
What do they do? What programs do you have to take in University/ courses in high school? What company/ organization do they work for? What attire do most exercise physiologists wear?
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Exercise Physiologist
Areas of Specialization
They conduct fitness evaluation, and prescribe exercise programs for overall health maintenance, or they focus on specialties such as cardiology, sports medicine, respiratory or physical therapy. This may include risk identification, and rehabilitation in conjunction with other health professionals who provide rehabilitation programs. In educational settings they may teach courses for students of medicine, physiology, and other health related fields.
Work Environment
Exercise physiologists may be employed in extremely diverse settings, such as community organization venues, or in commercial/industrial facilities, health clubs, recreation centers; and educational institutions. Exercise physiologists may also work in clinical settings prescribing exercise for cardiac, pulmonary, or other types of patients referred by a physician.
Job Outlook
The job outlook is good due to the increasing emphasis on prevention of illness and on exercise as a means of promoting good health. Also, there are many opportunities for research on aging, rehabilitation of muscle injuries, and the health benefits of exercise.
Length of Training/Requirements
The education requirements vary depending on the employment settings; usually a master’s degree in exercise physiology is the minimum requirement. However, for individuals who plan to hold positions in organizations or commercial settings, an undergraduate degree in physical education, exercise science, health science, and nutrition is helpful. Additional training in physical therapy and kinesiology is valuable for persons seeking positions in health related settings. For an academic career in research and/or teaching, a Ph.D. degree is required.
Licensure/Certification
Certification requirements for exercise physiologists in most states are not well established. However, for those interested in employment other than an academic career, the certification for exercise test technologist, exercise specialist, or health/fitness director is available through the American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM’s highest certification is program director. Continuing education hours are required every four years for recertification.
Salary
According to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics Center, exercise physiologists earned $43,323 annually in 2009.