Education and training requirements for Recreation and fitness workersEducational requirements for recreation workers range from a high school diploma—or sometimes less for many summer jobs—to graduate degrees for some administrative positions in large public recreation systems. Full-time career professional positions usually require a college degree with a major in parks and recreation or leisure studies, but a bachelor�s degree in any liberal arts field may be sufficient for some jobs in the private sector. In industrial recreation, or �employee services� as it is more commonly called, companies prefer to hire those with a bachelor�s degree in recreation or leisure studies and a background in business administration. Specialized training or experience in a particular field, such as art, music, drama, or athletics, is an asset for many jobs. Some jobs also require certification. For example, a lifesaving certificate is a prerequisite for teaching or coaching water-related activities. Graduates of associate degree programs in parks and recreation, social work, and other human services disciplines also enter some career recreation positions. High school graduates occasionally enter career positions, but this is not common. Some college students work part time as recreation workers while earning degrees. A bachelor�s degree and experience are preferred for most recreation supervisor jobs and required for higher level administrative jobs. However, an increasing number of recreation workers who aspire to administrative positions obtain master�s degrees in parks and recreation or related disciplines. Certification in the recreation field may be helpful for advancement. Also, many persons in other disciplines, including social work, forestry, and resource management, pursue graduate degrees in recreation. Programs leading to an associate or bachelor�s degree in parks and recreation, leisure studies, or related fields are offered at several hundred colleges and universities. Many also offer master�s or doctoral degrees in the field. In 2002, 100 bachelor�s degree programs in parks and recreation were accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Accredited programs provide broad exposure to the history, theory, and practice of park and recreation management. Courses offered include community organization; supervision and administration; recreational needs of special populations, such as the elderly or disabled; and supervised fieldwork. Students may specialize in areas such as therapeutic recreation, park management, outdoor recreation, industrial or commercial recreation, or camp management. Certification in the recreation field is offered by the NRPA National Certification Board. Continuing education is necessary to remain certified. Generally, fitness trainers and aerobics instructors must obtain a certification in the fitness field to obtain employment. Certification may be offered in various areas of exercise such as personal training, weight training, and aerobics. There are many organizations that offer certification testing in the fitness field, some of which are listed in the Sources of Additional Information section of this statement. Certification generally is good for 2 years, after which workers must become recertified. Recertification is accomplished by attending continuing education classes. Most fitness workers are required to maintain a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. Some employers also require workers to be certified in first aid. An increasing number of employers require fitness workers to have a bachelor�s degree in a field related to health or fitness, such as exercise science or physical education. Some employers allow workers to substitute a college degree for certification, while others require both a degree and certification. A bachelor�s degree and, in some cases, a master�s degree in exercise science, physical education, or a related area, along with experience, usually is required to advance to management positions in a health club or fitness center. Many fitness workers become personal trainers, in addition to their main job in a fitness center, or as a full-time job. Some workers go into business for themselves and open up their own fitness centers. Persons planning recreation and fitness careers should be outgoing, good at motivating people, and sensitive to the needs of others. Excellent health and physical fitness are required due to the physical nature of the job. Volunteer experience, part-time work during school, or a summer job can lead to a full-time career as a recreation worker. As in many fields, managerial skills are needed to advance to supervisory or managerial positions. College courses in management, business administration, accounting, and personnel management are helpful for advancement to supervisory or managerial jobs. More information on Recreation and fitness workers from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Recreation and fitness workers occupation Number of Recreation and fitness workers in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Recreation and fitness workers Working conditions for Recreation and fitness workers Significant points for Recreation and fitness workers Training requirements for Recreation and fitness workers Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |