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 physical therapy, occupational therapy, or sports medicine.
The Right Pathway for You
MCC offers Certificates of Completion and Associate 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 or degrees 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
$29.52
Annual Median Wage
$61,402
Number of People Employed
550
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 15.1%
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
$24.26
Annual Median Wage
$50,481
Number of People Employed
742
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 14.2%
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
$31.44
Annual Median Wage
$65,399
Number of People Employed
259
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 12.0%
Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$19.62
Annual Median Wage
$40,822
Number of People Employed
601
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 14.5%
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
$24.00
Annual Median Wage
$49,935
Annual Job Openings
1,540
Number of People Employed
6,999
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 14.9%
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
$31.09
Annual Median Wage
$64,687
Number of People Employed
780
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.7%
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
$49.84
Annual Median Wage
$103,682
Number of People Employed
2,172
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 16.7%
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
$48.56
Annual Median Wage
$101,025
Number of People Employed
4,011
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 15.2%
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
$64.95
Annual Median Wage
$135,113
Number of People Employed
3,094
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 17.1%
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$142.13
Annual Median Wage
$295,633
Number of People Employed
5,634
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.0%
* 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
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There’s a Better Way to Do College
We offer more value, opportunity, and support for our students. Connect with us to get information about all of our Exercise Science offerings, including resources, scholarships, and related programs.
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
