Last updated on September 26th, 2023.
Choosing a career can be a stressful endeavor, but if you are interested in the human body there are several careers you can choose from. One career that is worth considering is an exercise physiologist.
To become an exercise physiologist, you must acquire a four-year undergraduate degree in exercise physiology. Further studies are not required but are recommended. Furthermore, a person must pass a two-part exam and be admitted into the American Society of Exercise Physiologists.
It is important to understand exactly what an exercise physiologist does before beginning the process to become one. However, the process is straightforward and requires dedication to make it a reality. Read on to discover the five steps to becoming an exercise physiologist.
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What Is an Exercise Physiologist?
There are many modalities when it comes to the human body. An exercise physiologist uses the modality that exercise and fitness can help heal certain ailments of the body. They study how the human body responds to physical activity to create exercise and fitness plans to help heal their clients.
For example, if an athlete is injured, they may go to an exercise physiologist. The exercise physiologist will work closely with them and their physician to create an exercise routine that will recuperate them and heal their injuries.
So, an exercise physiologist comprises the following elements:
- A healthcare professional who works with coaches, physicians, and other professionals to help aid the recovery and healing of various people
- A person who has studied the human body thoroughly and knows how a person will react to certain physical activity
- A person who has education in the field of exercise physiology
- A healthcare professional who is a member of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists
By studying the physiology of the human body, an exercise physiologist can help those who are injured or have a chronic illness that inhibits their ability to move. Physicians regularly refer patients to exercise physiologists.
What Does an Exercise Physiologist Do?
An exercise physiologist studies the human body. When the human body partakes in physical activity, it creates stress on different parts of the body. An exercise physiologist will understand how, when, and why this happens.
Using this knowledge, they will help clients and patients. For example, if a person has an injury, they can go to an exercise physiologist. The exercise physiologist will work one-on-one with them to understand their ailments. Using their knowledge of physiology, they will then create an exercise and fitness plan to help them recover from injury.
Moreover, exercise physiologists also help those who are healthy, such as athletes. They can work with athletes to condition their bodies for the rigors of whichever sport that they play. Playing a sport can take a big toll on the human body, so having a healthcare professional to help guide you is very important.
An exercise physiologist can create a therapeutic regimen for a patient that will aid them in recovery. Instead of relying on medicine, an exercise physiologist relies on movement and exercise to heal. However, they work closely with physicians to make sure the patient is getting the exact care they need.
Is Exercise Physiologist a Good Career?
Being an exercise physiologist is a good career for many reasons. There are several benefits to being an exercise physiologist, including job security. There is always a need for an exercise physiologist.
Consider these reasons that show why an exercise physiologist is a good career to pursue.
- Industry growth. Exercise physiology as a career is growing and is expected to continue to grow. Therefore, you can plan for your future better knowing that there will still be a demand for this type of job. Once you have the credentials, you will have many options to start your career.
- When you are an exercise physiologist, you interact with many people over your career and you help each one. Exercise physiologists are content and satisfied with their jobs because they can help others through exercise and fitness routines.
- Salary expectations. The salary expectations of an exercise physiologist are good. You can expect, with proper education and other requirements, to make upward of $70,000 a year. Most can expect to earn around $50,000 a year.
- Variety of work environments. Not all exercise physiologists work in a small office. They can work in hospitals, sports centers, health clinics, physician offices, and other places. This variety of options helps with job security and demand.
Exercise physiologists can also create their own practices, which give them a lot of flexibility. However, this is not necessary if you are not comfortable with owning your own practice. Nevertheless, becoming an exercise physiologist is a good career choice if you are interested in the human body, want to help others, and have a desire to learn.
Can I Study Exercise Physiology Online?
Many students who are pursuing an exercise physiology degree usually do it on campus. However, this does mean that you cannot study exercise physiology online. There are many online programs designed for you to learn from home.
However, the more knowledge you have the better equipped you will be to become an exercise physiologist. This is why you should also look for online classes that will teach you additional information. Whether you are studying to become an exercise physiologist or you work in a related field, there are online options to choose from.
