Exercise Science

[chung2509]

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I am kind of in need of help guys, I recently got rejected from a PT program I applied to and I will be graduating with a bachelor in exercise science. What occupations can I get with this job that are related to PT or PA (since I intend to apply to both in the next coming cycle year). I want a full time job that pays at least 25-30K a year so I can support myself while taking the year off. Is that too much to ask for? I am not looking to work in a gym but perhaps a outpatient clinic or a hospital? What are my options? Sorry, I didn't know where else to post. Thanks.

 

[thorn22]

Unfortunately, I am unaware of any occupations you can seek out with a simple Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, which I assume you will receive. It seems that this degree mainly sets you up for a graduate program or medical school in the future.

If you are taking a year off, it may be wise to look in other fields for a full-time job, while still volunteering in a PT clinic on the side for a few hours a week/month to show you are still dedicated to the profession.

My 2 cents

 

[jbizzle]

Yeah Man, Im Sorry. It's unfortunate that OUR degree (Exercise Science) basically sets you up for grad school. It sucks, b/c while Im waiting for PT schools to send letters of rejections/acceptance, I start thinking about my fall back plans and it's hard b/c there isn't really anything Exercise Science can get. It sucks b/c we took Physics, Chemistry, Biology, A&P, Metabolism, Organic, Ex Phys classes, etc. and still nothing.

 

[callmecrazy]

I'd suggest looking into technician jobs in academic research, either benchtop or clinical. The position usually only requires a bachelors in the sciences, and while the pay isn't phenomenal, it should be in that 20-30k range to start. The opportunities and benefits you'll find at most universities are incredible too: tons of connections within the medical field, potentially being published, tuition benefits, health insurance, etc. Having some post-undergrad research on your application certainly won't hurt either.

 

[laserredmustang]

I also took a year off for other reasons and I used my degree(same as yours ) to get a job with a company(Medifit) that runs Corporate fitness centers for very large corporations. I do fitness checks and supervise the
people when they come in . Ran a first aid class and some basic CPR info .
Pay $35k. Going to grad school in the fall and saved a ton of $$$$

 

[Muscles00GT]

I may be in the same exact situation. I'll be graduating this December (2009) and will know if I got into any PT programs. My GPA sucks, but I'm solid on everything else so we'll see. My plan just may involve taking a year off and working. No idea where, but I'm sure I could find something at least $30k

 

[chung2509]

I also took a year off for other reasons and I used my degree(same as yours ) to get a job with a company(Medifit) that runs Corporate fitness centers for very large corporations. I do fitness checks and supervise the
people when they come in . Ran a first aid class and some basic CPR info .
Pay $35k. Going to grad school in the fall and saved a ton of $$$$

Do you have any certifications? Because I don't. I was also planning to use my degree in more of a medical setting instead of fitness.

 

[chung2509]

I may be in the same exact situation. I'll be graduating this December (2009) and will know if I got into any PT programs. My GPA sucks, but I'm solid on everything else so we'll see. My plan just may involve taking a year off and working. No idea where, but I'm sure I could find something at least $30k

Please keep me updated, do you think your job will involve something related to your degree?

 

[chung2509]

I'd suggest looking into technician jobs in academic research, either benchtop or clinical. The position usually only requires a bachelors in the sciences, and while the pay isn't phenomenal, it should be in that 20-30k range to start. The opportunities and benefits you'll find at most universities are incredible too: tons of connections within the medical field, potentially being published, tuition benefits, health insurance, etc. Having some post-undergrad research on your application certainly won't hurt either.

I looked into a few lab tech positions at hospitals and such, will they think that you are qualified for the position with this kind of degree? I am interning at a performance lab right now for my last semester.

 

[chung2509]

Other jobs that I have been looking into include: patient care assistant, physical therapy assistant, physical therapy aide, lab tech, medical assistant

 

[callmecrazy]

I looked into a few lab tech positions at hospitals and such, will they think that you are qualified for the position with this kind of degree? I am interning at a performance lab right now for my last semester.

Well there is a big difference between a medical lab tech and a research lab tech. I am not certain of the specifics of medical lab techs, but they may require some sort of certification. I was referring more specifically to being a research lab tech at a university, which usually only requires a BS/BA. This is where you'll have the opportunity to network with professors, MDs, and other medical professionals and have the opportunity to potentially be published. This is what I have been doing (with a BS in bio) for the last two years in a cardio research lab, and will be starting PT school this year. The experience will definitely help me out in the future.

 

[Coach Hoski]

You can't be a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant without an associates in PTA and I believe there is an exam as well.
There are some PT aide jobs that pay ~ $13/hr. Those are the best bet if you are intent on PT school because it's the only way you learn about the field and it iwll show your commitment. Other than that you are looking at fitness jobs. If I weren't accepted into grad school next year I would be pursuing a personal training cert to make enough money. I might still do that while in school if I am in a masters program. No way I would work in PT school though.

 

[kcgregor]

What about in cardiac rehab? I know that the exercise science internship at my school sends students to cardiac rehab clinics in different hospital.

