Career Overview
Jobs with an exercise physiology degree – Exercise physiologists are healthcare professionals who use exercise and physical activity to improve the health and well-being of individuals. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, fitness centers, and research institutions.
Individuals with an exercise physiology degree can pursue various roles in healthcare, fitness, and research. For those interested in accounting, obtaining an associate’s degree in the field can open up opportunities in jobs with an associate’s degree in accounting , such as accounting clerk, tax preparer, or financial analyst.
However, for those seeking advanced roles in exercise physiology, pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree is recommended.
Common job titles for exercise physiologists include:
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Exercise physiologist
- Fitness specialist
- Health coach
Exercise physiologists typically work with individuals who have chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. They develop and implement exercise programs that are tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
Exercise physiologists may also find opportunities in related fields such as jobs with an associate degree in accounting , where they can apply their knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to develop and implement accounting systems that promote health and well-being.
Education and Training
To become an exercise physiologist, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field. Coursework typically includes:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biochemistry
- Exercise physiology
- Kinesiology
- Nutrition
- Psychology
In addition to coursework, exercise physiologists must also complete an internship. Internships provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with clients under the supervision of a qualified exercise physiologist.
With an exercise physiology degree, you can pursue various career paths. Some roles, such as those in fitness and wellness, may offer salaries of around $25 an hour. Explore jobs with 25 an hour to discover potential opportunities. Exercise physiologists can also work in healthcare settings, research, or education, with salaries varying based on experience and specialization.
Skills and Qualifications
Exercise physiologists need a strong foundation in exercise science and physiology. They must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Other important skills include:
- Critical thinking skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork skills
- Physical fitness
Specializations and Certifications
Exercise physiologists can specialize in a variety of areas, including:
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Clinical exercise physiology
- Sports performance
- Weight management
Certifications are available in each of these areas. Certifications demonstrate that exercise physiologists have the knowledge and skills to work in a specific area of practice.
Careers in exercise physiology can lead to diverse roles in health promotion, rehabilitation, and fitness. For those interested in environmental science, jobs with an ecology and evolution degree offer opportunities to study the interactions between organisms and their environment. Exercise physiologists can apply their knowledge of human physiology to develop fitness programs that promote health and well-being, while ecologists and evolutionary biologists use their expertise to address environmental challenges and protect biodiversity.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for exercise physiologists is expected to be good over the next decade. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, is expected to drive demand for qualified exercise physiologists.
While exercise physiologists typically require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, those with an associate’s degree can find entry-level roles as fitness trainers or exercise specialists. For individuals seeking a career in psychology, an associate’s degree can lead to jobs such as mental health assistants or behavioral technicians.
Exercise physiologists with an associate’s degree may also work as rehabilitation aides or fitness consultants.
The median annual salary for exercise physiologists was $52,210 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,440, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $82,480.
Career Advancement, Jobs with an exercise physiology degree
Exercise physiologists can advance their careers by pursuing leadership roles or specializing in a particular area of practice. They can also become involved in research or teaching.
With experience, exercise physiologists can become:
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Director of rehabilitation services
- Exercise physiologist manager
- Professor
- Researcher
Concluding Remarks: Jobs With An Exercise Physiology Degree
With a solid foundation in exercise science, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning, individuals with an exercise physiology degree are well-equipped to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and make a meaningful contribution to the field.
Whether aspiring to work with elite athletes, guide individuals through rehabilitation, or conduct groundbreaking research, an exercise physiology degree opens doors to a rewarding career dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others.
Essential FAQs
What are the common job titles for exercise physiologists?
Exercise physiologists may hold titles such as Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist, Sports Performance Coach, and Fitness Director.
What are the salary expectations for exercise physiologists?
Salaries vary based on experience, location, and specialization, but the median annual wage for exercise physiologists is around $50,000.
Is certification necessary for exercise physiologists?
While not always required, obtaining certifications such as the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) can enhance credibility and career prospects.
What are the career advancement opportunities for exercise physiologists?
Exercise physiologists can advance to leadership roles in clinical settings, research, or academia. They may also pursue specialized areas such as cardiac rehabilitation or sports nutrition.
Individuals with an exercise physiology degree can pursue diverse career paths. For those seeking non-teaching roles, jobs in education abound. These include educational administration, curriculum development, and student counseling. Nevertheless, the field of exercise physiology offers a wide array of opportunities, encompassing clinical research, corporate wellness, and athletic training.
Exercise physiologists often work in fitness centers, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Their responsibilities may include developing and implementing exercise programs, monitoring patients’ progress, and providing guidance on nutrition and lifestyle changes. Similar to exercise physiologists, accounting associates also play a vital role in various industries.
They perform tasks such as preparing financial statements, maintaining accounting records, and assisting with audits. To learn more about careers in accounting, explore jobs with an accounting associate’s degree. Exercise physiologists, on the other hand, require a strong understanding of human physiology, exercise science, and nutrition.
Exercise physiologists, who specialize in exercise science, can find lucrative opportunities in various fields. These professionals, with their expertise in human movement and fitness, are sought after in healthcare, fitness, and research settings. Notably, many jobs with an exercise physiology degree also fall under the category of jobs with 20 an hour , making them an attractive option for those seeking well-compensated careers in the field of exercise physiology.