Field of Interest
Get your career in motion.
Prepare for a career in sports and fitness! Our program can prepare you for a variety of career opportunities—everything from entry-level wellness and personal training to a specialized career in occupational therapy or sports medicine.
The Right Pathway for You
MCC offers Certificates of Completion, Associate Degrees and Transfer Degrees for this program. Your interests and goals will guide you in selecting the pathway that is ideal for you. You may find a combination of certificates, degrees or transfer options is the fastest way to realize your dreams.
Certificates
The knowledge and skills acquired while earning a Certificate of Completion (CCL) can help launch you into a new career or energize your current job. Generally requiring fewer credit hours than degrees or transfer programs, a CCL may be your best first step into higher education.
A list of available certificates offered in the Exercise Science program
| Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
|
Certificate of Completion |
CCL |
Personal Training |
Pathway Map |
|
Certificate of Completion |
CCL |
Personal Training: Advanced |
Pathway Map |
Associate Degree
MCC’s associate degrees enhance your resume and prepare you to enter the workforce with an advantage. Whether you are interested in simply completing basic, required college courses or specializing in a specific area, there’s a degree for you.
A list of available associate degrees offered in the Exercise Science program
| Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
|
Associate in Applied Science |
AAS |
Exercise Science: Health, Fitness, and Sports |
Pathway Map |
University Transfer Degree
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a university? Save money by starting at MCC in manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty. Our transfer pathways with Arizona universities help you achieve two goals: completing an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree at your transfer destination. MCC’s university partnerships throughout the nation assure your seamless transition toward a four-year degree.
A list of available transfer degrees offered in the Exercise Science program
| Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
|
Associate in Arts |
AA |
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Exercise Science |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Exercise Science program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$30.58
Annual Median Wage
$63,622
Number of People Employed
654
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 16.5%
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.64
Annual Median Wage
$49,190
Number of People Employed
787
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 21.6%
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$28.24
Annual Median Wage
$58,741
Number of People Employed
176
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 18.8%
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.
Typical Education Level
a certificate
Hourly Median Wage
$24.44
Annual Median Wage
$50,853
Annual Job Openings
1,257
Number of People Employed
5,645
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 16.2%
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Typical Education Level
an Associate degree
Hourly Median Wage
$35.55
Annual Median Wage
$73,950
Number of People Employed
819
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 14.9%
Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$45.77
Annual Median Wage
$95,206
Number of People Employed
2,113
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 14.5%
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$46.53
Annual Median Wage
$96,796
Number of People Employed
3,489
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 16.2%
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$61.70
Annual Median Wage
$128,348
Number of People Employed
2,901
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 25.7%
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Connect with an Advisor
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to connect with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out an academic plan that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.
Resources For You
Get credit for your industry training. MCC offers Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) for students with existing industry certifications, licenses, and approved corporate training. Access the form below and attach proof of training/certification when you submit your request. Please note, in order to access and complete the PLA form, you must be an active MCC student and have an MEID.
Additional Resources
