3 answers
Coby
Student
Emporia, Kansas
1
Question
Updated
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How was the studying to be an exercise physiologist like and when you get a job how does it look like?
I’m thinking about being an exercise physiologist but I don’t know how it exactly looks like. So I would like to know some inside information that would broaden my view of it.
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3 answers
Andrew Gibson, PhD(c), EP-C
Exercise Physiologiat
4
Answers
Daytona Beach, Florida
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hello there my friend,
I will answer this as best as I can. I am currently an exercise physiologist. There is a lot of misinformation regarding how to become an exercise physiologist. Currently there is only one organization that certifies you as an exercise physiologist. This would be the American College of Sports Medicine. They have a few different levels of Exercise Physiologist. At your most basic level, you have the exercise physiologist -certified or the EP-C. The EP-C is designed to be a "field professional". You will see EP-C working in the private sector or in the gyms/fitness facilities working with clients that have medically controlled cardiovascular/pulmonary and metabolic conditions. The next level beyond this is the clinical exercise physiologist who has a clinical affiliation with their title or the CEP. This position involves working in a clinical setting as the title suggest and you will see these professionals working in hospitals clinics and are not usually, if rarely, in the private sector. The last level of certification was dissolved and is known as the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist or the RCEP. Rather than a certification it was a designation which was a database that had international recognition. This was dissolved and now exercise physiologists are either CEPs or EP-Cs. To be an EP-C you need to submit an application and take a proctored exam through a vendor. The study materials can vary in cost, but the examinee should expect to invest anywhere from 400-1200 dollars depending on the materials they need. The average examinee needs a bachelor's degree in a science focus to sit for the exam and does not necessarily need to be in exercise. The more advanced certifications such at the CEP require clinical experience and the application contains more formal explanations on what those are but for clarification's sake you need domains of knowledge and hours of exposure in those domains. These domains are such things as: cardiac, neurology, immunology, pulmonary, etc. It is expected that if an individual is clinical that they are synthesizing this experience as a clinician, and it innately comes with the job. I can speak from my own experience I was denied my CEP exam application because I was not a hospital employee but a self-employed individual but had time with various MDs and it still was not the same. You submit your package to the ACSM board, and it's an individual review basis based on their discretion. ACSM exercise physiologists are a prestigious group, and they are vetted at the CEP level. the EP-C level is not as closely gatekept, but this is just my experience with the process as a clinical professional and a member of the ACSM organization. There is not much more to add other than the CEP does require 1200 hours and a bachelor's degree or 600 hours and a master's degree if you are sitting for the exam. The combination of these hours is in reference to the domains I have mentioned in the various fields of medicine you will need to be exposed to. Expect to invest at least 6 months to a year at a hospital either as a volunteer or as a worker before you purse this prestigious certification. Also, even the EP-C is a challenging exam and none the questions that I reviewed for when on the test and they were largely from the degree program I went to college for so keep that in mind.
I will answer this as best as I can. I am currently an exercise physiologist. There is a lot of misinformation regarding how to become an exercise physiologist. Currently there is only one organization that certifies you as an exercise physiologist. This would be the American College of Sports Medicine. They have a few different levels of Exercise Physiologist. At your most basic level, you have the exercise physiologist -certified or the EP-C. The EP-C is designed to be a "field professional". You will see EP-C working in the private sector or in the gyms/fitness facilities working with clients that have medically controlled cardiovascular/pulmonary and metabolic conditions. The next level beyond this is the clinical exercise physiologist who has a clinical affiliation with their title or the CEP. This position involves working in a clinical setting as the title suggest and you will see these professionals working in hospitals clinics and are not usually, if rarely, in the private sector. The last level of certification was dissolved and is known as the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist or the RCEP. Rather than a certification it was a designation which was a database that had international recognition. This was dissolved and now exercise physiologists are either CEPs or EP-Cs. To be an EP-C you need to submit an application and take a proctored exam through a vendor. The study materials can vary in cost, but the examinee should expect to invest anywhere from 400-1200 dollars depending on the materials they need. The average examinee needs a bachelor's degree in a science focus to sit for the exam and does not necessarily need to be in exercise. The more advanced certifications such at the CEP require clinical experience and the application contains more formal explanations on what those are but for clarification's sake you need domains of knowledge and hours of exposure in those domains. These domains are such things as: cardiac, neurology, immunology, pulmonary, etc. It is expected that if an individual is clinical that they are synthesizing this experience as a clinician, and it innately comes with the job. I can speak from my own experience I was denied my CEP exam application because I was not a hospital employee but a self-employed individual but had time with various MDs and it still was not the same. You submit your package to the ACSM board, and it's an individual review basis based on their discretion. ACSM exercise physiologists are a prestigious group, and they are vetted at the CEP level. the EP-C level is not as closely gatekept, but this is just my experience with the process as a clinical professional and a member of the ACSM organization. There is not much more to add other than the CEP does require 1200 hours and a bachelor's degree or 600 hours and a master's degree if you are sitting for the exam. The combination of these hours is in reference to the domains I have mentioned in the various fields of medicine you will need to be exposed to. Expect to invest at least 6 months to a year at a hospital either as a volunteer or as a worker before you purse this prestigious certification. Also, even the EP-C is a challenging exam and none the questions that I reviewed for when on the test and they were largely from the degree program I went to college for so keep that in mind.
