5 amazing career options in physical education

Physical education | A lucrative career option

Previously, a career in physical education or sports was the least popular option among students. However, with changing trends and increased health awareness, a career in sports is now a part of highly lucrative career options.

It enables you to pursue more career opportunities, such as being a member of selected sports clubs, health clubs, marketing fraternities, commentators, sports journalists, coaches, physical education teachers, and many others.

Let’s take a quick look at what physical education is and what are its benefits.

What is physical education?

Physical education (PE) simply emphasizes the inclusion of physical activity and sports to promote psychomotor learning (physical movement and coordination) among students. It is a type of education that advances human performance through physical activities such as light walking, running, sprinting, hopping, jumping, climbing, throwing, pushing, pulling, kicking, and so on.

Benefits of physical education

Physical development

The goal of PE is to develop an organ system such as the circulatory system, nervous system, muscle system, digestive system, and so on.

Mental development

Physical activities necessitate mental alertness, deep concentration, and calculated movement. Physical education helps in an individual’s mental development.

Social development

It is related to the development of social symbols, which are essential for improved health outcomes. It contributes to the promotion of teamwork, equality, sports, tolerance, and empathy.

Neuromuscular coordination

This objective focuses on better relationships between the muscles and the nervous system. PE allows for numerous opportunities for physical neuromuscular integration.

Emotional development

One of the primary goals of PE is emotional development. Everyone experiences various emotions such as joy, hope, jealousy, hatred, fear, depression, anger, surprise, loneliness, and so on and you should be able to balance these emotions. PE can help in doing that.

Health Improvement

PE promotes health-related behaviors through health education. It teaches people how to prevent infectious diseases and how to take care of their physical health.

Various career opportunities in physical education

A degree in physical education can prepare you for a variety of jobs that involve teaching children, adults, seniors, and athletes how to stay fit or improve their fitness levels.

Here are 5 physical education job opportunities-

Dance instructor

National average salary- $18,098 per year

Primary responsibilities- Dance instructors usually work in dance studios, schools, and after-school programs.

Depending on their specialty, they teach their students the basic principles of movement of various dance styles. Although a degree in dance education or physical education is not required to work as a private studio dance instructor, it can help you improve your knowledge and skills. Dance teachers who want to teach in public schools must also complete a teacher education program.

Athletic coach

National average salary- $29,425 per year

Primary responsibilities- Athletic coaches are responsible for coaching either high school and college athletes or professional athletes in a single sport. Special teaching courses are sometimes required for those who work in schools. Although the coach’s history of playing the respective sport is one of the most relevant experiences and knowledge indicators, a physical education degree can provide more in-depth knowledge regarding physical recovery, physical development, and other aspects related to the human body.

Sports journalist

National average salary-$35,420 per year

Primary responsibilities- Sports journalists create and deliver content about one or more sports. Although the primary responsibility of sports journalists is to discuss or write about a specific sport, they must prepare for this by attending various sporting events, networking with professionals directly involved in the industry, and conducting research. Working as a sports journalist typically requires extensive knowledge of one or more sports as well as general physical education. This is why former athletes and other sports and fitness professionals fill many such positions.

Athletic trainer

National average salary- $43,790 per year

Primary responsibilities- Athletic trainers are healthcare workers employed by a variety of institutions, including schools, colleges, hospitals, fitness centers, and professional sports teams. Their job role is to diagnose and treat sportspersons and athletes who have suffered from various musculoskeletal injuries, as well as to teach various injury prevention methods. They act as a liaison between patients and the doctors who treat them. A bachelor’s degree in exercise science,  kinesiology, athletic training, or sports medicine is required to become an athletic trainer.

Physical education teacher

National average salary: $46,788 per year

Primary responsibilities- It is one of the most common career options for professionals with physical education majors. They can get a job in elementary, middle, and high schools, and colleges, teaching students various physical games and skills, instructing them on equipment use, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. In addition to a degree in physical education, P.E. teachers must acquire a teaching certificate, which includes courses in child development, pedagogy, and other educational topics.

Key takeaways

• Physical education (PE) focuses on physical activity and sports to promote psychomotor learning (physical movement and coordination) among students. It helps the advancement of human performance through physical activities. 
• Benefits of physical development include physical development, mental development, neuromuscular coordination, emotional development, and overall health improvement.
• PE professionals are required in various fields. Dance instructors, athletic coaches, PE teachers, and sports journalists are some of the career options available for PE graduates.

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Liked this blog? Read next: Importance of physical education

FAQ

Q1. Which courses are necessary to pursue a health-related career in the physical education field?

Ans- A student who is interested in physical education can pursue a diploma, certificate, or degree program. Many governments and private institutions and colleges offer this course. It is a demanding field, and only students with a strong interest in it should pursue it.

Q2. What are the three categories of careers related to PE and health?

Ans- Three categories of careers related to PE and health are-

• Physical Therapists.
• Recreation Workers.
• Fitness Trainers and Instructors.

Q3. What is sports nutrition in physical education?

Ans- Sports nutrition research focuses on the type and quantity of fluids and food consumed by athletes. It also addresses the consumption of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, supplements, and organic substances like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.