Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Employers

The majority of employment opportunities exist at the professional and collegiate levels. All professional and collegiate teams, from baseball to soccer to football, have strength and conditioning coaches on staff. Employers at this level expect candidates to have a master's degree in a health science, as well as work experience. Those holding a bachelor's degree and having little work experience may still find employment, but only at an assistant's level.

Coaches working with high school teams may be required to hold an education degree as some schools require their coaching staff to teach classes as well as condition athletes.

A growing number of employment opportunities can be found with private clients. Many intramural teams encourage their players to attend camps to work on speed, agility, and overall fitness. Such companies offer private sessions and group camps to help athletes from many different sport backgrounds improve their overall sports performance. They tailor their programs to meet the specific demands of each sport. Their clientele includes adults as well as children as young as 11 years old.

Starting Out

Participating in an internship program while in college is an excellent way to make contacts and land your first job in the field. Internships may be arranged by your college or offered by professional associations. The National Strength and Conditioning Association and Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association both offer internship programs to student members, as well as offer job listings at their Web sites.