If you’re passionate about physical activity, sports, and helping people improve their health, becoming an exercise physiologist might be the perfect career for you. Exercise physiologists play a key role in health care by using their knowledge of human physiology to design fitness programs that improve cardiovascular health, manage chronic diseases, and promote overall wellness. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to become an exercise physiologist, from choosing the right degree program to becoming board certified.
Whether you’re interested in clinical exercise, sports medicine, or even working with athletic trainers, an accredited exercise physiology degree or bachelor’s degree in exercise science can help you get there. With the right qualifications, including a kinesiology background and certification exams, you can start a rewarding career that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Let’s explore the journey to becoming an exercise physiologist and the opportunities available in this growing field, including high-demand roles in health care and allied health education.
What is an Exercise Physiologist?
An exercise physiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in understanding how the body responds to physical activity. They study human physiology and use this knowledge to create exercise programs that improve overall health, prevent injuries, and help manage chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Exercise physiologists work with people of all ages and fitness levels, from athletes looking to enhance their performance to patients recovering from surgery or injury.
In their role, exercise physiologists assess an individual’s fitness level, medical history, and specific health goals. They then design personalized exercise programs to address these needs, focusing on improving physical function, strength, and endurance. Whether working in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or sports medicine clinic, their work is crucial in promoting physical activity as a means to improve overall well-being.
Exercise physiologists often work alongside other healthcare professionals, including doctors, clinical physiologists, athletic trainers, and physical therapists. In fact, many exercise physiologists have a background in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, which provides them with the knowledge needed to understand human movement and its impact on the body. Some also pursue certifications like the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer to expand their expertise.
As part of their job, exercise physiologists may also be involved in clinical exercise testing, which helps identify how well a person’s body responds to physical stress. This is especially important for patients with cardiovascular issues, making exercise physiologists valuable members of the healthcare team.
In addition to working in health care settings, exercise physiologists may find opportunities in sports medicine, rehabilitation clinics, or fitness centers. With the right education and certifications, including an accredited exercise physiology degree or bachelor’s degree in exercise science, they can build a rewarding career helping individuals improve their health through physical activity.
How to Become an Exercise Physiologist: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming an exercise physiologist requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and certifications. If you’re interested in helping people improve their health through physical activity, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become an exercise physiologist.
Step 1: Research the Exercise Physiology Career Options
Before diving into any program, it’s essential to understand what being an exercise physiologist entails. This role involves applying principles from exercise science and human physiology to design fitness programs that help individuals improve their health, prevent injury, and manage chronic conditions. You’ll be working closely with patients in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and fitness centers. There are also opportunities in clinical exercise and sports performance.
Start by researching job descriptions, salary expectations, and educational requirements. You’ll find that exercise physiologists typically have a degree in exercise physiology or exercise science. Depending on your interests, you might also explore careers in related fields, like clinical physiologists or athletic trainers.
Step 2: Decide on an Undergraduate Program
The next step is choosing the right undergraduate program. Most exercise physiologists begin their career journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a similar field. A degree in exercise physiology is also a strong choice, as it provides in-depth knowledge of human movement, physical activity, and how the body responds to exercise.
Look for accredited exercise physiology programs that are recognized by relevant organizations, like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). An accredited program ensures that you’ll receive quality education that meets industry standards, which can also improve your job prospects.
Step 3: Complete a Degree Program
Once you’ve chosen your program, you’ll need to complete the required coursework and practical experience. In a bachelor’s degree exercise science or kinesiology program, you’ll study topics such as:
- Human physiology
- Exercise science principles
- Sports medicine
- Anatomy and biomechanics
- Clinical exercise
- Physical activity
- Nutrition for athletes
You’ll also likely participate in internships or lab-based courses to gain hands-on experience, which is critical for understanding how to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Step 4: Decide on a Graduate School or Professional Focus
While a bachelor’s degree can open doors to entry-level positions, some exercise physiologists choose to continue their education with a graduate program. Pursuing a master’s degree in exercise physiology or a related field can provide you with advanced knowledge and skills, opening up more specialized roles, such as those in clinical exercise or sports performance.
