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If you have an interest in sports and have an aptitude for body mechanics and kinesiology, a career as an exercise physiologist may be the right fit for you. Exercise physiologists help patients improve their fitness level, recover after an injury or illness by planning and implementing programs that are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Exercise physiology is also a career with significant growth potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for exercise physiologists is 10% from 2022 to 2032, and the 2023 median salary for exercise physiologists is $54,860. In addition, according to Lightcast, exercise physiologists, coaches, and trainers who have a master’s degree in exercise physiology earn a median salary that is 21% higher than those who have a bachelor’s degree.
Read on to find out how to become an exercise physiologist, and learn about qualifications, including training, education requirements, and certifications.
Exercise Physiologist Education Requirements
Most exercise physiologists have at least a bachelor’s degree. The type of degree can vary, but the coursework that they complete often includes kinesiology, anatomy, biology, kinesiology, and nutrition.
Master’s degrees are sometimes required for certification, and education requirements may also increase in the future. For example, Louisiana requires a master’s degree to become a licensed clinical exercise physiologist, and other states have begun working on legislation to implement similar licensing requirements.
Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP)
Requirements include: Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or kinesiology, adult CPR/AED certification
Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP)
Requirements include: Master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology or equivalent and 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience, OR bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or equivalent and 1,200 hours of hands-on clinical experience
In 2027, all ACSM certifications will require first aid training as well. Some common certifications may require additional, more specialized education. For example, to be certified as an athletic trainer, individuals must complete an accredited athletic training program and complete the Board of Certification exam.
Additionally, there are a number of common exercise physiologist certifications, as well as numerous specialized credentials to consider. Lightcast indicates the following certifications are commonly requested in job postings:
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
In order to be successful, exercise physiologists need to have both technical and patient-centered skills. Technical skills include knowledge of rehabilitation, cardiac life support, and fitness programming or exercise prescription. In terms of working with patients, exercise physiologists need to have excellent communication, be detail oriented, and have good planning skills.
Exercise physiologists must also have patience and empathy, as they will be working with clients who are in varying stages of discomfort.
Exercise physiologists gain most of their training through a combination of education and job training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 59% of exercise physiologists are self-employed. Exercise physiologists work in a number of different fields, including health care centers, sport management, physical therapy, and collegiate and professional sports teams.
Some of their typical job responsibilities include developing conditioning and exercise programs, demonstrating techniques and equipment use, treating medical emergencies, teaching fitness and providing overall health and wellness advice. Although the majority of exercise physiologists are self-employed, they can also work in a number of other settings, including:
Hospitals; state, local and private
Offices of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and audiologists
Do You Need a Master’s to Become an Exercise Physiologist?
Although not all exercise physiologist roles require a physiology master’s degree, completing advanced education can give you a competitive edge in the job market, and a master’s is required for some certifications.
A master’s in exercise physiology program can also help you expand or hone your skills in relevant areas, such as biomechanics, nutrition and exercise science. When looking at different programs, take some time to explore the curriculum and compare the coursework to your career goals — do you need to take specific courses to earn a certification? Do you have any gaps in your background that the program can help you address?
A few other factors to consider include:
Structure or flexibility: Some master’s in physiology programs have a set structure in terms of coursework. Other programs offer some flexibility to tailor your curriculum to meet your specific career goals.
Certification potential: If becoming certified is important to you, look at each certification, and take those requirements into consideration when choosing your master’s program.
Graduate internships and other experience: Master’s programs that help students find internships can help you get a jumpstart in the field if you’re planning to change careers. Programs such as the University of Florida’s online M.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology also offer an independent study option, which can be an excellent way to develop expertise in a specific area you’re passionate about.
About the University of Florida Online M.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
The M.S. APK is offered 100% online, and can be completed while working full-time. Students can finish the degree in as little as one and a half years, even while attending school part-time. The program features two optional specializations: Athlete Development and Integrative Strengths and Conditioning Science. In addition, the APK program offers a broad selection of courses, including Biomechanics of Human Motion, Tactical Strength & Conditioning, and Ergogenics Aids.
