350 word discussion

Opportunities for professionals to pursue health-related careers have also grown rapidly. Professionals possessing qualifications in athletic training may find employment working with athletic programs at the professional, collegiate, and, increasingly, secondary level. Employment opportunities also are available in sports medicine clinics, physical therapy clinics, and hospitals. Physical educators, exercise science, and sport leaders have also been successful in securing employment in health and weight management spas and clubs.

The recognition that participation in movement and physical activities has therapeutic and psychological benefits as well as physical benefits has stimulated the growth of therapy-related careers. These include careers as dance therapists, recreational therapists, and physical therapists. Kinesiotherapy and chiropractic are also potential careers for professionals willing to continue their studies.

If one is seeking employment in fitness- and health-related careers, one can increase one’s marketability by becoming certified and taking additional course work in health, business, and psychology. Gaining as much practical experience as possible will also be an asset in securing employment.

It appears that opportunities for qualified individuals in fitness- and health-related careers will continue to increase in the future.

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, students should be able to accomplish the following:

1. Discuss the responsibilities, opportunities, and preparation for professionals interested in working in a fitness- or health-related career.

2. Describe the opportunities available and preparation needed by professionals desiring to pursue a therapy-related career.

3. Discuss the various strategies that can be used to enhance one’s professional marketability in fitness-, health-, and therapy-related careers.

Chapter Outline

I. Fitness- and Exercise-Related Careers

A. Worksite Wellness Programs

B. Commercial and Community Fitness Programs

C. Personal Trainers

D. Health and Wellness Coaches

E. Strength and Conditioning Professionals

F. Rehabilitation Programs

G. Career Preparation

Preparation

Certification

Professional Organizations

II. Health-Related Careers

A. Athletic Training

B. Health and Weight Management Clubs and Spas

III. Therapy-Related Careers

A. Dance/Movement Therapy

B. Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation Therapy

C. Kinesiotherapy

D. Physical Therapy

E. Chiropractic Care

IV. Increasing Your Professional Marketability

Discussion Questions

1. Fitness and health clubs have gained in popularity. However, more than one-third of health club members have a household income of more than $100,000 a year and the average income is over $80,000 a year. What can professionals do to reach more individuals whose income is less than the average and provide opportunities for them to be physically active?

2. Should health clubs be mandated to hire only certified fitness professionals? Explain your reasoning. If you believe that health clubs should hire only certified fitness professionals, from what organizations would you accept certifications and why?

3. Worksite wellness programs continue to grow, stimulated in part by the Affordable Care Act. Should employees be mandated to participate in these programs to reduce the burden of health care costs? Why or why not?

4. Discuss each of the talking points identified in the social justice box in the text. In addition, what other issues related to social justice need to be addressed as they relate to health and fitness-related careers? What specific steps could you take to address issues related to social justice?

5. Discuss each of the trends identified in the current trends box in the text. What is one trend you see today regarding health- and fitness-related careers that will impact you and/or your career path in the future?

Self-Assessment Activities

These activities are designed to help students determine if they have mastered the materials and competencies presented in this chapter.

1. Describe the responsibilities of a fitness or exercise specialist. If possible, interview a professional in this career regarding his or her responsibilities and qualifications.

2. Describe the various employment opportunities for a fitness or exercise professional. Search for jobs online; describe the positions that you found available and qualifications required for employment.

3. Using the information provided in the Get Connected box, read about one of the certification programs available through the American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. For the association you selected, investigate the certification programs, benefits offered to members, costs for certification and membership, and opportunities for continuing education. How could this certification be beneficial to you in your chosen career?

4. Using the information provided in the Get Connected box, locate new research, industry news, and position papers pertaining to health and fitness. Summarize your findings in a brief report.

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