Becoming an Exercise Physiologist: Education, Skills, and Career Path

Exercise physiology is a dynamic field focused on the study of how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. Exercise physiologists play a crucial role in improving people’s overall health, particularly for those managing chronic medical conditions. They analyze a patient's fitness, helping them improve and maintain a certain level of health. This includes patients in rehabilitation for heart disease and other chronic problems as well as athletes looking to optimize their performance. This article delves into the education requirements, essential skills, and career prospects for aspiring exercise physiologists.

What Does an Exercise Physiologist Do?

Exercise physiologists analyze a client’s medical history to determine the best exercise and fitness regimen. These professionals work to improve people’s overall health. Many of their clients have chronic medical conditions, such as pulmonary (lung) disease. Some physiologists work closely with primary care physicians, who may prescribe exercise regimens for their patients and refer them to exercise physiologists.

Using stress tests and other evaluation tools, the exercise physiologist evaluates a patient’s cardiovascular function and metabolism and then designs a fitness plan that will meet the patient’s goals and/or needs, including building endurance and strength and increasing fitness and flexibility. A certified exercise physiologist is trained to:

Administer exercise stress tests in healthy and unhealthy populations
Evaluate a person’s overall health, with special attention to cardiovascular function and metabolism
Develop individualized exercise prescriptions to increase physical fitness, strength, endurance, and flexibility
Design customized exercise programs to meet health care needs and athletic performance goals

Applied exercise physiologists study the physiological effects of exercise, while clinical exercise physiologists work with a range of client populations in a variety of settings. Kinesiotherapists, who should not be confused with exercise physiologists, use rehabilitative exercise, reconditioning, and physical education to treat clients who have problems moving.

There are many different types of health testing that an exercise physiologist can administer to evaluate a person's current health status. This may include exercise stress testing with or without maximal oxygen uptake/VO2 max, body composition, flexibility tests, power/strength tests, and sub-maximal aerobic tests.

Educational Foundation

Exercise physiologists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Most employers require a candidate to have at least a bachelor's degree to be an exercise physiologist. The type of degree can vary, but the coursework that they complete often includes kinesiology, anatomy, biology, kinesiology, and nutrition. A strong educational foundation is crucial for a successful career in this field. Common degree paths include:

Exercise Physiology
Exercise Science
Kinesiology
Healthcare and Related Fields

A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in BIOL 1150, BIOL 1151 or BIOL 1100, BIOL 1101; CHEM 1120 or CHEM 1150, CHEM 1151; ENGL 1100, ENGL 2201; and MATH 1065.

Most academic programs will require some hands-on training in the form of an internship or practicum, sometimes offered as part of their degree program. In addition to classroom education, students gain hands-on experience in classrooms, laboratories, and real-world settings. or internationally.

Advanced Education: Master's Degrees

Although not all exercise physiologist roles require a physiology master’s degree, completing advanced education can give you a competitive edge in the job market, and a master’s is required for some certifications. However, many exercise physiologists specializing in cardiac rehabilitation also have a master's degree. Master’s degree programs also are available. A master’s in exercise physiology program can also help you expand or hone your skills in relevant areas, such as biomechanics, nutrition and exercise science. When looking at different programs, take some time to explore the curriculum and compare the coursework to your career goals - do you need to take specific courses to earn a certification? Do you have any gaps in your background that the program can help you address?

Structure or flexibility: Some master’s in physiology programs have a set structure in terms of coursework.
Graduate internships and other experience: Master’s programs that help students find internships can help you get a jumpstart in the field if you’re planning to change careers.

University of Florida’s Online M.S.

Programs such as the University of Florida’s online M.S. About the University of Florida Online M.S. University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology (APK) was named a top 10 online master’s in exercise science by the OnlineU. UF’s M.S. The M.S. APK is offered 100% online, and can be completed while working full-time. Students can finish the degree in as little as one and a half years, even while attending school part-time. The program features two optional specializations: Athlete Development and Integrative Strengths and Conditioning Science. To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below.

Read also: Educational DVDs for Kids

Licensing and Certifications

State licensing requirements vary for exercise physiology. For example, Louisiana specifies that exercise physiologists be licensed, and other states have begun working on legislation to implement similar licensing requirements. but other states require licensure for performing exercise physiology duties in related occupations. It is advisable to pursue certification from one or multiple professional societies such as the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Society of Exercise Physiologists, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and/or the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Employers typically require exercise physiologists to have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification, both of which include training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In 2027, all ACSM certifications will require first aid training as well. Some common certifications may require additional, more specialized education. For example, to be certified as an athletic trainer, individuals must complete an accredited athletic training program and complete the Board of Certification exam.