One option is a program offered through the Stanford Center for Health Education. It is a six-week class that will let you gain a lot of scientific information regarding the human body. Consider some other facts about this six-week course:
- It costs $1,500. This price is not much when compared to other similar programs, and the program is a great way to gain additional knowledge that will help you on your journey.
- You need 7-10 hours a week. To complete this program, you only need about seven to ten hours a week of study, which can fit nicely with an already busy schedule.
- Fully online. You do not need to worry about going on campus. All you need is a computer and internet connection and you can complete this course in exercise physiology.
- Effects on aging and health. You will learn about the effects that exercise has on the aging process and also how it positively affects a person’s health.
The online course will cover ways in which you can improve different environments to help aid in people’s well-being.
5 Steps to Becoming an Exercise Physiologist
If you want to become an exercise physiologist, you need to have a plan. However, to make a plan you need to know exactly what you need. Everyone has to go through the same process if they want to become an exercise physiologist.
However, what steps can you take to become an exercise physiologist? Here are 5 steps that will help you along this journey.
- Research colleges and universities
- Enroll and graduate from a program
- Get additional certificates
- Consider an internship first
- Research jobs
Taking a closer look at each of these steps will show why they are important and how they can help.
Research Colleges and Universities
To become an exercise physiologist, you must have a four-year degree in exercise physiology. However, before you can enroll in a program, you need to research the programs first.
Start by searching online for all colleges and universities that offer programs. Make sure to note whether they are on campus or online. Remember, most online courses will require at least some time on campus.
Furthermore, check whether the programs are well rated. Additionally, see if they offer clinical work as part of the program. You want to make sure that whichever program you enroll in that you will be getting the best education, which will help you find a job later.
Enroll and Graduate from a Program
Once you have researched all the programs you would like to apply to, you need to enroll in one of them. When you are in the program, you will be learning a lot about the human body.
You will gain a lot of skills in both science and math, and you will learn how the human body reacts to physical activity. You will gain the skills and knowledge that future employers want when they are looking for an exercise physiologist. Remember, an undergraduate degree is required, so make sure you take your time in the program seriously.
Enroll and Graduate from a Program
Once you have researched all the programs you would like to apply to, you need to enroll in one of them. When you are in the program, you will be learning a lot about the human body.
You will gain a lot of skills in both science and math, and you will learn how the human body reacts to physical activity. You will gain the skills and knowledge that future employers want when they are looking for an exercise physiologist. Remember, an undergraduate degree is required, so make sure you take your time in the program seriously.
Get Additional Certificates
Once you have graduated from a four-year undergraduate program in exercise physiology, you will need additional certificates. However, these certificates vary by state, so you need to check with the state you reside in.
The American Society of Exercise Physiologists, of which you are required to be a member, offers a certification exam. This exam is required before you can get a job.
Additionally, it is important to consider whether or not you want to get a master’s degree at this time. Some programs have an extra year built into the four-year program, so this is important to take note of. Remember, the more certificates, programs, and degrees you have the better equipped you will be when it comes time to find a job.
Once you are a certified exercise physiologist, you will have to abide by a set of rules and ethics that will guide your work. Adhering to these rules will make you progress through your career, and it will keep both you and your patients safe.
Consider an Internship First
Before you try getting a full-time job as an exercise physiologist, you should consider an internship first. If you do not have much clinical experience, which may be the case if your college program did not offer enough of it, then an internship is a good step forward.
An internship will give you additional skills and clinical experience that will look good on a resume. You want to give yourself the best chance at getting a full-time job, so taking an extra year at an internship can be very advantageous.
Research Jobs
You are almost a full-time exercise physiologist! However, there are several options when it comes to jobs. You could become a personal trainer, or you could work in a hospital. You could create your own practice, or you could work in a physician’s office.
You need to know what your goals are and what you would like to do. You need to know the kind of work you want to do each week. Once you know this, and you know all the options available to you, you will be able to apply to the right jobs. Once you apply and go through the interview process, your career will be well on its way to success.
Conclusion
Becoming an exercise physiologist is like any other career. You need to be interested in the field of physiology, and you need to have dedication. The process is not an overly complex one, but it does take time.
If you are patient, and you follow the steps required to become a board-certified exercise physiologist, you will be able to help others with your knowledge and expertise.
