EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST


As more emphasis is placed on the preventive aspect of health care, there is an increasing demand for qualified persons to provide health and fitness education. Exercise physiology is the study of how people adapt to change in activity patterns. Physiologists are interested in how activity patterns affect diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as ways to improve athletic performance. They apply knowledge in the areas of kinesiology, functional anatomy, nutrition, psychology and injury prevention to perform fitness appraisals, exercise prescription, exercise supervision, exercise education, and exercise outcome evaluation.

Education

Training includes a four-year degree with an emphasis on exercise physiology. Most exercise physiology programs are found in traditional physical education departments. A masters degree will better prepare one for cardiac rehabilitation and corporate wellness.

Registration/Certification/Licensure

In Kentucky, as with almost all states, licensure is not required for exercise physiologists. The American College of Sports Medicine offers different levels of certification within two specific tracks. The "Health & Fitness Track" certifications include Exercise Leader, Health/Fitness Instructor, and Health/Fitness Director. The "Clinical Track" certifications are Exercise Specialist and Program Director. The National Strength & Conditioning Association offers designations as Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist.

Salary

$20,000-45,000

Employment Opportunities

Exercise physiologists work in a variety of settings. Some follow careers in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and corporate or hospital-based wellness programs. Others are involved in research at colleges and universities or the private sector. Employment may be found in health and fitness centers, sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, state and local government departments, voluntary health agencies, sports academies and institutes, sporting associations, professional associations, schools, universities, colleges, media and private practice.

Programs

Asbury College, Dept. of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Athletics (BA) (859) 858-3511
Berea College, Physical Education & Health (BA) (859) 986-9341
Campbellsville University, Health Promotion, Human Performance & Leisure(BS) (800) 264-6014
Eastern Kentucky University, Dept. of Exercise & Sports Science (BS, MS) (859) 622-1887
Georgetown College, Dept. of Kinesiology & Health Studies (BS) (800) 788-9985
Kentucky Wesleyan College, Dept of P.E. & Health, Fitness & Sport Management (BS)  (800) 999-0592
Morehead State University, Dept. of Health, Physical Education & Recreation (BA, MA)  (606) 783-2180
Murray State University, Dept. of Health, Physical Education & Recreation (BS, MA) (270) 762-6188
Thomas More College, Exercise Science (AS) (859) 341-5800
Transylvania University, Exercise Science (BS) (800) 872-679
University of Louisville, Dept. of Health Promotion, P.E. & Sport Studies (BS, MS) (502) 852-6645
University of Kentucky, Dept. of Kinesiology & Health Promotion (BA, MS, EdD)  (859) 257-5826
Western Kentucky University, Dept. of Physical Education & Recreation (BS) (270) 745-3347

Professional Associations

American College of Sports Medicine
P.O. Box 1440
Indianapolis, IN 46206-1440
(317) 637-9200		 National Strength & Conditioning Association
1640 L Street, Suite G
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
888-746-2378

Last updated:  June 25, 2001