A course in ergonomics and injury prevention should cover the anatomy of the human body. Students learn about bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and the way the systems of the body work separately and together. Students learn about different body types, as well as the possibilities and limits in human movement. Students should also learn about diagnosing basic injuries and performing basic first aid. The purpose of ergonomics is to prevent injury from happening in the first place: how to strengthen, prepare and stretch the body to have good posture, as well as how to handle physical work and strain.
An injury prevention specialist can find work teaching ergonomics classes at schools, colleges and work places. Students and those working at desk jobs must be taught about good posture and stretching to prevent head, neck and back pain or injury. Those in physical jobs--such as warehouse jobs or construction--must be taught to pick up, move and place heavy objects properly. An injury prevention specialist could also go on to specialize in sports medicine and work with athletes, or he can gain certification in a related field, such as instructing yoga or other group exercise activities.
Many health-related companies and organizations teach courses and present accredited certifications in ergonomics and injury prevention. Among these organizations are the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics. While these organizations are not schools, they can provide one or more courses in ergonomics and injury prevention, as well as one or more levels of certification.
If you want to specialize in injury prevention in school, you will have to make this a focus of another field of study. Possibilities include sports medicine, anatomy and physiology, among others. Those interested in becoming physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, personal trainers or other professionals in the health, fitness and human movement fields would benefit from injury prevention programs; they may be required to achieve certification in ergonomics.