 

[chung2509]

What about in cardiac rehab? I know that the exercise science internship at my school sends students to cardiac rehab clinics in different hospital.

What qualifications would that require? I did a job search for it and nothing turned up either.

 

[Muscles00GT]

Please keep me updated, do you think your job will involve something related to your degree?

I'll definitely keep you updated and I'm sure it will have to do with my degree. I'm not quite sure what else I would do outside of my degree. It's all about knowing people and networking. Do you have a lot of experiences? A solid resume and solid interview can land you a decent job.

 

[chung2509]

I'll definitely keep you updated and I'm sure it will have to do with my degree. I'm not quite sure what else I would do outside of my degree. It's all about knowing people and networking. Do you have a lot of experiences? A solid resume and solid interview can land you a decent job.

I have a couple of internships, mostly through the school and work experience (which is unrelated to the health field). I have a 3.04 gpa and about a 3.0-3.1 science.

 

[chung2509]

Also, I called a place and inquired about a PTA job, he said he would check with a lawyer about the legality of me being a PTA without a license and he would get back to me, but he seemed interested in potentially hiring me. Base pay for a PTA at his clinic is 13.50 per hour, is that normal? Seems kind of low to me.

 

[thorn22]

Also, I called a place and inquired about a PTA job, he said he would check with a lawyer about the legality of me being a PTA without a license and he would get back to me, but he seemed interested in potentially hiring me. Base pay for a PTA at his clinic is 13.50 per hour, is that normal? Seems kind of low to me.

Be careful.

That is not legal, and honestly a potential harm to every patient you touch.

Being an Aide is fine, but dont be a PTA unless you are a certified PTA. Regardless of what his "lawyer" says.

 

[jbizzle]

Dont trust the lawyer...PTA you need a degree in PTA to take the PTA exam. You can be an AIDE but not an ASSISTANT.

 

[Coach Hoski]

Also, I called a place and inquired about a PTA job, he said he would check with a lawyer about the legality of me being a PTA without a license and he would get back to me, but he seemed interested in potentially hiring me. Base pay for a PTA at his clinic is 13.50 per hour, is that normal? Seems kind of low to me.

That is a REALLY bad idea unless someone is just confused about the nomenclature and it talking about an aide job.

 

[chung2509]

bump...I applied to a lot of PT aide positions in the NY area and no responses. I've been having a hard time in general finding work with this degree 🙁

 

[PTapp]

Are you from Buffalo? If you are, then call the sister's of charity hospital on main street. I have a friend who got a job in cardiac rehab as an exercise physiologist with a BS in exercise. But he did his internship as a cardiac rehab aide somewhere else so he did have some experience.

 

[chung2509]

Are you from Buffalo? If you are, then call the sister's of charity hospital on main street. I have a friend who got a job in cardiac rehab as an exercise physiologist with a BS in exercise. But he did his internship as a cardiac rehab aide somewhere else so he did have some experience.

I went to school in Buffalo but I moved back to the NYC/Long Island area. I've been looking at jobs in Nassau County and Queens

 

[PTapp]

I went to school in Buffalo but I moved back to the NYC/Long Island area. I've been looking at jobs in Nassau County and Queens

Oh ok. did you try looking for a job as a personal trainer?

 

[chung2509]

Oh ok. did you try looking for a job as a personal trainer?

Nope, I prefer not to work in the gym setting. Is there any other options at this point or should I just move to a full time position in another field?

 

[PTapp]

Nope, I prefer not to work in the gym setting. Is there any other options at this point or should I just move to a full time position in another field?

Well... this is one disadvantage we have with an ES degree. There isn't whole a lot we can do or apply for. Keep searching for a job in cardiac rehab.

 

[chung2509]

Did your friend have any official certifications or anything? What was his official title and his base pay? Thanks I will look into it

 

[PTapp]

well he had NSCA cPT. Thats about it.

 

[maxx52188]

What about in cardiac rehab? I know that the exercise science internship at my school sends students to cardiac rehab clinics in different hospital.

Are you from Buffalo? If you are, then call the sister's of charity hospital on main street. I have a friend who got a job in cardiac rehab as an exercise physiologist with a BS in exercise. But he did his internship as a cardiac rehab aide somewhere else so he did have some experience.

Well... this is one disadvantage we have with an ES degree. There isn't whole a lot we can do or apply for. Keep searching for a job in cardiac rehab.

Cardiac rehab cardiac rehab- thats my fall back plan. Anything in that field;exercise physiologist, cardiac technician, cardiac technologist, that is your next best bet. and from what im seeing you can very well make a living out of it like int eh 60k range

 

[MinnDasota]

Did your friend have any official certifications or anything? What was his official title and his base pay? Thanks I will look into it

Hey, where are you looking for PT aide jobs? Craigslist has a few here and there. Are you looking in the city at all or only in LI/queens? There are a million PT offices in the area and surely one will hire. Let me know if I can point you in the right direction.

