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Exercise Physiology

Occupational Description

Exercise Physiology is a discipline that includes clinical exercise physiology and applied exercise physiology. Applied Exercise Physiologists manage programs to assess, design, and implement individual and group exercise and fitness programs for apparently healthy individuals and individuals with controlled disease. Clinical Exercise Physiologists work under the direction of a physician in the application of physical activity and behavioral interventions in clinical situations where they have been scientifically proven to provide therapeutic or functional benefit.

Employment Characteristics

As a clinical part of the health and wellness team, Exercise Physiologists can work with Personal Fitness Trainers, Exercise Science Professionals, and physicians in cardiac rehabilitation, typically in a hospital or clinical setting. Exercise Physiologists work with clients who have been diagnosed with a chronic metabolic, pulmonary, or cardiac disease.

Educational Programs

Length: Exercise Physiologist programs can be completed in a two year Master’s degree level program.

Prerequisites: Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent, meet the specific institutional entrance requirements, and have a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.

Curriculum: Exercise Physiologist programs will include a comprehensive academic curriculum and at least one culminating internship experience.

Certification/Registration

ACSM – American College of Sports Medicine
401 W. Michigan St. 
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-637-9200
Website: www.acsm.org

NSCA – National Strength and Conditioning Association
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone: 800-815-6826
Website: www.nsca.com

NASM – National Academy of Sports Medicine
26632 Agoura Road 
Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone: 800-460-6276
Website: www.nasm.org

The Cooper Institute
12330 Preston Road
Dallas Texas 75230
Phone: 972-341-3200
Website: www.cooperinstitute.org 

Careers/Curriculum

AAHPERD - American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, 
Recreation, and Dance
1900 Association Dr
Reston, VA 20191-1598
Phone: 800-213-7193
Website: www.aahperd.org

AACVPR - American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
401 North Michigan Ave. Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-321-5146
Website: www.aacvpr.org

MFA – Medical Fitness Association
P.O. Box 73103 
Richmond, VA 23235-8026
Phone: 804-327-0330
Website: www.medicalfitness.org

AKTA – American Kinesiotherapy Association
CCB-KT
P.O.Box 1390
Hines, IL 60141-1390 
Phone: 800-296-2582
Website: www.akta.org