Hunting for a Career in Physical Education?

Do you want to build your career in Physical Education or Sports but afraid that it won’t be financially rewarding? Have you always wanted to pursue a career in PE or sports, but confused about future possibilities in the field? Then, this might help you!

Earlier, a career in sports or physical education used to be the least popular choice among students. But today, with changing trends and increasing awareness around health, a career in sports is considered a highly lucrative option.

It allows you to make way for more career options: ranging from being part of selected sports clubs, health clubs, marketing fraternity, commentator, sports journalism, coach, physical education teacher, and many other related options.

Let’s briefly understand what physical education is and what are its objectives.

Topics covered

What is it?

PE simply focuses on the inclusion of physical activity and sports to promote psychomotor learning (coordination of physical movement) among students. It is an education that brings progress in human performance with the help of physical activities such as light walking to running, running, sprinting, hopping, jumping, climbing, throwing, pushing, pulling, kicking, etc.

“PE is the process of education through physical activities. It is the development of the total personality of the child to its fullness and perfection in body, mind, and spirit.”
Central Advisory Board of Physical Education & Recreation

PE focuses on improving physical and mental stamina, development of personality & character along with the development of neuromuscular skills.

What is the Aim of Physical Education?

“The aim of PE must be to make every child physically, mentally and emotionally fit and also to develop in him such personal and social qualities as will help him to live happily with others and build him up as a good citizen.”
National Plan of Physical Education & Recreation

So, in short:

Physical Education –

Promotes Health and Fitness of life
Enhances biological development
Helps to improve academic performance of students
Improves concentration power
Develops psychomotor skills
Improves physical abilities
Reduces stress and risk of illness
Promotes active lifestyle
Strengthens bone density
Helps develop self-confidence and human personality

What are the Objectives of PE?

Physical Development: The objective of PE is to develop a system of organs such as the circulatory system, nervous system, muscle system, digestive system, etc.
Mental Development: Physical activities require mental alertness, deep concentration, and calculated movement. This objective is related to the mental development of the individual.
Social Development: This objective is related to the development of social symbols, which are important for better health outcomes. It helps in promoting teamwork, equality, sports, tolerance, and empathy.
Neuromuscular Coordination: This objective focuses on better relationships between the nervous system. PE provides many opportunities for physical neuromuscular integration.
Emotional Development: Emotional growth is also one of the main objectives of PE. Everyone has different types of emotions such as happiness, hope, jealousy, hatred, fear, depression, anger, surprise, lust, loneliness, etc.
Improvement of Health: PE promotes health-related practices through health education. It provides education on the prevention of infectious diseases.

Why PE in Class 11^th and 12^th?

It forms part of the core curriculum and is presented as a national qualification
It offers a variety of physical activities within, and beyond, a curriculum to engage children and young people in meaningful, rewarding, enjoyable, and enriching experiences
It addresses the various objectives of education through well-planned and appropriate development programs

Courses Offered After Class 12^th with PE

Course Name	Eligibility	Duration
B.P.Ed.	Class 11-12 from any recognized board with a minimum 50% mark	3-4 years
Certificate Course in PE/Yoga/Aerobics	Class 11-12 from any recognized board with a minimum 50% mark	1 year
Diploma Course in PE/Yoga/Aerobics/Yoga Teacher Training	Class 11-12 from any recognized board with a minimum 50% mark	1-2 years
M.P.Ed.	Graduation along with specialization in Physical Education	2 years

Note: You will be required to clear PECET (Physical Education Common Entrance Test); a state-level exam that is conducted for admission to the colleges. However, some universities also conduct entrance exams to shortlist the candidates.

Career Options and Job Opportunities

The most popular careers in Physical Education are as follows:

Occupational Therapist
Human Kinetics Specialist
Athletic Trainer
Health Educator
Physical Education Teacher
Sports Therapist
Sports Manager
Sports Coach
Fitness Specialist–Personal Trainer
Fitness Director
Early Childhood Motor Skills Instructor
Sports Journalist
Sports Commentator
Umpire/Referee

You may find job opportunities under:

Health and Sports Industries
Schools
Colleges
Personal Trainers
Sports and Health Clubs
Corporate Trainer
Stadiums

Conclusion

Does that give you some clarity now? If you are still not sure about choosing Physical Education as a career, then you can talk to expert career counselors and get unbiased guidance and take the right step towards a career in sports.

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FAQs

What skills are required to pursue a career in physical education?

The following skills are necessary for opting career in physical education:
• Athletic skills
• Teaching skills
• Mentoring & Guiding skills
• Observation & Analytical skills
• Leadership Skills
• Must possess physical stamina and knowledge of sports.

Where are the areas of employment after obtaining a Graduation/Diploma/Master’s degree in physical education?

You may find job opportunities in several areas such as schools, colleges, health clubs, gyms, stadiums, etc.

Is there any entrance exam to get admission in the physical education course?

Yes, you need to clear PECET (Physical education common entrance test).

What is the initial salary after completing a physical education course?

In the beginning, one can earn around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month. However, your starting salary will be completely based on your job profile and the sport you have selected as a career. The salary will gradually rise based on your skills and experience.

Anushree Rastogi

Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Senior Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.

Hunting for a Career in Physical Education?

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