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Exercise Physiologist

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Health Science cluster Therapeutic Services pathway.

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Exercise physiologists typically need at least a bachelor's degree. Degree programs include science and health-related courses, such as biology, anatomy, kinesiology, and nutrition, as well as clinical work.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Currently, there are no governing bodies that certify specific college or university programs in exercise physiology.

However, the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) does recommend students have a "strong science background so that the student can fully comprehend and appreciate the complexities of more advanced coursework in the exercise physiology area."

ASEP hopes to make accreditation the norm for exercise physiologists in the future. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) also offers accreditation, which can go a long way in distinguishing yourself from others when looking for a job.

ASEP recommends exercise physiology students consider the following courses to make up their basic science component: college algebra, college trigonometry, biology, human anatomy and physiology, general or cell biology, chemistry, physics and computer science.

A variety of exercise physiology courses are also required. These can include: first aid, movement anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, introductory and advanced exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, exercise biochemistry, sports nutrition, statistics and research design.

Extra Requirements

Louisiana is the only state that requires exercise physiologists to be licensed, although some states have pending legislation to create licensure requirements. The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) offers the Exercise Physiologist Certified (EPC) certification that physiologists can use to demonstrate their qualifications. 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.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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