Key Certification Bodies

The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP): The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) offers the Exercise Physiologist Certified (EPC) certification, which physiologists can use to demonstrate their qualifications. To be eligible for certification, candidates must pass the ASEP exam and hold ASEP membership. In addition, candidates must have either a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology or a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and they must have completed specific coursework requirements.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) also offers certifications for exercise physiologists: the Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) and the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) credentials for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, as well as the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) for candidates with a master’s or higher degree. All three ACSM credentials require CPR certification and passing an exam. Candidates for the CEP and the RCEP also must have at least 400 and 600 hours of supervised clinical experience, respectively. All three ACSM certifications require candidates to complete continuing education courses every 3 years, and keep their CPR certification up to date.

Essential Skills and Qualities

In order to be successful, exercise physiologists need to have both technical and patient-centered skills. The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties.

Technical Skills: Technical skills include knowledge of rehabilitation, cardiac life support, and fitness programming or exercise prescription.
Communication Skills: In terms of working with patients, exercise physiologists need to have excellent communication, be detail oriented, and have good planning skills.
Compassion: Exercise physiologists must also have patience and empathy, as they will be working with clients who are in varying stages of discomfort.
Decision-making skills
Detail oriented
Interpersonal skills

Career Opportunities and Job Outlook

Exercise physiologists held about 23,900 jobs in 2024. Exercise physiologists typically work in office settings that include hospitals and other medical facilities, fitness centers, and schools. Some work with other healthcare personnel as part of a team. Most exercise physiologists are self-employed. Some of their typical job responsibilities include developing conditioning and exercise programs, demonstrating techniques and equipment use, treating medical emergencies, teaching fitness and providing overall health and wellness advice.

Sports medicine and athletic training facilities employ exercise physiologists to create programs that help athletes reduce the number of injuries and recover faster from them. Makers of athletic equipment hire exercise physiologists to design sports gear. Exercise physiologists also run their own businesses as sports or athletic performance consultants. You may also meet exercise physiologists who work as clinicians, sports directors, coaches or trainers, wellness directors, exercise managers, program coordinators, rehabilitation specialists or several other titles. An exercise physiologist is not the same as a personal trainer.

The median annual wage for exercise physiologists was $58,160 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a positive job outlook for exercise physiologists. As the prevalence of chronic conditions grows, more exercise physiologists will be needed to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their overall health through personalized exercise programs. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for exercise physiologists is 10% from 2022 to 2032, and the 2023 median salary for exercise physiologists is $54,860. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

In addition, according to Lightcast, exercise physiologists, coaches, and trainers who have a master’s degree in exercise physiology earn a median salary that is 21% higher than those who have a bachelor’s degree.

Is This Career Right for You?

Consider a career as an exercise physiologist if:

Is physical health and fitness a top concern for you and others you care about?
Can you see yourself motivating others to become or remain physically active?
Do you enjoy exercising and maintaining an active lifestyle?
Do you want to develop a deeper understanding of the scientific principles surrounding physical activity and its impact on health and performance at all stages of development?
Are you interested in pursuing graduate education in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, or a PhD and looking for a major that meets all the requirements while also providing a solid foundation in physical activity, health, physiology, and performance?
Do you see exercise as an important element in the prevention and treatment of disease, and want to motivate people to practice healthy behaviors?
If you have an interest in sports and have an aptitude for body mechanics and kinesiology, a career as an exercise physiologist may be the right fit for you. Exercise physiologists help patients improve their fitness level, recover after an injury or illness by planning and implementing programs that are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and body composition. Exercise physiology is also a career with significant growth potential.

The uniqueness of the EP degree is the many “hands on” opportunities available to students. Students also take courses in structural kinesiology, personal fitness training, physical activity and aging, ECG interpretation, biomechanics, and more, ensuring they gain a strong foundation of skills to work with all populations. The concentration in Applied Exercise equips students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop and conduct health and fitness programs in various settings, such as personal training, athletic performance facilities, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, and more.

ACSM Certification Process

ACSM-CEP® Exam

ACSM-CEP® exam candidates must submit a completed application form and required documentation before they will be able to register for the exam.
Download the Exam Content OutlineThe exam content outline is the blueprint for your certification examination.
You can create your own preparation plan, or let us guide you through the process! Whichever option you chose, ACSM has the tools to support you.
Create Your Study PlanThere are two recommended texts for preparation for the ACSM-CEP® exam. Optimize your preparation by combining resources from both texts.

While these resources are not required preparation materials and should not be interpreted as constituting the sole source of all ACSM exam questions, candidates may find them useful when preparing for the exam. Effective July 10, 2025, ACSM certification exams will align with the 12th edition of the Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (GETP 12). Have questions?

ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist

ACSM-CEP® exam candidates must submit a completed application form and required documentation before they will be able to register for the exam.
Download the Exam Content OutlineThe exam content outline is the blueprint for your certification examination.
You can create your own preparation plan, or let us guide you through the process! Whichever option you chose, ACSM has the tools to support you.
Create Your Study PlanThere are a number of study materials and options. You can utilize any or all of these based on your individual preparation needs.

Practice ExamACSM’s practice exam is the only resource that simulates the actual look and feel of the ACSM-Certified Exercise Physiologist certification exam.

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