 

[chung2509]

Hey, where are you looking for PT aide jobs? Craigslist has a few here and there. Are you looking in the city at all or only in LI/queens? There are a million PT offices in the area and surely one will hire. Let me know if I can point you in the right direction.

Hey, thanks...I've been looking here and there on craigslist and other sites for PT aide jobs. I'm mostly looking in LI/Queens since I don't want to make the commute out to the city. If you could help me out that would be great.

 

[chung2509]

Cardiac rehab cardiac rehab- thats my fall back plan. Anything in that field;exercise physiologist, cardiac technician, cardiac technologist, that is your next best bet. and from what im seeing you can very well make a living out of it like int eh 60k range

Are there any certifications for that? I'm looking around and I dont see alot for cardiac rehab type stuff. I wouldnt mind taking a look into it. If you could point in the right direction that would be great. Thanks.

 

[PTapp]

Are there any certifications for that? I'm looking around and I dont see alot for cardiac rehab type stuff. I wouldnt mind taking a look into it. If you could point in the right direction that would be great. Thanks.

Yes, there are. Clinical Exercise Specialist certification by ACSM is great if you want to do cardiac rehab. Though, I heard that the exam was pretty tough.

 

[pwrtrainer]

...

 

[crockdub]

In one of my classes in my last year, my professor held a special lecture on jobs for Kinesiology majors who decide not to go into PT. I can't remember every job he mentioned but he basically said that any job description that states in it's qualifications "...or other health related degree" is good. One of the ones he mentioned was pharmaceutical sales. I know a few people who went into other types of sales such as pacemaker sales or other healthcare items because they knew a little more about what the product did over random salespeople.

 

[maxx52188]

In one of my classes in my last year, my professor held a special lecture on jobs for Kinesiology majors who decide not to go into PT. I can't remember every job he mentioned but he basically said that any job description that states in it's qualifications "...or other health related degree" is good. One of the ones he mentioned was pharmaceutical sales. I know a few people who went into other types of sales such as pacemaker sales or other healthcare items because they knew a little more about what the product did over random salespeople.

Yup i have a buddy that graduated from Chico State last weekend in Exercise Phys. and he has a job in sales for artificial knees and hips waiting for him

 

[Muscles00GT]

A quick search for exercise physiologist jobs reveals a ton of jobs available for our area of study. If you have a strong physiology background and understanding of a variety of techniques and methods used in administering cardiac and stress tests, you're good to go. Although most jobs say they prefer a MS degree, they just require a BS degree. I'm starting to look into this more and more as a viable option if I don't get into PT school. After doing quite a bit of research, I'm finding starting salaries with a BS degree around the $50-55k area...And after a few years under your belt, this could increase considering exercise physiologists are only going to be in more demand in the near future.

 

[SportEhab120]

I know some hospitals in my area have jobs in health and fitness consultation and all they require is a degree ES. Starting pay was about 15 dollars an hour if I'm not mistaken...It may have been 20...

 

[Muscles00GT]

I know some hospitals in my area have jobs in health and fitness consultation and all they require is a degree ES. Starting pay was about 15 dollars an hour if I'm not mistaken...It may have been 20...

$15/hr with a BS degree? Although it's better than nothing, this isn't the greatest option. Better opportunities are available, but depending on location and experience, this may be a good option for some.

 

[chung2509]

These all seem like viable options for me but when I search for jobs such as these, nothing turns up, gahhhh. Owell thanks for the comments

 

[Muscles00GT]

These all seem like viable options for me but when I search for jobs such as these, nothing turns up, gahhhh. Owell thanks for the comments

Where are you searching. There are tons of job search engines out there. Try CraigsList, Myspace, Monster, CareerBuilder, etc.

 

[chung2509]

mostly craigslist and indeed

 

[Ry19]

As far as healthcare jobs for exercise science, bigger hospitals/clinics such as Cleveland, Hopkins, or Mayo typically have more opportunities (cardiac rehab., research, etc.) and higher payouts. This also comes with a higher volume of patients in which the potential to gain experience is increased. But there are the considerations of having to relocate, cost of living difference, etc.
Another option and I may be a bit biased coming from this program, is completing a Master's in Exercise Phys. in Duluth MN; the program is only one year, you can have your thesis done by June, and even have experience in cadaver dissection. However, the school here (St. Scholastica) is closely tied to the not very well know ASEP, an organization that may or may not benefit you.
Again, this all depends if you'd like to make or spend/borrow more as well.

Ry

 

[chung2509]

Well I've decided to look for a PT aide job since PT will be the field I want to go into as well as something to put on my upcoming apps this fall. I've been searching to no avail. I did go to a few interviews but no responses.

 

[MinnDasota]

I know you don't want to make the trek into the city, but you should keep the option open. Good luck!

 

[rubertnrubert]

Exercise is very important to be Healthy and Fit. Exercise keep ourselves healthy. We get refreshment from that. We can reduce our stress. Walking is best exercise. Everyone should do walking daily. From that we can get physical stretch to all body part. It reduce risk of heart disease and helps in reducing weight.