Request Brochure
To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
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From college athletics to the bright lights of the Olympics, strength and conditioning coaches guide athletes’ success. These coaches optimize performance through tailored exercise routines and injury prevention strategies. If you’re passionate about sports, fitness, and helping athletes win from behind the scenes, a career as a strength and conditioning coach can be fulfilling and lucrative.
“Beyond the fundamentals, a great strength and conditioning coach will recognize that the field is constantly evolving and will act as a lifelong learner striving to improve on the quality of their program design and coaching.”
—Blain Harrison, Instructional Associate Professor and Integrative Strength
Individuals who wish to pursue roles in exercise, fitness, and athletics need training in exercise physiology, nutrition, sports psychology, and more. An advanced degree in applied physiology and kinesiology demonstrates a commitment to learning and provides students with the technical understanding and hands-on experience needed to excel in their role. In this article, we will discuss what strength and conditioning coaches do, what skills help them succeed, and the steps they take to enter the profession.
What Does a Strength and Conditioning Coach Do?
These professionals enhance athletic performance by guiding athletes through physical training. Exceptional strength and conditioning coaches leverage a mix of technical health knowledge and interpersonal skills like communication and problem solving to ensure their players compete to the best of their abilities. The coaches assess each athlete’s physical condition, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. They then devise training programs tailored to the athlete’s needs. These regimens typically include strength training, cardiovascular exercises, and agility training.
Beyond developing training programs, strength and conditioning coaches are responsible for:
Instruction and supervision: Demonstrating proper techniques and monitoring players to ensure they achieve the desired results.
Performance improvement: Establishing metrics and strategies to improve endurance, speed, and power.
Motivation and support: Creating an encouraging, goal-oriented environment to motivate individuals to reach their highest potential.
Injury prevention and rehabilitation: Designing programs that minimize injuries and implementing rehabilitation programs for injured athletes.
Team collaboration: Working with other coaches, nutritionists, and sports scientists to develop athletes and align training programs with team goals.
Important Skills for Strength and Conditioning Coaches
A deep understanding of exercise science encompasses specialized topics, including:
Exercise physiology: This specialization within kinesiology examines how the body responds to physical activity in the short term and adapts to exercise over time.
Biomechanics: Understanding the function, movement, and structure of individual muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones, as well as how these individual systems interact enables coaches to devise appropriate performance and rehabilitation techniques.
Injury prevention: Minimizing injuries requires coaches to understand the factors that contribute to injuries and implement corresponding strategies to keep athletes healthy and competitive.
Sport psychology: Understanding the mental factors that impact performance helps coaches foster a positive mindset, improve focus, and increase resilience in their players.
Additionally, aspiring coaches should be familiar with fitness and performance testing equipment, as well as the software tools used for program design, data analysis, and record-keeping. Knowing how to operate advanced fitness machines, such as GPS fitness trackers, sprint timing gates, and force plates, is essential for assessing strength, power, and balance. Proficiency in software applications like TeamBuildr and EliteForm is also essential, as these tools allow coaches to create tailored programs, track athletes’ progress, and analyze performance data to encourage continuous improvement.
Program Design and Delivery
Program design targets each athlete’s needs and the demands of their sport. Effective program design will incorporate strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility and mobility exercises, and sport-specific drills. With holistic expertise in program design, coaches can target specific areas for improvement, prevent overtraining, minimize injuries, and boost performance.
Interpersonal Skills
While interpersonal skills can sometimes be overlooked, understanding how to communicate with and motivate athletes is crucial for all strength and conditioning coaches. Some of the interpersonal skills that these coaches rely on include:
Communication
Teamwork
Adaptability
Leadership
Organization
Problem solving
Strength and Conditioning Coach Job Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 9% job growth for all coaching roles from 2022-2032, which is much faster than the average for other occupations.
