Exercise Physiologist

Your Fit

Income

$58K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

10.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Exercise Physiologist?

An Exercise Physiologist is a health care professional who analyzes patients' fitness in order to help them improve their health or maintain good health. Using tests and evaluations, they design fitness programs to address patients' health concerns and enhance physical capabilities.

Sample job titles:

Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Specialist, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Exercise Physiologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Exercise Physiologist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$41K per year	$49K per year	$58K per year	$65K per year	$80K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $8.66K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Exercise Physiologist do?

Work environment

Exercise Physiologists are typically employed in hospitals, physical therapy practices, fitness centers, and private clinics. Some may work in academic or corporate settings, developing wellness programs or conducting research.

Quick task list

Assesses patients' health and fitness levels through various tests.
Designs personalized exercise and rehabilitation programs.
Monitors patients' progress and adjusts programs as needed.
Educates patients about health and fitness.
Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Focusing on patients recovering from heart surgeries or cardiac disorders.
Pediatric Exercise Physiology: Specializing in children's health and fitness needs.
Sports Performance: Working with athletes to enhance their physical performance.
Geriatric Fitness: Tailoring programs to the unique needs of older adults.
Clinical Research: Conducting research on exercise and its effects on various health conditions.

Description

Exercise Physiologists play a critical role in the healthcare industry, bridging the gap between physical fitness and medical treatment. They use their expertise to assess the physical health of their patients and design exercise programs that are safe, effective, and tailored to individual needs. These programs often target specific health issues such as obesity, heart disease, or chronic pain, and aim to improve overall health and quality of life.

In their daily work, Exercise Physiologists must combine their knowledge of human physiology with practical skills in fitness assessment and program design. They need to be adept at using various diagnostic tools to evaluate heart rate, oxygen usage, and muscle function. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for effectively guiding and motivating patients, as well as for collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

Staying abreast of the latest research and developments in health, fitness, and wellness is crucial for Exercise Physiologists. This ongoing learning ensures that they provide the most current and effective care to their patients, and may involve attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Positively impacting patients' health and well-being.
Working in a field that combines interests in health, fitness, and science.
Opportunities for diverse working environments and patient populations.

You might make a good Exercise Physiologist if you are...

Passionate about fitness and wellness.
Interested in human physiology and how exercise impacts health.
Skilled in communication, able to motivate and educate others.
Detail-oriented, particularly in assessment and program design.
Comfortable working both independently and as part of a healthcare team.

Pros:

Rewarding career helping people improve their health.
Opportunities to work with diverse groups of people.
Growing field with increasing recognition of the importance of exercise in health care.

Cons:

May require irregular working hours, especially in clinical settings.
The need to constantly update knowledge and skills.
Potential for emotional stress when working with patients with severe health issues.

How to become an Exercise Physiologist

Typical education

Most Exercise Physiologists have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or a related field. A growing number are pursuing master's degrees, which can take an additional 2 years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry for foundational knowledge in life sciences.
Physical Education to understand basic principles of fitness and exercise.
Psychology to gain insights into motivation and behavior.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in sports or fitness clubs.
Volunteering in community health programs or hospitals.
Attending workshops or seminars related to health and fitness.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships or part-time work in fitness or healthcare settings.
Consider certifications in fitness training or specialized areas like cardiac rehabilitation.

More resources

American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) - Offers certification and professional development resources for exercise physiologists.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) - Provides educational materials, certification, and research information on sports medicine and exercise science.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA) - A professional organization dedicated to the advancement of clinical exercise physiologists.
Exercise is Medicine - An initiative focused on encouraging healthcare providers to include exercise in treatment plans.

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