The knowledge of human biological function, cell biology, disease, and the human body’s responses and adaptions to stress, environment, and medicine gained from a major in Physiology forms a valuable and versatile foundation for many careers. Graduates in Physiology can pursue careers in fitness training and promotion, medicine and health sciences, research, and education with employers ranging from health care and athletic facilities to schools, universities, and laboratories. This major is excellent preparation for medical, nursing, or pharmacy school, physical therapy programs, massage therapy training, and graduate study in exercise science, public health, and epidemiology. Many of the job titles listed below require an advanced degree or certificate.
Potential Career Areas:
- Athletic/fitness training
- Exercise science/kinesiology
- Pharmacology/toxicology
- Physical therapy
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Health care support
- Massage therapy
- Forensics
- Chiropractic
- Prosthetics/orthotics
- Research and development
- Sports medicine
Sample Employers:
- Hospitals
- Medical clinics
- Physical therapy clinics and rehabilitation centers
- Testing and research labs
- Colleges and universities
- Government
- Fitness centers
- Spas and resorts/wellness centers
- Schools
- Camps
- Pharmaceutical companies
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Physiologist
|
$40,500 - $58,000
|
|
Cytotechnologist
|
$38,800 - $56,100
|
|
Massage Therapist
|
$18,000 - $34,900
|
|
Biomedical Engineer
|
$47,640 - $77,400
|
|
Biofeedback Therapist
|
$30,000 - $50,000
|
|
Chiropractor
|
$32,380 - $66,490
|
|
Physical Therapist
|
$53,600 - $76,300
|
|
Orthotist/Prosthetist
|
$33,700 - $65,100
|
|
Kinesiologist
|
$30,000 - $66,780
|
|
Exercise Physiologist
|
$25,000 - $40,000
|
|
Athletic/Fitness Trainer
|
$25,800 - $41,600
|
|
Registered Nurse
|
$44,200 - $64,700
|
|
Physician
|
$53,500 - $166,400+
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).