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Job outlook for exercise physiologists in the United States
Exercise physiologist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected exercise physiologist job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 1,900 new jobs for exercise physiologists are projected over the next decade.
Exercise physiologist salaries have increased 6% for exercise physiologists in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,503 exercise physiologists currently employed in the United States.
There are 38,633 active exercise physiologist job openings in the US.
The average exercise physiologist salary is $49,399.
Are exercise physiologist jobs in demand?
Exercise physiologist job and salary trends over time
Exercise physiologist jobs over time
Exercise physiologist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,503 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,949 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 6,901 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,389 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,972 | 0.00% |
Average exercise physiologist salary over time
Exercise physiologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,399 | $23.75 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $48,308 | $23.23 | --0.2% |
| 2023 | $48,406 | $23.27 | +0.4% |
| 2022 | $48,230 | $23.19 | +3.7% |
| 2021 | $46,510 | $22.36 | +0.7% |
Exercise physiologist jobs by state
Most common states for exercise physiologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 98 | 16% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 155 | 12% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 97 | 9% |
| 4 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 148 | 8% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 69 | 8% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 58 | 8% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 49 | 8% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 132 | 7% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 66 | 7% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 50 | 7% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 439 | 6% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 189 | 6% |
| 13 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 161 | 6% |
| 14 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 130 | 6% |
| 15 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 75 | 6% |
| 16 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 63 | 6% |
| 17 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 307 | 5% |
| 18 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 290 | 5% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 185 | 5% |
| 20 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 149 | 5% |
Most common cities for exercise physiologists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salisbury | 2 | 6% | $45,383 |
| 2 | Pontiac | 2 | 3% | $46,571 |
| 3 | Bangor | 1 | 3% | $42,229 |
| 4 | Burlingame | 1 | 3% | $65,898 |
| 5 | Coeur dAlene | 1 | 2% | $52,699 |
| 6 | Dublin | 1 | 2% | $65,693 |
| 7 | Appleton | 1 | 1% | $57,297 |
| 8 | Arlington Heights | 1 | 1% | $50,425 |
| 9 | Berkeley | 1 | 1% | $65,853 |
| 10 | Clinton | 1 | 1% | $46,614 |
| 11 | Houston | 4 | 0% | $42,279 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $45,451 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $49,909 |
| 14 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $65,318 |
| 15 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $44,143 |
| 16 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $50,434 |
Exercise Physiologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of exercise physiologist experts
University of Kentucky
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Ohio University
Wichita State University
Western New Mexico University
William Paterson University
William Paterson University
Methodist University
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Utah Valley University
Midwestern State University
Henry Ford Hospital
What general advice would you give to an Exercise Physiologist?
Rosie Lanphere Ph.D., C.S.C.S.: Careers in Exercise Science can range from positions at a local gym to working with athletes and coaches in international sports. A bachelor’s degree in this field is very versatile because of the basic science focus and the applied science practical skills you have probably acquired in your major courses. The best advice I can give to students in this field is to gain credible certifications and licenses from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These are globally regarded organizations and credentials and will soon become the standard for employment. In 2030, only students that graduate from NSCA and ACSM accredited programs will be able to sit for certification exams offered by these organizations which will strengthen your attractiveness for employment if attained.
What Exercise Physiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rosie Lanphere Ph.D., C.S.C.S.: To maximize your potential for salary it is important to collect as many volunteer and internship experiences as possible. Experience will be the major factor in salary negotiations but unfortunately, as a new graduate you may have little paid experience. As a student or new graduate, volunteering is a wonderful way to network and gain the trust and respect of potential for hiring. It also helps you to determine if that career is right for you. Be on-time, have a great attitude, and approach the business with a “how can I help your company” perspective and you will see how much easier it will be for you to succeed.
What will help Exercise Physiologists increase their earning potential?
Rosie Lanphere Ph.D., C.S.C.S.: As mentioned previously, certifications and licenses will be vital for those wishing to gain employment very soon. Depending on the type of certification, skills can range from demonstrating and recognizing proper resistance training techniques for strength and conditioning coaches to ECG interpretation in clinical exercise physiology settings. Exercise testing and interpretation for the 5 components of fitness (i.e. body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, flexibility, and neuromotor fitness) are also important to understand and be proficient in.
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to an Exercise Physiologist?
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in Exercise Science, students should consider investing in advanced degrees and certifications along with specialized skills to help distinguish themselves from others in the field. Gaining practical experiences through volunteer opportunities, internships, field-related jobs, and professional organizations will help build a strong resume while establishing a professional network. Staying up-to-date with the latest research and technological advancements will also make students more appealing. In addition, students should always be prepared to negotiate their salary by confidently presenting their qualifications and the unique value they bring to their job.
