services to employees.

Trainers and Coaches

Strength coaches are very important to most sports programs, these days. Many teams have their own strength and conditioning coach to work with athletes, and you will need to be certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are a doctor, you may wish to specialize in sports medicine, and become a team physician. There also are many jobs in the physical therapy field.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

An employee fitness director can make more than $50,000 per year. Strength coaches may start at $30,000 annually, but coaches for professional teams can easily make six figures. People with graduate degrees in physical therapy can make as much as $70,000 a year or more. In 2008, the median annual income for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors was $29,210 with a range of $19,610 and $44,420 for the middle 50% according to the United States Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS).

The BLS also reports that employment of fitness workers is expected to increase 29% between 2008 and 2018. This rate is much faster than the average for other occupations. All kinds of industries and hospitals will be hiring people with kinesiology degrees, in the future. This also includes jobs in the sports fields. Thus, a doctorate in exercise physiology can be a valuable asset in the coming years.

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