If you’re aiming to work in a specific area, such as cardiac rehabilitation or sports medicine, consider a graduate program that focuses on those fields. This step also allows you to develop expertise in areas like clinical physiologist work or exercise science research, which can increase your employability and earning potential.
Step 5: Become Board Certified
To enhance your credibility and increase job opportunities, becoming board certified as an accredited exercise physiologist is highly recommended. Certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the profession. The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) offers certification, as does the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). You may need to pass a certification exam, which will test your knowledge of exercise physiology, sports medicine, clinical exercise, and related topics.
Achieving board certification can also help you meet employer requirements and improve your potential salary. For example, as an ACSM certified personal trainer, you can work in both clinical and fitness settings, offering a broader range of career opportunities.
Step 6: Explore Job Opportunities
With your degree and certification in hand, you’re ready to start looking for work. Exercise physiologists are in demand across various industries, from health care to sports. Potential job settings include:
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Sports medicine clinics
- Fitness centers and health clubs
- Athletic training programs
- Occupational health settings
- Research and academia
Roles can range from working with patients recovering from injuries to training athletes to improve their performance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual wage for exercise physiologists varies depending on location, experience, and job setting, but it’s a field with strong growth potential.
Step 7: Keep Learning and Stay Updated
As with any health-related profession, it’s important to stay updated on the latest research and best practices. Continuing education through workshops, seminars, and certifications can help you keep your skills sharp. Staying informed about the latest trends in exercise science, sports, and physical activity will ensure that you remain competitive in the field.
You may also want to explore allied health education programs or get involved in clinical exercise research to expand your expertise. Whether you specialize in exercise science, sports performance, or clinical work, staying ahead of the curve will help you advance in your career.
Final Words
Becoming an exercise physiologist is a fulfilling journey that combines a passion for sports, physical activity, and human physiology with the desire to help others live healthier lives. By following the steps outlined—from choosing the right undergraduate program in exercise science or kinesiology to achieving board certification—you can build a rewarding career in this growing field. Whether you work in health care, sports medicine, or as part of an athletic training team, your expertise will play a crucial role in improving people’s physical health and well-being.
As you embark on this career path, remember that continuous learning and gaining practical experience are key to staying ahead in this field. With the right qualifications and certifications, you can look forward to a career that not only offers excellent wage statistics but also provides the satisfaction of making a real impact on the lives of others.
FAQs
What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?
If you’re interested in exercise physiology but want to explore related careers, consider roles like clinical physiologist, sports medicine specialist, or athletic trainer. Other options include working as an exercise scientist, kinesiologist, or pursuing a career in allied health education. These roles often involve promoting physical activity, analyzing human physiology, and helping individuals achieve better health. Many require a degree in exercise science, physiology, or a related field.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Exercise Physiologist?
Becoming an exercise physiologist typically requires earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, exercise science, or a related field. This takes about four years. If you pursue advanced certifications, such as becoming an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, or a master’s degree, it can add another 1–3 years. Programs often include courses in human physiology, sports medicine, and clinical exercise.
Do You Need a Master’s to Become an Exercise Physiologist?
No, a master’s degree is not strictly required to become an exercise physiologist, but it can enhance career opportunities, especially in clinical settings or research roles. Most entry-level jobs require a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or exercise physiology. However, advanced degrees can help you specialize in areas like cardiac rehabilitation or sports science and can lead to higher annual wages as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Do Exercise Physiologists Do?
Exercise physiologists develop tailored exercise programs to improve clients’ health care outcomes, manage chronic conditions, and enhance athletic performance. They analyze a person’s physical activity levels, monitor heart function, and design rehabilitation programs, particularly in settings like sports medicine, hospitals, or allied health. They often collaborate with doctors and athletic trainers to ensure safe and effective interventions.
How to Qualify as an Exercise Physiologist?
To qualify, earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, exercise science, or a similar discipline from an accredited program. Pass a relevant certification exam, such as those offered by ACSM or other allied health education programs. Hands-on experience, such as internships in clinical exercise settings, is highly recommended to build practical skills.