Health & Exercise Science Fitness Careers
Job	Duties	Degrees Needed	Certifications	Job Opportunities
Corporate Fitness Program Coordinator	Design, implement and manage all aspects of an employee-based wellness program. May include stress and weight management education, nutrition counseling, exercise prescription and testing, and lifestyle behavior modification coaching.	Undergraduate degree required, Master's degree preferred	ACSM-HFI, ACSM-ES, ACSM-RCEP, NSCA-CSCS (all recommended but not required)	Places of work, usually larger companies such as Advance Auto and Wachovia
Fitness Instructor or Specialist	Exercise prescription for generally healthy populations at health and wellness clubs and facilities. May include exercise program design for special populations such as elderly adults and young adults.	Generally no degree is required, but some facilities may require an undergraduate degree for advance in pay.	ACSM-CPT, ACSM-HFI, NSCA-CPT, NSCA-CSCS all enhance employment opportunities	Private fitness centers, corporate wellness facilities, hospital wellness programs, YMCA's, community clinics and centers
Fitness Director	Supervise all aspects of a health and wellness facility's fitness staff and programming. May include hiring and training employees as well as conducting exercise testing, evaluation and prescription for people with special needs.	Undergraduate degree usually required, Master's degree preferred	ACSM or NSCA certifications recommended but not required	Private fitness centers, corporate wellness facilities, hospital wellness programs, YMCA's, community clinics and centers
Personal Trainer	Design and implement exercise programs for individuals that may be healthy or may have limitations due to physical injury, mental illness, medical condition or other special need. May work one-on-one or in small groups to encourage exercise adherence.	None required for certain certifications, others may require an undergraduate degree*	ACSM-HFI, ACSM-CPT*, NSCA-CPT*, NSCA-CSCS*, AFAA, ISSA, NASM, ACE	Private fitness centers, corporate wellness facilities, hospital wellness programs, YMCA's, community clinics and centers
Strength and Conditioning Coach	Design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for varying levels and ages of athletes.	Undergraduate degree usually required, Master's degree preferred	NSCA-CSCS, USA Weightlifting (Club Coach) NSCA-CSCS	Colleges, high schools, semi-pro and professional sports teams. Advanced pay at sports performance facilities for coaches with advanced degrees.