This post provides detailed information on the exercise physiologist career, including how to become an exercise physiologist, the various opportunities that can be explored, and the benefit of the career.
How to Become an Exercise Physiologist
To become an exercise physiologist, you can follow these five steps:
- Learn about Exercise Physiology. Options for a Career
You can work as an exercise physiologist in hospitals, fitness centers, physical therapy clinics, cardiac rehabilitation clinics, or wellness centers.
The type of schooling you require will be determined by where you want to work.
A Master’s degree in exercise physiology is typically necessary, however working for a community group may simply require an undergraduate degree in physical education, exercise science, health science, or nutrition.
Additional training in physical therapy and kinesiology may be advantageous if you wish to work in a health care setting.
A Ph.D. is required if you want to work in academia or research.
2. Choose an Undergraduate Program
The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) recommends seeking for an accredited program to start your exercise physiology studies.
Accredited programs are examined and modified on a regular basis, which helps you prepare for the ASEP certification exam as well as actual job.
The accreditation also shows potential employers that you are a skilled professional with an approved education.
Some exercise physiology programs are designed to lead to graduate school rather than instant work, so knowing your goals will help you pick the suitable college.
3. Finish a Degree Program
You will study basic scientific and exercise themes such as athletic training, nutrition, exercise science, physiology, kinesiology, physics of movement, motor development, and psychology in an exercise physiology curriculum.
Clinical training will provide you with hands-on experience in the profession’s science, technology, interpersonal, and motivational components.
Certifications in basic life support, CPR, and cardiac care are also necessary for work in hospitals.
More Steps on How to Become an Exercise Physiologist
4. Select a Graduate Program or a Professional Focus
After earning a Bachelor’s degree, several programs offer a fifth-year Master’s degree.
Master’s programs prepare you for the board certification exam and provide you with more specific information for the field in which you wish to work.
You may participate in an internship during your Master’s program to gain more hands-on experience.
5. Obtain Board Certification
The American Society of Exercise Physiologists offers an Exercise Physiologist Certification that includes a written exam as well as a hands-on component.
You must follow a code of ethics and procedures as a Board Certified Exercise Physiologist (EPC) and promote high standards in the profession.
Board certification may also assist you to develop in your job.
Exercise Physiologist Career Opportunities
The exercise physiologist career provides various exciting and rewarding opportunities, including:
- Health Coach
A health coach is a person who helps people to implement changes in health and lifestyle.
They often work with people to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health through exercise and nutrition.
Health coaches encourage the risk-taker to take on new activities, set steps for exercise routines, coach people on how to better utilize their time at a gym, analyze the different types of workouts available, help screen employees for work injuries or illnesses, and support the recovering patient once they have recovered from illness.
2. Registered Nurse Case Manager
A registered nurse case manager is a nursing professional who oversees the care provided to patients and their families during hospitalization at a facility.
They ensure that the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs are addressed throughout their hospital stay.
registered nurse case managers work closely with doctors to provide optimal care for their patients.
3. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The chief executive officer of an organization is in charge of all the operations.
They make sure that all policies, procedures and procedures are followed by all employees.
4. Clinical Manager
A clinical manager is a functional health specialist who is responsible for the strategic planning, operational management and technical direction of an organization’s medical services program.
They work with the director of the organization to provide timely administrative, organizational and financial support for their programs.
5. Physician Assistant
A physician assistant is a doctor who does a few of the tasks that doctors do for patients.
Physicians assist in health care, providing medical services, including examinations, treatments, and management and supervision of medications, surgery and other medical procedures.
More Exercise Physiologist Career Opportunities
6. Physiologist
A physiologist is a scientist who studies the physical processes occurring in living organisms.
Physiologists are involved in many areas of research, including humans, animals, plants, and foods.
7. Personal Trainer
A personal trainer is a specialist that helps with the process of certain physical activities such as weight training and cardiovascular exercises.
They can be hired to speak at conferences, design an exercise program for you and make sure that you do not over-train or injure yourself.
8. Director of Training
A training director is an individual who plans and organizes the recruitment, selection, qualification and performance of employees.
They are responsible for training new recruits in the skills and techniques needed for their jobs.
A training director plans, develops, and implements a comprehensive program to meet the development needs of their personnel.
They ensure that all staff that deal with clients or customers are trained in all aspects of service delivery
9. Program Director
A program director is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing programs or departments within a company.
This person’s main responsibility is to ensure that the departments are operating at maximum efficiency and with high standards of performance.
10. Clinical Director
A clinical director oversees the day-to-day operations of a hospital, clinic or health facility.
They are often in charge of hiring, firing, and training employees that work with patients.
Clinical directors may also be in charge of budgeting, policies, and procedures for a hospital.
Challenges faced by Exercise Physiologist on the Job
Here are challenges faced by exercise physiologists:
- Exposure to diseases/infections carried by patients.
Exercise physiologist can be exposed to various diseases/infections carried by patients.
These diseases can be carried by patients during physical activity and in the process of physical examination, such as the common cold or strep throat.
2. Long hours.
Exercise physiologists are often required to work long hours, and this sometimes affects their personal lives.
The long hours are frequently on weekends and during nights, which tend to disrupt the exercise physiologist’s personal lives.
3. Standing all day and working with the public.
Exercise physiologists normally stand all day and working with the public, and this can sometimes lead to problems in their health.
Major Benefits of Exercise Physiologist Career
Some of the major benefits of the exercise physiologist career include:
- Marketable Skills
You will learn about the body, anatomy, and physiology of the human body.
2. Advancement Opportunities
You may be able to advance your career within the exercise physiology field.
Areas you may specialize include sports medicine and cardiac rehabilitation and/or cardiac physical therapy.
You may also aspire to become an instructor or an assistant professor within a university setting.
Attending graduate school will help you prepare for future advancement opportunities in your career.
3. Job Security
If you work hard and maintain the highest standards of ethics, you will have a great job, and employers will be attracted to your services.
4. Flexible Schedules
With flexible schedules and several options for advancement, you can choose the career that fits your needs. You may schedule some time off if you need it in order to do more personal things.
More Benefits of Exercise Physiologist Career
5. Professional Satisfaction
Becoming an exercise physiologist is a fulfilling career. When you help people get healthy, you will be more likely to gain professional satisfaction.
You will also gain valuable skills that can be used in several different settings.
6. Strong Growth Potential
The growth potential for an exercise physiologist is very strong because the interest in health and fitness is growing in the United States every year.
Your job opportunities may grow as your skills improve as well.
7. Build Relationships
You will be able to meet and communicate with people from all backgrounds.
You will also build relationships with your co-workers, bosses, clients, and medical professionals.
Conclusion
The exercise physiologist career can provide you with job security as long as you remain ethical and knowledgeable about your trade.
Many possible job opportunities for exercise physiologists exist in hospitals, health and fitness facilities, sports teams, private practices, and more. Exercise physiologists can help others maintain the highest levels of physical strength, endurance, and performance.