Maribeth, I have a question for you

[caricampbellcool]

Hi!

I am entertaining the idea of going back to school to pursue a degree in exercise science, and I was wondering if you think that this will open more doors for me. I am looking down the road and it seems like a lot of great jobs require a degree (I know a lot of them don't, though). I just see how much knowledge you have and how you really understand how the body works. I just did not absorb all of that just by reading the ACE PT manual, you know?
My only problem is that I have a masters degree in tax accounting and I have so much debt from that.
Basically I just wanted your opinion on how much of an effect it might have on my budding fitness career.
Thanks Maribeth!
Cari

 

[Maribeth]

Hey, Cari!
For anyone really wanting a career in fitness, you can't go wrong with a degree in exercise science! And, to really understand everything well--not just be able to come up with exercises--you need a thorough understanding of biomechanics, ex phys, anatomy, nutrition, strength and cardiovascular conditioning, etc. This is something that is very difficult to achieve without benefit of classroom instruction.

My background in fitness and health includes a degree in physical therapy, a master's degree in exercise physiology and multiple fitness certifications as well as certification as an athletic trainer and 23 years of experience in the field. I would love to pursue a doctorate in nutritional biochemistry or biomechanics, but at this time, there are no programs within a reasonable commute for me. Obviously, I think there are trememdous benefits to higher education in exercise science.

There may come a time in the very near future where fitness instructors will have to be licensed to practice, in which case, a degree in exercise science will be most desirable, if not mandatory. So if this is your passion, go for it!

Jeeze, a master's in tax accounting?? When I got my degree in management, managerial accounting was one of my two most difficult classes! I'm impressed!
Maribeth

 

[caricampbellcool]

Thanks for your reply. I'm still not sure what to do... the though of going further into debt makes me nauseous, you know?
Thanks again!
Cari

 

[Maribeth]

Cari,
You are most welcome! I don't know how old you are, but there are a variety of scholarships available to the "non-traditional" student, ie, women over 30 changing careers. If I remember correctly, NSCA also offers scholarships, so if you are really serious about the career change, check into it.

Also, with so many courses being available on-line and given that you already have a master's degree, it is possible that a reputable university would be able to offer you a distance learning program that you could complete one class at a time. Granted, there will be classes here and there that will require actual attendence--lab courses where you will get very valuable hands-on experience, and later, internships--but in the meantime, you could get some of the core courses under your belt.

If it is your passion, don't give up on it!
Maribeth