Zachary Kildea
Doctor of Chiropractic Student
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
Dear Coby,
I trust this message reaches you in good health. I recently completed my Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University. I thought it would be beneficial to share some insights about the major, including its advantages and drawbacks.
Advantages:
- Undergraduate programs in Exercise Physiology often provide excellent foundations for students interested in medical, chiropractic, or graduate school.
- It provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in executing exercise testing techniques.
- You'll gain a deep understanding of the scientific principles of exercise and the physiological benefits it offers.
Drawbacks:
- The job market for non-clinical exercise physiologists (which you'll likely be without a master's or doctorate degree in the field) is quite limited. I suggest you search "exercise physiologist jobs near me" on Google to get a sense of the available opportunities.
- Difficult course work (could be an advantage depending on how you look at it... but most undergradute college students usually perfer to have easier courses).
Different individuals may have varying perspectives, but this is my personal take. Despite the challenges, I have no regrets about choosing Exercise Physiology as my major. I would encourage you to consider it too, but only if you're planning to proceed to graduate school or become an expert personal trainer.
Best of luck, my friend. Keep moving forward and see where your journey leads you!
Best Regards,
Zach
Get involved in exercise science research at your university to gain experience.
I trust this message reaches you in good health. I recently completed my Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University. I thought it would be beneficial to share some insights about the major, including its advantages and drawbacks.
Advantages:
- Undergraduate programs in Exercise Physiology often provide excellent foundations for students interested in medical, chiropractic, or graduate school.
- It provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in executing exercise testing techniques.
- You'll gain a deep understanding of the scientific principles of exercise and the physiological benefits it offers.
Drawbacks:
- The job market for non-clinical exercise physiologists (which you'll likely be without a master's or doctorate degree in the field) is quite limited. I suggest you search "exercise physiologist jobs near me" on Google to get a sense of the available opportunities.
- Difficult course work (could be an advantage depending on how you look at it... but most undergradute college students usually perfer to have easier courses).
Different individuals may have varying perspectives, but this is my personal take. Despite the challenges, I have no regrets about choosing Exercise Physiology as my major. I would encourage you to consider it too, but only if you're planning to proceed to graduate school or become an expert personal trainer.
Best of luck, my friend. Keep moving forward and see where your journey leads you!
Best Regards,
Zach
Zachary recommends the following next steps:
Liana Ho
Graphic Designer
38
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Liana’s Answer
Hi Coby,
If you're looking forward to pursuing your career as an exercise physiologist, then you should do some research. I can assist you! You will typically need a BA degree in the field of exercise physiology. You may consider earning a degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, and kinesiology. You will need to get a Master's degree in a health-related discipline. Exercise Physiologists benefit patients with chronic diseases. They provide an exercise regimen that is beneficial to strengthen their overall health. There are also personal trainers and athletic trainers. I hope this helps! Good luck!
If you're looking forward to pursuing your career as an exercise physiologist, then you should do some research. I can assist you! You will typically need a BA degree in the field of exercise physiology. You may consider earning a degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, and kinesiology. You will need to get a Master's degree in a health-related discipline. Exercise Physiologists benefit patients with chronic diseases. They provide an exercise regimen that is beneficial to strengthen their overall health. There are also personal trainers and athletic trainers. I hope this helps! Good luck!