Cancer Exercise Specialists

High School

In high school, take health, physical education, nutrition, anatomy, and physiology courses to better understand how the human body works and the role that exercise plays in good health. Cancer exercise specialists must be able to communicate effectively with patients and write reports, so it’s a good idea to take English, speech, writing, and foreign language classes. Other recommended courses include psychology, computer science, and mathematics.

Postsecondary Education

Educational requirements vary for cancer exercise specialists because they have a variety of educational backgrounds. For example, a CES with a background in exercise physiology typically has a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. A fitness instructor who works as a cancer exercise specialist may only have a high school diploma and have augmented this education with some postsecondary training or a short-term certificate in exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education paired with classes and certification in cancer exercise. On the other hand, some have bachelor’s degrees in exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology, or physical education. A CES with a background in physical therapy will have either an associate’s degree in physical therapist assisting (if they want to work in lower-level positions) or a doctor of physical therapy degree (if they want to work as a physical therapist). Regardless of their training path, workers in this field also participate in extensive internships or clinical practicums that provide valuable hands-on experience. Because of the variety of educational entry paths, it's important that CESs take a variety of classes in cancer exercise and earn certification in the field.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificates in exercise science, physical therapy, exercise physiology, fitness training, and related fields. Contact schools in your area to inquire about available programs.

Other Education or Training

The American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise (ACE), American Physical Therapy Association (via its Academy, APTA Oncology), Clinical Exercise Physiology Association, National Association of Sports Medicine, and National Federation of Professional Trainers offer continuing education opportunities to cancer exercise specialists and related professionals. One noteworthy class is Working With Cancer Patients, which is offered by the ACE. Contact these organizations for more information.