According to a recent NSCA survey, the average salary for strength and conditioning coaches is $60,527-$84,575 per year. Education level, certifications, geographic location, and other factors can impact how much individual coaches make.
Most employers require a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, or a related field. Undergraduate education provides foundational knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition, while advanced education expands upon the fundamentals.
Aspiring strength and conditioning coaches can gain vital experience during their education. Internships are a great place to begin, and many college athletic programs, professional sports teams, and reputable training facilities have internship opportunities. Volunteering or working part time at local gyms, high school athletic programs, or community centers can also provide practical experience and networking opportunities.
4. Pursue Advanced Education and Continuing Education
The University of Florida offers a holistic, relevant, and applications-based M.S. in APK program that is designed to equip future fitness professionals with the skills they need to succeed. Professor Harrison elaborates, “The coursework within the program provides students with the strong foundational basic science, exercise technique, and program design skills they will need to begin or grow a career in the field. It also offers opportunities for students to gain invaluable practical experience, prepares students to pass multiple certification exams, and encourages students to attend continuing education events.”
Beyond a master’s degree, strength and conditioning coaches should seek opportunities to continually update their skills and knowledge. While many professionals seek additional certifications and courses, enhancing your knowledge can also be as simple as reading up on the latest research or keeping up-to-date with podcasts and YouTube channels that cover relevant updates in the field. Visit our resources page to get started.
About the University of Florida Online M.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
The M.S. APK is offered 100% online, and can be completed while working full-time. Students can finish the degree in as little as one and a half years, even while attending school part-time. The program features two optional specializations: Athlete Development and Integrative Strength and Conditioning Science. In addition, the APK program offers a broad selection of courses, including Biomechanics of Human Motion, Tactical Strength & Conditioning, and Ergogenics Aids.
To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
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Improved physical fitness can lead to improved health. Exercise can help control weight, prevent heart disease, improve sleep and even benefit mental health, according to the Mayo Clinic. Inspiring others to reap these crucial health benefits is done best with a scientific background and a thorough understanding of the way the human body functions. Exercise physiology careers pave a way to help others improve their health.
Plus, business is booming for exercise physiologists. The projected job growth for these professionals is 9.5% over the next 10 years, according labor analytics provider Lightcast. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also expects job growth for the field, predicting that the 16,500 exercise physiology careers that existed in 2022 in the U.S. will grow to 18,200 jobs by 2032, as healthcare providers focus on exercise and preventive care as a way of helping patients recover from diseases and improve their health.
When you earn a master’s in exercise physiology, or a similar degree, such as a master’s in applied physiology and kinesiology, you can hold a career as an exercise physiologist, coach, personal trainer, sports scout or other position that helps people pursue a healthier life, whether they’re among the top tier of athletes, working their way off of the couch or spending time in rehabilitation.
Many jobs in exercise physiology require at least a bachelor’s degree; and a master’s in exercise physiology may increase a graduate’s earning potential long-term. According to the job and labor database Lightcast, a master’s in exercise physiology salary is 18.9% higher than a bachelor’s degree.
What Is a Master’s in Exercise Physiology?
The field of exercise physiology studies how bodies respond to different types of movement and exercise, and how they adapt over time. It’s a specialization within the field of kinesiology, which studies human movement. Students interested in pursuing their master’s in exercise physiology typically want to learn how to help others improve their physical health while also training them to avoid movements that could cause or exacerbate injuries.
A master’s in exercise physiology is just one of many names for academic programs that pursue similar paths. Other names for exercise physiology graduate programs and exercise physiology masters programs include:
A master’s in exercise physiology should emphasize an empirical approach. Academics in the field see the body as a fascinating machine, and thus, teach their students how to use evidence-based practices to fine-tune and fix it.
