<p>People keep telling me everyday that its terrible, however they probably dont know what id like to do after this major: Physical Therapy or Physicians Assistant.</p>
<p>Although, are these careers worth pursuing? I know it should be solely based off of what you would like to do, but im not sure if 8 years of schooling is worth it. I love everything about it but what people keep telling me about kinesiology and such.. im second guessing:( opinions?</p>
<p>I commend you for asking yourself these tough questions. Here’s my advice: speak to PT or PA professionals. Look at their certification organizations. Visit their fora or chat groups. Present yourself as a rising HS senior and ask sincerely about how they like their job and what are good routes into the profession.</p>
<p>You’ll get the unvarnished truth – versus what a college brochure or college admissions rep may say (remember, these are here to market their college program to you). Speak with PTs or PAs: offer to shadow them. Volunteer in their workplaces. And you’ll definitely know what to do.</p>
<p>Kinesiology and Exercise science don’t have a great rep b/c they are littered w/people whose sole aspiration is to become a “trainer” or “get into the sports business”. 1) Being a trainer requires no collegiate training but certification in the exercise fields. My wife, a trainer and mgr of a club, was an English major but loved physical activity. She studied on her own and got certified. Learned everything else from the job. The manager she replaced had an exercise science degree but was barely functional in the practicalities of the field. Sadly, people should also know that the field pays very very little. 2) Getting into the “sports business” is more luck and who you know – not some flimsy degree.</p>
<p>That being said, serious students in that major, I suspect, can marshal it into PT. PA may require a heftier science background (think along the lines of pre-Dentistry, Nursing, pre-pharmacy or pre-med).</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>