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Is a Fitness Coordinator basically a Physical Therapy equivalent without a Doctorate Degree?

I have been sold on Physical Therapy for a while now, but recently I have begun struggling with the idea of going to Medical School and all of the debt and excessive studying that entails. I took a career quiz and it recommended Fitness Coordinator rather than Physical Therapy. I love studying the human anatomy, working out, and helping others learn about their body, how it functions, and how to strengthen and enhance their performance. Would a Fitness Coordinator be the same thing as Physical Therapy, just without going to Medical School and getting a Doctorate?
Also, what is the job satisfaction like for a Fitness Coordinator? What about the hours? work load? salary? work environment?

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Marcelius Levites’s Answer

Hey, Emma I honestly don't know much about either degree but it seems even a yoga instructor or Herbalist would be cool too. Well, it sounds like you want to do Physically therapy. Don't allow a quiz to determine your future. Do what would make you happy waking up to doing everyday.

Best wishes

What Is Physical Therapy?
-https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-is-physical-therapy

What Is a Physical Therapist?
A PT helps when a physical limitation keeps you from functioning normally
-https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-physical-therapist-2696641
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Rachael’s Answer

Hi Emma, a fitness coordinator is not the equivalent of a PT without the doctorate. To become a physical therapist you get a doctorate in physical therapy which is usually a 3 year program, you don't go to medical school to become a physical therapist. Given your interests of anatomy and helping people reach peak physical fitness and performance, a career as a strength and conditioning coach could also be a good alternative for you. Strength and conditioning coaches can begin working with a bachelors degree in exercise science or kinesiology, or you can go on to do additional graduate work as well.

Rachael recommends the following next steps:

Research accredited physical therapy programs
Research the roles and responsibilities of a strength and conditioning coach and qualifications to become one
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Stephanie’s Answer

Another option you could look at if a doctorate degree is too daunting is a physical therapist assistant. It is an associates degree (2 years) and you focus on the treatment of patients rather than the evaluation piece.

It seems like it would be a good idea to see if you could shadow a PT or volunteer in a PT clinic to give you a better idea of what they do and if it feels like it is worth the time, effort and money you would put into it.
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