If you are interested in this profession, one option is to begin your education at the University of Virginia. UVA has a four-year degree program that provides students with a curriculum designed to pave the way for a specialty in sports medicine, exercise physiology or adapted physical education; students select one of the three concentrations when they apply to the program. Coursework in sports medicine equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to evaluate, treat and help rehabilitate clients. Individuals with an interest in nutrition and cardiac rehabilitation generally focus on exercise physiology, while students pursuing a career in recreational therapy select the physical education option.
At the College of William and Mary students can earn a Bachelor's degree with a concentration in kinesiology and health sciences. Individuals who enroll in an undergraduate program have the option of pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree.
Training is available at George Mason University through the school of recreation, health and tourism. Obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in health, fitness and recreational resources with a concentration in kinesiology is a pathway to a career in that field. Students graduate with the ability to gain employment in public and private fitness centers and clinical settings.
If working within the school system as a physical education specialist meets your career goals, consider the University of Virginia Master's Program in Adapted Education. The college has retained internationally known experts in the fields of both physical and special education to teach this one-year program. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience as adapted physical education specialists at schools in the local area.
The Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia offers other Master's programs in the field of kinesiology, such as the two-year program in exercise physiology. Students can continue their education by gaining admission to a Ph.D. program or seek employment in the health care field as a personal trainer. Jobs are also available in clinic settings working to rehabilitate patients. Another upper graduate program at the Curry School for students interested in a career as a certified athletic trainer is the Master's degree in athletic training and sports medicine. Graduates of this 13-month course work as trainers in professional sports organizations, in schools or in hospitals and clinics. Also offered at the university are four Ph.D. programs in kinesiology.