Ohio's Exercise Science and Sports Medicine pathway prepares students for careers supporting athletic performance, fitness, and sports medicine. From high school athletics to professional sports organizations and fitness facilities, professionals in this field help athletes and active individuals achieve peak performance.
Students study exercise physiology, sports medicine principles, athletic training, nutrition, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. They gain practical experience working with athletes and active populations in school athletics, sports medicine clinics, and fitness facilities.
Graduates work as athletic trainers, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, or sports medicine specialists. Many pursue Athletic Training (AT) credentials or specializations in strength and conditioning. Career opportunities exist with schools, colleges, professional sports organizations, and rehabilitation centers throughout Ohio.
Exercise Science and Sports Medicine at a Glance
2
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Ohio's exercise science standards are developed with athletic training professionals and sports medicine leaders. Curriculum emphasizes exercise physiology, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and sports nutrition.
Competency assessments include fitness assessment skills, injury evaluation, rehabilitation knowledge, and coaching capabilities. Students pursue Athletic Training Certified (ATC) and other sports science certifications.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Health Science Foundations |
| Exercise Science and Fitness |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓First Aid
- ✓Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- ✓Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- ✓EKG Technician
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
- ✓Medical Terminology Certification
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Athletic Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $29,690 - $50,810
Adjusted for cost of living: $32,339
Personal Trainer
Entry LevelSalary range: $27,730 - $46,060
Adjusted for cost of living: $30,204
Athletic Trainer
ExperiencedSalary range: $55,560 - $65,180
Adjusted for cost of living: $66,333
Sports Medicine Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $61,220 - $147,340
Adjusted for cost of living: $103,464
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with school athletic departments, college sports medicine clinics, professional sports facilities, and sports medicine centers throughout Ohio.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Ohio CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Ohio Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Ohio's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Ohio standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Ohio
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