Do you want to help people improve their health through the science of exercise? Exercise physiologists are healthcare professionals who use exercise as medicine to help people recover from illness and manage chronic diseases. This guide will show you the clear path to becoming an exercise physiologist.
What is an Exercise Physiologist?
An exercise physiologist is a health professional who uses exercise to help people improve their well-being. They work in clinical settings like hospitals and rehabilitation centers, creating safe exercise programs for patients with heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. They conduct fitness tests, monitor patients during exercise, and work alongside doctors as part of healthcare teams.
Steps to Becoming an Exercise Physiologist
From classroom learning to real-world experience, discover the path to becoming a skilled exercise physiologist.
Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
Begin your Exercise Science degree at Webber International University. You’ll learn how the body works, how it responds to exercise, and how to create fitness and nutrition plans that improve performance and health.
The program combines classroom study with hands-on practice using tools such as heart monitors and testing machines. Small classes mean more personal support from professors who help you get ready for real-world fitness and health careers.
Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience
While earning your degree, you need hands-on clinical experience. At Webber, you’ll complete internships in fitness and sports performance settings where you work directly with clients under professional supervision. This experience prepares you for the healthcare environment, helps you apply classroom knowledge to real situations, and counts toward the clinical hours you’ll need for certification later.
Step 3: Pursue a Master’s Degree
To work as a clinical exercise physiologist in most healthcare settings, you’ll need a master’s degree in exercise physiology. Graduate programs typically take two years and focus specifically on working with clinical populations. You’ll study advanced exercise physiology, chronic disease management, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, and metabolic disorders. This advanced education qualifies you for clinical positions in hospitals and medical centers, where you’ll work with patients with severe health conditions.
Step 4: Obtain Clinical Certification
To work in clinical settings, you need certification.
What you need:
- Master’s degree in exercise physiology
- 600 hours of clinical experience with patients
- Current CPR/AED certification
- Pass the certification exam
This certification proves you have the clinical knowledge and skills to work safely with patients who have cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and other medical conditions.
Step 5: Begin Your Clinical Career
With your education, experience, and certification complete, you’re ready to start your career as an exercise physiologist.
Where exercise physiologists work:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs help heart patients recover
- Pulmonary rehabilitation centers working with lung disease patients
- Metabolic clinics assisting diabetes patients
- Sports medicine clinics helping athletes recover
- Corporate wellness programs design health initiatives
Essential Skills for Success
To succeed as an exercise physiologist, you need these key skills:
- Clinical knowledge– to understand how diseases affect the body and how exercise helps manage them.
- Communication skills– to explain health information clearly to patients.
- Attention to detail– to monitor patients carefully during exercise and notice warning signs.
- Analytical ability– to interpret data like blood pressure and lab results.
- Critical thinking– to adjust exercise plans based on each patient’s health condition.
Why Choose Webber International University?
Webber’s Sports Performance, Health, and Fitness program builds a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition for advanced study in exercise physiology. Through hands-on internships and small classes, you’ll gain practical skills, clinical experience, and personal guidance to design safe, effective exercise programs for all individuals.
Becoming an exercise physiologist is a clear, achievable goal. Earn your degree at Webber International University, gain internship experience, complete your master’s, and get certified to help people improve their health through exercise. Contact Webber’s admissions office to begin your journey.