Our allied health major prepares graduates for diverse careers in clinical settings such as physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, clinical exercise physiologist and cardiac rehabilitation specialist. The health and wellness sector offers opportunities as corporate wellness coordinators, health coaches, community health educators and exercise specialists. In sports and performance, graduates work as athletic trainer assistants, sports performance specialists and biomechanics technicians. Healthcare support roles include clinical research associates, healthcare administrators and patient care coordinators.
Careers and Salary Outcomes
The exercise science degree prepares graduates for impactful careers in clinical rehabilitation, wellness advocacy, athletic performance, and healthcare administration. Graduates pursue opportunities as exercise physiologists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, health coaches, biomechanics technicians, and patient care coordinators.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), allied health professionals enjoy competitive salaries, with median wages ranging from approximately $51,000 to over $101,000 per year depending on the specific role, location, and level of responsibility. BLS data indicates strong growth projections for allied health careers between 2022-2032, with rates as high as 14% for health education specialists and 29% for medical and health service managers, both faster than the average for all occupations.
For specific career details, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports:
Exercise Physiologists:
- Median annual wage of $54,860
- 10% projected growth rate from 2022-2032. Read more.
Recreational Therapists:
- Median annual wage of $57,120
- 4% projected growth rate from 2022-2032. Read more.
Health Education Specialists (Including Health Coaches):
- Median annual wage of $62,860
- 7% projected growth rate from 2022-2032. Read more.
Medical and Health Services Managers:
- Median annual wage of $110,680
- 29% projected growth rate from 2022-2032. Read more.
These promising employment opportunities reflect the growing demand for compassionate allied health professionals who combine clinical expertise with whole-person care, supporting patients and communities through evidence-based practices and a commitment to holistic wellness.
Prepare for Graduate Studies and Research
HCU’s kinesiology program nurtures the seeds of deeper calling, preparing minds for advanced education that expands the capacity to heal and serve. Interested in continuing the journey? Houston Christian University welcomes students to grow through our flexible online master’s degree in kinesiology and sport management and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree specializations, where faculty continue to walk alongside students in their calling to touch lives with Christ-centered care.
Internship Opportunities and Professional Experiences
Incorporated into the exercise science degree is a dedicated space for an internship, which can be for credit or a paycheck. Students serve in hospital rehabilitation departments where they witness healing journeys and provide compassionate support to patients during vulnerable moments of recovery. In outpatient physical therapy clinics, our students learn to blend technical excellence with genuine empathy, developing therapeutic relationships that address both physical limitations and emotional needs.
Corporate wellness programs welcome our students as interns who bring a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, creating environments where physical, emotional and spiritual health flourish together. Athletic performance facilities provide opportunities to support individuals in achieving their physical potential while nurturing the whole person through mindful training approaches.
Perhaps most transformative are experiences in community health organizations, where students engage with diverse populations and develop awareness of health disparities they can address with Christ-centered compassion. These meaningful encounters allow students to apply classroom knowledge in ways that touch lives, build professional networks and often blossom into employment relationships after graduation.
