Overview of Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Health and physical education/fitness is a field of study in which pursuit and maintenance of physical health and fitness, as well as recreation management and safe and effective physical activity instruction, are the primary focuses. This field prepares students to become teachers, coaches, counselors, or administrators in physical education, or to enter the physiotherapy or physical therapy fields. Associate degree programs in health and physical education/fitness focus on developing understanding and application of the basic concepts within the field. Courses will typically include topics, such as the fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, First Aid, Human Nutrition, Motor Development, and more.

Career Opportunities for Graduates with an Associate Degree in Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates with an associate degree in health and physical education/fitness can pursue career opportunities in a variety of settings, including schools, gyms, community recreation centers, and even private businesses. Career opportunities also exist in the corporate setting, providing health and fitness programs for company employees. Some areas of specialization include physical education teacher, coach, personal trainer, fitness director, commander of physical fitness programs in military settings, and recreation and park coordinator.

Internship or Co-Op Opportunities Related to Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Internship and co-op opportunities are abundant in the field of health and physical education/fitness, as positions allowing students to gain practical work experience and put classroom learning to the test are available in educational, corporate, and recreational settings. Prospective employers include colleges and universities, school districts, community recreation centers, health clubs, YMCAs, fitness centers, and even professional athletic teams. Experiences gained through such opportunities are invaluable and highly sought after.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations in Health and Physical Education/Fitness

An associate degree in health and physical education/fitness typically provides a broad-based education in the field, but there are specialized tracks or concentrations within this discipline that students can pursue. Specialization can be focused on coaching and teaching physical education, sport management, and/or health promotion. Based on a student’s desired career goals, concentrations can be tailored to achieve a deep understanding of certain areas of the field.

How Does an Associate Degree in Health and Physical Education/Fitness Prepare Students for Further Education?

An associate degree in health and physical education/fitness prepares students to enter the field as an educated and certified professional, as well as provides a foundation for more advanced study. Graduates of associate degree programs in the field may choose to pursue several opportunities for further study, such as physical therapy, athletic training, sport psychology, sports nutrition, or occupational therapy. An associate degree may even offer waivers for some courses, such as certain anatomy and physiology prerequisites when pursuing physical therapy programs at the bachelor’s degree level.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown to become a powerful tool in various aspects of the health and physical education/fitness field. AI-based technologies can be used to create more accurate and reliable data collection and analysis, easier communication between fitness professionals and their clients, and improved virtual training experiences. AI is particularly useful in the coaching realm, as it can provide detailed insight into the player’s performance and provide suggestions for improvement.

The Career Outlook for Health and Physical Education/Fitness

The employment of health and physical education/fitness professionals is projected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health and physical education teachers is expected to be high, as the need to become physically fit has become more apparent than ever due to the rising costs of medical care. Additionally, the continued growth of recreational sports, exercise programs, and health clubs should create further opportunities for employment in the field.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Health and Physical Education/Fitness:

Praxis Institute, Salary: $44,599

Lionel University, Salary: $35,837

Bryan University, Salary: $29,219

Bryan University, Salary: $26,111

Bryan University, Salary: $26,111

Intellitec College-Colorado Springs, Salary: $22,881

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, Salary: $22,048

Mt San Antonio College, Salary: $20,123

South Texas College, Salary: $19,120

Riverside City College, Salary: $17,764

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their associate degree in Health and Physical Education/Fitness.