This program and those like it focus on how exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, athletic-injury prevention, and sport psychology can improve people’s lives and maximize athletic performance. Students learn to use research-backed concepts to:
Design and perform assessments
Collect and interpret data
Evaluate outcomes
Create effective interventions and training plans
Students build valuable professional skills through interactive sessions with instructors and their peers. Coursework, like that at UF’s online M.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, champion teamwork, ethical behavior, cultural sensitivity, professional conduct, and professional communication.
While not every master’s in exercise physiology program offers courses built around specific certification, they may provide a foundation for many professional designations. Master’s in exercise physiology graduates can go on to become:
The skills taught in this graduate degree program are applicable on and off the field with some graduates bound to play a significant role in the medical industry where they are needed in hospitals and doctors offices.
What Is the Salary Potential With a Master’s in Exercise Physiology?
According to the BLS, the 2022 median pay for an exercise physiologist was $51,350 per year. Salaries rise with experience, education and expertise, and while some of these positions may be open to those with a bachelor’s degree, those with a master’s in exercise physiology may be more likely to reach the higher end of the salary range, which the BLS says starts at $39,250 and rises to $77,980.
What Are the Top-Paying Fields for a Master’s in Exercise Physiology?
While 59% of exercise physiologists are self-employed, according to median annual wages published by BLS, physiologists are employed in a number of fields. And the Bureau reports that the government pays higher wages than hospitals and private businesses. The top-paying fields include:
Government: $83,870
Hospitals, state, local and private: $51,730
Offices of physicians: $50,040
Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists and audiologists: $51,100
Careers for Master’s in Exercise Physiology Graduates
People who have studied exercise physiology, kinesiology, and sports medicine will have their pick of diverse career options. Here are some jobs to consider pursuing after graduating from an exercise physiology master’s program, along with the mean salaries and the salary ranges, according to PayScale.
Kinesiologist
A kinesiologist has a complex understanding of the way that humans move, how muscles interact and how exercise impacts those movements. They often work in sports medicine or physical therapy in a hospital or medical office setting. Kinesiologists work one-on-one with patients to design plans that ensure safe training and workout sessions.
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise physiologists have a deep understanding of the intricate ways that exercise impacts the body. They frequently work with people who have experienced injuries or certain health conditions, and devise ways to help those individuals safely regain strength and function. Exercise physiologists commonly work in gyms, wellness centers, hospitals, medical offices and in athletics.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer works with clients one-on-one to help improve their fitness, health and physical capabilities, and can even provide advice on nutrition and diet. They may work with professional athletes or everyday people who want assistance and motivation to get in shape in a safe manner. Personal trainers can work in gyms, private clubs or independently to help clients achieve their personal goals.
Athletic Coach
Coaches work in school settings, such as high schools, colleges, and universities, to train and condition student athletes. Knowledge of the individual sport is key, whether it’s soccer, football, cross country, baseball or another endeavor; it’s also important that the coach knows the basics on how to safely help players improve their physical fitness. At the university level in particular, a master’s degree can distinguish a coach from other candidates when applying for a position.
Sports Scout
Sports scouts help improve an athletic team’s performance by finding and recruiting the best possible athletes to join that team, whether it’s at the college, amateur or professional level. Sports scouts possess a deep knowledge of the sport at hand, and have often competed in that sport themselves. They also typically have a knack for identifying potential in young athletes.
Sport Scientist
These practitioners bring their scientific knowledge to the field in order to help athletes improve and better understand their performance. This often includes treatment and training programs that ensure athletes can perform to the best of their ability with the least risk of injury. Sport scientists have an advanced understanding of biomechanics, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning.
What Is the First Step in Finding the Right Exercise Physiology Graduate Program?
Employers are looking for applicants who can step into a lab or training department and be ready to plan assessments, run evaluations, and create training plans. They need employees who are comfortable working with data and, for many positions, can effectively relay that information to non specialists.
Taking the first steps towards finding the right exercise physiology graduate program means finding a university that teaches you how to work with data, apply programs to real people, and interpret scientific studies right from the source.
