During the past 20 years, alternative professional preparation and certification programs have expanded within the field of physical education. Societal trends, the media, and demographics have dictated these changes. This digest examines factors leading to an increase in the scope of career opportunities for physical education professionals and looks at future trends, including a move back toward traditional teaching positions. With the advancement of technological resources and time-saving devices, available time for leisure and recreation has increased, resulting in the creation of additional career opportunities for exercise and sport professionals, exercise specialists, corporate fitness directors, wellness consultants and coordinators, and specialists who could put theory into practice. Along with college and university-based professional preparation programs, many professional organizations now provide exercise and sport credentialing opportunities and examples of such organizations are included. Some current trends that may impact on the career paths of physical education professionals include aging of the population, more at-risk children in the school system, and increased use of computers. (LL)