Fitness and Exercise Management Associate Degree
Fitness and exercise management associate degree programs focus on teaching you how to develop fitness programs, perform first aid and manage a fitness center, among other things. Read on to learn more about the program in general, common coursework and career prospects. Schools offering Exercise Science degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Will An Associate's Degree Program in Fitness and Exercise Management Teach Me?
A fitness and exercise management associate's degree program prepares you for employment in the health industry. You'll learn to develop personalized training and fitness programs, as well as practice exercise theory and the principles of a healthier lifestyle. You'll also gain business management skills to help you manage a fitness center and a business of your own. Other related degree majors include health fitness specialist, and sports and fitness manager.
| Field Focus | Exercise theory, healthy lifestyle, fitness programs, business management |
| Common Courses | Health and wellness, anatomy and physiology, business |
| Online Options | Yes, but rare |
| Career Opportunities | Fitness trainers, personal trainer, aerobics instructor |
What Classes Will I Take?
Your coursework will cover topics related to fitness, health and exercise. You'll gain an understanding of the human body and the ways to keep it healthy. Both theoretical and hands-on training may be provided. Courses may include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Health and wellness
- Sports and fitness management
- Safety and first aid
- Medical terminology
- Business
Also, online programs may be available for this degree program, depending on the school. These programs allows you a more flexible, non-traditional schedule if you are working while studying.
What Types of Jobs Are There After Graduation?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment for fitness trainers will grow about as fast as average, at about 8%, between 2014 and 2024 (www.bls.gov). This growth is attributed to both people and businesses spending more time and resources on the benefits of health and fitness programs. The BLS added that an aging population will have an increased focus on remaining healthy and staying physically active.
According to the BLS, the mean annual wage for fitness trainers was $40,970 in May 2015. Individuals working in the bottom 10 percentile earned a median hourly wage of $8.98, while those in the top 90 percentile earned $33.74 an hour. The top-paying states were New York, New Jersey and California.
As the fitness industry expands, you may seek employment as an aerobics instructor, a fitness specialist, a personal trainer or a weight management consultant. You may also consider employment as a youth sports director or in community or corporate wellness programs.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
Subscribe to RSS feed for
Associate's Degrees in Medical and Health