A worthwhile exercise physiology or applied physiology and kinesiology program doesn’t just teach students how to create a training program on paper–it teaches them how to put plans into practice with sport and exercise technologies like eye tracking, heart-rate monitors, motion capture, virtual reality integration, and apps and wearables.
These graduate degrees should also offer a substantial peer and alumni network as well as faculty with experience working in the field themselves. Students can prepare for exercise physiology jobs themselves by becoming immersed in subjects that fit their own individual interests, including coursework in:
Exercise physiology
Biomechanics
Athletic injury prevention
Sport management
Strength and conditioning
Motor control and learning
Sport and exercise psychology
Careers in exercise physiology have the potential to change lives and improve health and physical fitness. A master’s program can equip students with the knowledge they need to improve their own professional outlook and help improve the well-being of others.
The M.S. APK is offered 100% online, and can be completed while working full-time. Students can finish the degree in as little as one and a half years, even while attending school part-time. The program features two optional specializations: Athlete Development and Integrative Strength and Conditioning Science. In addition, the APK program offers a broad selection of courses, including Biomechanics of Human Motion, Tactical Strength & Conditioning, and Ergogenics Aids.
Request Brochure
To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
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If you have a passion for improving the health and performance of others and you enjoy working with science and data, you may be interested in a kinesiology program.
Kinesiology is the study of physical activity and the way this activity affects personal health, quality of life, and athletic performance. Kinesiologists see the body as a fascinating machine, and they are experts in analyzing, fixing, and fine-tuning its movement. They work with general populations to treat and prevent disease through exercise interventions. They also work with athletes to optimize training and avoid injury.
In this article, we’ll look closer at some of the most popular paths for master’s in kinesiology graduates and lay out some of the skills, education, and certifications needed.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Kinesiology Degree?
In a kinesiology master’s program, you’ll study human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, motor control and learning, injury prevention, and sport psychology. You’ll learn how to collect and analyze data, how to apply scientific research to your practice, and how to create evidence-based exercise programs. You’ll also have the option to take electives that expand your understanding of the business dynamics and cultural impacts of exercise and sport.
This broad knowledge base means that kinesiology graduates can apply their skills to a wide range of jobs. For example, the American Kinesiology Association lists nearly 30 kinesiology career options. These range from sport and fitness careers, such as personal trainer or coach, to healthcare careers, such as exercise physiologist or occupational therapist.
Some graduates use their kinesiology master’s to pursue additional advanced education, like medical or physical therapy school. And others help to advance our collective knowledge of human movement by becoming researchers or teachers.
Some roles that especially benefit from an master’s in kinesiology include:
Physical therapist (with additional education and training)
Occupational therapist (with additional education and training)
Master’s in Kinesiology Careers
Kinesiology jobs involve utilizing movement to help people achieve their physical goals. Your clients or patients might be professional and amateur athletes, non-athlete professionals whose jobs involve a lot of physical activity, or people who want to improve their health.
A master’s degree is becoming an increasingly common requirement for employment, and the healthcare and fitness industries are no exception. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the best job prospects are for those with increased levels of formal education.
Exercise Physiologist or Kinesiologist: Job Description and Certifications
Exercise physiologists and kinesiologists are responsible for developing exercise plans that treat chronic diseases, reduce disease risk, and improve overall health. They work alongside doctors, nurses, dieticians, and physical therapists in a hospital, nursing home, or clinic. Exercise physiologists may also work in health clubs or in corporate wellness settings.
Exercise physiologists can go on to pursue certification through organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the American Society of Exercise Physiologists. The core courses of a kinesiology master’s align with many of the requirements of these certifications. In the case of the ACSM Exercise Physiologist Certification, a master’s degree cuts in half the number of clinical hours required to qualify.
What’s the Difference Between Exercise Physiologists and Kinesiologists?
