82 Introduction to Medical Terminology
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Careers to Consider
If you pursue any of the following careers, you will interact on a regular basis with patients who have
conditions or diseases of the muscular system. For more detailed information on the career opportuni-
ties discussed in this section, visit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Certifi ed Fitness Trainer
A certifi ed fi tness trainer (CFT) serves as a
leader and instructor in exercise programs and
helps people achieve and maintain a healthful
lifestyle. This career path demands a passion for
being physically active, healthy, and fi t. CFTs
must have excellent communication skills and a
talent for encouraging and motivating others.
Certifi ed fi tness trainer programs take, on aver-
age, six months to complete. These programs
teach a well-rounded curriculum that includes
coursework in exercise programs, nutrition, anat-
omy and physiology, and psychology. Admission
to a CFT program generally requires a high school
diploma and current certifi cation in fi rst aid and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Exercise physiologists develop individualized
exercise plans based on their clients’ needs, and
they design exercise programs to help athletes
achieve specifi c goals.
To prepare for a career in this fi eld, candidates
must have at least a bachelor’s degree in exercise
physiology. With further education and success-
ful completion of the Exercise Physiologist Certi-
fi ed (EPC) exam, administered by the American
Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), a person
can obtain board certifi cation. Exercise physiolo-
gists are employed in a variety of environments,
including healthcare facilities, fi tness centers, col-
leges and universities, athletic or military training
facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
Sports Medicine Physician
A sports medicine physician treats and pre-
vents sports-related injuries of the bones, joints,
and muscles. These healthcare professionals are
qualifi ed to diagnose and treat patients, pre-
scribe medication and therapy, and perform sur-
gery. They attend an accredited medical school to
obtain a Medical Doctor (MD) degree or a Doctor
of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Both types
of physicians must complete residency programs
and obtain a license to practice. Sports medicine
physicians may work exclusively for an athletic
team, for a university sports program or fi tness
center, in a private practice, or with a group of
physicians.
The work environment for CFTs varies widely.
Certifi ed fi tness trainers are employed in fi tness
and health clubs, gyms, hospitals, resorts, country
clubs, universities, and yoga and Pilates studios. A
CFT may also choose to work as a personal fi tness
trainer (PFT), traveling to people’s homes and
developing custom-tailored exercise programs to
help clients become physically fi t.
Exercise Physiologist
An exercise physiologist is a healthcare pro-
fessional who performs exercise stress tests and
evaluates a person’s physical condition, focus-
ing on cardiovascular health and metabolism.