Physical Education and Health K-12

What is Physical Education?	Related Major Skills
Related Career Titles	Career Planning Links
Job & Internship Search Links	Additional Resources
Professional Association Links	UNCW School of Health and Applied Human Sciences

What is Physical Education?

In most educational systems, physical education (PE), also called physical training (PT) or gym in less progressive settings, is a course in the curriculum which utilizes learning in the cognitive, affective and psycho motor domains in a play or movement exploration setting. In the United States, it is almost always mandatory for students in elementary schools, and often for students in middle schools and high schools.

The primary aim of physical education is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, capacities, and values along with the enthusiasm to maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. Some schools also require physical education as a way to promote weight loss in students. Activities included in the program are designed to promote physical fitness, to develop motor skills, to instill knowledge and understanding of rules, concepts, and strategies, and to teach students to work as part of a team, or as individuals, in a wide variety of competitive activities.

back to the top

Related Career Titles

Some positions are entry level, while others require advanced degrees and experience.

Activities Director	Cruise Recreation Director	Personal Trainer
Adventurer/Risk Trainer	Dance-/Aerobics Instructor	Prison Recreation Specialist
Aquatic Management	Emergency Medical Tech.	Recreation Specialist
Athletic Coach	Exercise Physiology	Rehabilitation Specialist
Athletic Trainer	Health/Fitness Consultant	Sporting Goods Sales
Cardiac Rehabilitation	SPA/Health Club Manager	Social Director
Cardiovascular Fitness Instructor	PE/Sport/Research Instructor	Strength-Conditioning Coach
Community Recreation	Occupational Exercise	Swimming Pool Manager
Corporate Fitness Instructor	Park Manager	Teacher; Physical Education
Country Club manger	Occupational Therapy Asst.	Physical Therapist
Camp Director	Sports Medicine	Physical Therapist Assistant
Dietitian	Sports Medicine	Sports-Fitness Nutritionist
Sports Agent	Sports Psychologist	Professional Sports Scout
Athletic Director	Nutrition Specialist	Professional Sports Umpire
	Commercial Recreation

back to the top

Related Major Skills

Interest in Coaching	Interest in Teaching
Motor Skills	Knowledge of Proper Nutrition
Motivational Skills	Planning Skills
Discussion Skills (ie, human sexuality)	Patience
Oral & Visual Communication Skills	Athletically inclined
Demonstration Skills (physical activities)	Interest in Physical Activities
Interest in Health Issues	Interest & Knowledge in the mechanics and general health of human body