Exercise physiology and kinesiology are closely linked, but kinesiology is considered a broader subject area than exercise physiology. Exercise physiology is primarily interested in how the body’s internal systems respond to physical activity, and how that can be improved. Kinesiology is interested in all facets of human response to movement, including biomechanical, psychological, and cultural/societal factors.
In the United States, there is no official distinction between the title of exercise physiologist or kinesiologist. However, some countries do treat these job titles differently. In Canada, for example, Ontario regulates the use of the term kinesiologist.
“Exercise physiologist” is used more than “kinesiologist” in the United States. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics includes an entry for exercise physiologists but not for kinesiologists. And a recent search of U.S. job postings on Lightcast brought up more than 10 times the results for the career title of “exercise physiologist” than for “kinesiologist.”
Because kinesiology education includes the principles of physiology, certain employers consider a kinesiology degree an equivalent qualification. You will find that some universities like the University of Florida combine kinesiology and exercise physiology within the same degree.
Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer: Job Description and Certifications
Fitness instructors plan and lead exercise classes, usually within a gym, health club, or other similar location. Instructors need to be able to demonstrate, motivate, and supervise all at once. Instructors may teach a variety of activities or they may specialize in a single sport such as yoga, swimming, or indoor cycling.
Personal trainers work one-on-one with a client. The programs they develop are specific to their client’s abilities and needs. Trainers work in gyms or health clubs, or they might travel to outside sites. They must be able to understand both the fitness needs of their client and the motivational style that works best.
When an athlete wants to improve their performance in a specific sport, they turn to strength and conditioning coaches. These coaches build training protocols that increase speed, power, and agility. They also supervise athletes as they move through their training, watching out for performance issues or potential injuries. These coaches need an understanding of bioenergetics, biomechanics, cardiopulmonary responses, and skeletal muscle function.
Strength and conditioning coaches may work for specific pro sports teams, for a college or university, or in an independent gym. Increasingly, these coaches also work in high schools or in tactical settings with first responders or military personnel.
According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the competition for even entry-level jobs is tough and recommends that “to be seriously considered for an entry-level coaching position, pursue a graduate degree in a related field.” Coaches can also add additional credentials with an NSCA certification.
Coaches oversee the athletic development of a team and propel athletes to perform at their very best. Coaches lead practices and guide athletes during competitions. Because a coach’s duties include analyzing player performance and creating physical training programs, a kinesiology background can be an asset. Leadership and teamwork abilities are also essential, and so it is worthwhile to look for programs that emphasize these aspects in their curriculum.
While some coaches work with professional athletes, the majority work with amateur athletes. In 2019, 75% of all job postings at schools were for positions related to elementary and secondary schools, with colleges and universities coming in at 25%, according to Lightcast. Collegiate-level coaching positions are more likely to list a master’s degree as a requirement.
Kinesiology graduates have a deep understanding of human movement and so they know what to look for when judging performance. Scouts use this ability to identify and cultivate athletic talent. They may also work as “advance scouts” and use their expert knowledge of a sport to watch an opposing team’s athletes in order to strategize for an upcoming game.
A scouting career usually involves extensive travel in order to watch prospects participate in their sports. However, scouts are increasingly relying on video analysis, a technique accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because there are extensive rules around recruiting, scouts need to be up to date on all regulations and be excellent at handling details. Scouting involves meeting new people all the time and building relationships with them, and so communication and sales skills are critical.
Kinesiologists and exercise physiologists are considered part of the allied health professions. These positions serve patients in clinical settings by identifying and treating diseases. An estimated 60% of healthcare providers can be considered allied health professionals. While these roles do not require a doctor of medicine, they do require other specialized degrees and training.
Kinesiology’s scientific basis and in-depth study of the human body can translate to other allied health jobs. While a master’s in kinesiology is not the terminal degree for professions like physical therapy or occupational therapy, the master’s can serve as a stepping stone to these careers. Many courses within a graduate kinesiology program fulfill prerequisites for advanced training. Plus, kinesiology departments can connect their students with relevant internships to help them gain the on-site experience. Successfully completing graduate work also shows that an applicant can handle the rigorousness of these advanced programs.
