Career Preparation
The median income for physical therapists is $85,400 per year. The TCU Department of Kinesiology offers a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate school and a career in physical therapy.
Kinesiology is a pre-professional major that will, in most cases, require additional training or graduate school. Students pursuing careers as a physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT), or physician’s assistant (PA) will be required to complete clinical observation or client contact hours prior to applying to graduate programs. These hours are often completed by observing at PT/OT clinics, hospitals, and schools. If you’re seeking employment, additional certificates are often recommended for personal trainer, group exercise, and certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) positions.
Among athletic trainers, 68% have a master’s degree.
Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your career consultant, who will help you find and prepare for a rewarding career in your chosen field. Whether you’re applying to graduate school or preparing for a job interview, your career counselor can help.
Take advantage of everything career services has to offer:
- Assessments and Self-Discovery Tools
- Resume/Cover Letter Development
- Employment and Internship Search Strategies
- Interview Preparation
- Graduate School Preparation
- Professional Development
Office:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday – Jarvis 1st Floor
Tuesday, Thursday – Bass 2119
Amanda Duvall
Career Consultant to Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
817-257-2222
a.k.duvall@tcu.edu
Center for Career & Professional Development
Career Options
Athletic Training
- Athletic trainer in a public or private secondary school
- Graduate study in athletic training
- Athletic trainer in a college or university setting
- Athletic trainer in professional sports, military or industrial setting
- Athletic trainer in a sports medicine clinic
For more information about athletic training career options, visit http://www.nata.org/professional-interests.
Health & Fitness
- Fitness center professional
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Exercise prescription
- Personal training
- Strength and conditioning
Movement Science
- Pre-clinical: physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, medicine, or other health professions
- Graduate study in exercise physiology, motor behavior, or biomechanics
Physical Education
- Teaching physical education
- Adapted physical education
- Coaching
Physical Education – Strength & Conditioning
- Teaching physical education
- Coaching strength and conditioning
- Coaching
Other Options
- Minor in health
- Minor in movement science
- Minor in fitness
- Minor in physical education