Physical Therapist: Job Description and Certifications
A physical therapist treats patients who have movement limitations and are experiencing pain or other quality-of-life issues. They help patients perform exercises and use speciality equipment to restore functions. Their workplaces can include hospitals and clinics, athletic departments, gyms, corporate sites, and nursing homes.
You must have a doctor of physical therapy in order to practice physical therapy in the United States. Most of these doctoral programs require applicants to have completed courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics. Many also require observation hours spent in a PT clinic.
Occupational Therapist: Job Description and Certifications
While many kinesiology careers focus on improving athletic activities, occupational therapists are interested in improving everyday activities. Actions such as getting dressed, driving a car, or moving around a store are called occupations, and they can become difficult to navigate with certain conditions or after an injury. Occupational therapists create evidence-based interventions to improve the lives of their patients and their patients’ families. They must have a deep understanding of how bodies respond to movement.
The average master’s in kinesiology salary is more than $50,000, according to PayScale. How much money you can make with a kinesiology degree depends on many factors, but an advanced degree on average can amplify your earning power: exercise physiologists with a master’s degree make 18% more overall than those with a bachelor’s alone, coaches and scouts make 43.7% more, and fitness trainers make 35.8% more, according to Lightcast.
Exercise physiologist/kinesiologist
Median salary with master’s degree: $64,800 Specialized skills: Advanced cardiac life support, electrocardiogram, patient care, physiology, rehabilitation, treatment planning Other skills: Communication skills, critical thinking, mentoring, physical abilities, teamwork and collaboration, research
Fitness instructor
Median salary with master’s degree: $64,900 Specialized skills: Aerobics, automated external defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, client retention, customer service, teaching Other skills: Building effective relationships, communication skills, creativity, physical abilities, positive disposition, teamwork and collaboration
Personal trainer
Median salary with master’s degree: $59,000 Specialized skills: Aerobics, automated external defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, client retention, customer service, teaching Other skills: Communication skills, goal setting, organizational skills, physical abilities, research, teamwork and collaboration
Strength and conditioning coach
Median salary with master’s degree: $63,808 Specialized skills: Analysis, automated external defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, injury prevention, rehabilitation, training programs Other skills: Communication skills, motivational skills, organizational skills, physical abilities, planning, teamwork and collaboration
Sport Coach
Median salary with master’s degree: $62,800 Specialized skills: Budgeting, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, concussion diagnosis and treatment, fundraising, scheduling, teaching Other skills: Building effective relationships, communication skills, organizational skills, physical abilities, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration
Sport Scout
Median salary across all degrees: $62,800 Specialized skills: Budgeting, contract negotiation, recruiting, sales, social media, spreadsheets Other skills: Communication skills, creativity, organizational skills, persuasian, research, time management
Physical therapist
Median salary with master’s degree: $95,600 Specialized skills: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, patient care, patient/family education, rehabilitation, therapy, treatment planning Other skills: Communication skills, physical abilities, planning, teamwork and collaboration, time management, written communication
Occupational therapist
Median salary with master’s degree: $91,400 Specialized skills: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, home health, patient care, patient/family education, rehabilitation, treatment planning Other skills: Communication skills, organizational skills, physical abilities, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, written communication
Source: Lightcast, NSCA (strength and conditioning coach entry)
Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology
Reach Higher Career Levels
A master’s degree can help you make the leap to a management-level position, allowing you to have greater input in your organization’s programming and direction. In addition, director-level jobs in the areas of exercise physiology, personal training, and coaching that require a master’s degree pay 40.6% more than those that do not require a master’s, according to the jobs and labor database Lightcast.
Expand Your Skills
If you are a professional who needs additional skills to further your career, or if you have finished an undergraduate degree and want to learn advanced techniques, a master’s program allows you to take your knowledge to the next level. You can go further in your understanding of physiology, biomechanics, injury prevention, and exercise/sport psychology. And you can learn the latest technologies and techniques for measurement and assessment.
Many professionals who are working full-time opt for an online kinesiology degree program that offers classes in the evenings or asynchronously, meaning the material can be viewed at any time. These courses are taught by the same faculty members that teach on campus and the format opens up the chance to connect with students across the country.
Extend Your Network
As many as 80% of job seekers find their next role through networking. And an estimated 70% of open positions are unpublished. A kinesiology graduate program lets you build your professional network. You’ll be able to connect with expert faculty and work alongside other students who share your passion for sport and fitness. Your school can also help you secure internships, find relevant job openings, or meet alumni.
Switch Careers
If you’d like to move into the sport and exercise field, or switch jobs within, a master’s can be your springboard into a new career.
While most programs require certain prerequisite classes, not all require a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or exercise science. For example, the University of Florida’s M.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology is open to applicants who have completed any type of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school.
No matter the degree, an underlying command of science and a commitment to learning about human performance is a must.
UF’s Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
University of Florida offers a top-rated, 100% online kinesiology and physiology master’s degree that builds practical skills for exercise, sport, and health careers. The human performance concentration emphasizes the use of science-backed research and advanced data collection to improve the lives of clients and patients.
This is a career-ready degree. Students will be able to take the techniques they learn in class and immediately apply them to their workplaces. The online master’s degree includes core courses in movement, behavior, conditioning, sport nutrition, and research. UF is the only graduate program to offer online courses in athlete development, ergogenic aids, and corrective exercise training.
Full-time students can complete the degree in as little as a year and part-time students can finish in 1.5 years.
Request Brochure
To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
Comments Off on UF’s Applied Physiology and Kinesiology Master’s Program Ranks Top 10
We are pleased to announce that our Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology (APK) was named the #8 online master’s in exercise science by the Guide to Online Schools. We are excited to earn this ranking, as it validates the quality of our program and commitment to helping students succeed.
The site used a formula that incorporates return on investment, tuition rates, and alumni salary, in addition to data from 78,000 online programs.
We also received news that University of Florida’s M.S. APK is ranked #12 on OnlineU’s annual ranking of “Most Affordable Master’s In Exercise Science Online.” Our cost per credit hour is $550, and the total amount of our 30-credit degree is just over $17,500. This ranking is out of all accredited schools that offer fully online degrees, and the ranking considers factors like available degrees, tuition rates, acceptance rates, and program coursework.
We know that cost is an important factor when it comes to deciding whether to pursue an advanced degree, and we respect the investment that our students make when they choose the University of Florida. We strive to make that investment as rewarding as possible. That comes through high-quality classes taught by expert instructors and an emphasis on applied skills that our students can use immediately on the job. In addition, the College of Health & Human Performance, which houses the M.S. APK, awards more than $172,000 in scholarships annually.
The M.S. APK can also be completed while working full-time. The program is offered 100% online and students can view lectures whenever it is convenient to their schedules. Even while attending school part time, our students can finish their degree in as little as 1.5 years.
If you’re considering our M.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, our enrollment specialists are available to talk with you about tuition and funding, or answer any questions you might have about the degree. You can get in touch at 888-581-1855 or APK-online@hhp.ufl.edu.
Request Brochure
To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
If you have an interest in sports and have an aptitude for body mechanics and kinesiology, a career as an exercise physiologist may be the right fit for you. Exercise physiologists help patients improve their fitness level, recover after an injury or illness by planning and implementing programs that are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and body composition. 
Improved physical fitness can lead to improved health. Exercise can help control weight, prevent heart disease, improve sleep and even benefit mental health, according to the 
If you have a passion for improving the health and performance of others and you enjoy working with science and data, you may be interested in a kinesiology program.