What Exercise Physiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D: In the next 3-5 years, skills in data analytics and technological integration will become increasingly vital across all sectors of Exercise Science, including clinical, corporate, fitness, and sport industries. As wearable devices, fitness apps, and other technology become more advanced, the ability to analyze and interpret the data will be imperative for creating more personalized and effective programs. In addition, virtual coaching and telehealth services will grow in importance, necessitating proficiency in remote communication and program management. An in-depth understanding of exercise physiology and biomechanics will also be essential for developing evidence-based practices that can enhance performance, improve health outcomes, and optimize wellness initiatives.
What will help Exercise Physiologists increase their earning potential?
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D: Starting a career in Exercise Science is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. My advice to new graduates is to never stop learning. Stay updated with the latest research and pursue masters or doctoral degrees and relevant certifications to enhance your knowledge, skills and abilities. As an Exercise Science major at Slippery Rock University, students develop critical thinking skills through a comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, exercise physiology, physics, biomechanics, and chemistry. These foundational sciences are applied to areas like aerobic and resistance training leadership, fitness assessment, program design, wellness coaching, and nutrition along with preparing them for complex roles in clinical settings while working with special populations. A transition part of their education involves working as a personal trainer for a semester under faculty guidance before completing a 480-hour internship at a fitness, sport performance, corporate, or clinical location. These experiences are crucial for their professional growth prior to graduation. However, achieving this level of education is just the beginning. Graduates must commit to continually learning, gaining hands-on experiences, and refining their communication skills so that they can build a successful and fulfilling career in Exercise Science.
What general advice would you give to an Exercise Physiologist?
Angela Hillman PhD, EPC: Create connections and network – get the word out about what you do! Many individuals do not know what an exercise physiologist is, what their knowledge base is or the skills they possess. Exercise physiology is often a heavy science-based degree and thus graduates are well versed in the human body (anatomy) and the inner workings (physiology) and know how these things change with exercise (or lack thereof). Spread the word about what you know, what you can do and work with people of diverse backgrounds to improve your skills.
What Exercise Physiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Angela Hillman PhD, EPC: Empathy, communication, and problem solving. Everyone is coming to you from a different place in life – having empathy and understanding of that will get you extremely far in working with people. Communicating effectively, spending time with clients and patients and bringing the science down to an understandable level is super important. Solving problems is critical – clients won’t always feel exactly the same each time they come so you’ll have to problem solve and be adaptable.
What will help Exercise Physiologists increase their earning potential?
Angela Hillman PhD, EPC: Gain certifications that mean something to the industry (such as ACSM or ACE), gain skills that will help you reach a wider audience (dry needling, myofascial release), offer services that others aren’t – like group resistance training classes for women or in-home personal training, network and attend conferences and gain continuing education credits to keep you up to date and engaged.
What general advice would you give to an Exercise Physiologist?
Heidi Bell PhD, CPT, CNG: Acquire the necessary certifications (credible certifications) to complement and enhance your qualifications above and beyond the college degree. I believe it is also important for one to understand where their passion lies and be/become the "expert" in that area. As an exercise physiologist you hold a breadth of knowledge and understanding across a broad spectrum of the human body in relation of health, nutrition, functional movement, physiological responses (aging, exercise, disease...) and more but within this wealth of knowledge find the niche that excites you and begin to specialize in that area(s). Exercise Science/Kinesiology is a very competitive industry and building a strong portfolio that highlights one's unique qualifications compared to the competition will invite a more competitive starting package. Also, be confident, not arrogant but confident in who you are and what you bring to the company.
What Exercise Physiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Heidi Bell PhD, CPT, CNG: One will need to be confident is using technology and possibly even programming. AI and Virtual Reality, in addition to apps, wearables, cutting-edge equipment, are already entering the field and will be everyday tools in the next 3-5 years. It will be important to understand how to incorporate the technology into one's practice. To be intentional and impactful in its use and have the ability to incorporate the technology as a complimentary tool and not a replacement to good quality, knowledgeable applied practice.
What will help Exercise Physiologists increase their earning potential?
Heidi Bell PhD, CPT, CNG: Remain open to continuing to learn and be adaptive. This industry is always evolving and introducing exciting new approaches and practices to elevate not only the process but one's outcome.
Dr. Imran Kayani
Clinical Exercise PhysiologistWhat general advice would you give to an Exercise Physiologist?
Dr. Imran Kayani: The advice to the beginners who want to pursue their careers in the respective field is that they should try to get the proper qualification that is either BS or MS in Exercise Science. Also have a good knowledge of EKG. Take an additional course of EKG in case it is not part of the Curriculum. Also get the BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from AHA (American Heart Association).
What Exercise Physiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Imran Kayani: The important skills that will be required in the next 3-5 years in the respective field are related to AI (Artificial Intelligence) as it is becoming quite widespread in all domains. Also the virtual technology that is managing your work remotely and assisting your patients simultaneously at different locations. There are several organizations that are making the related devices, try to visit them and get the know-how.
What will help Exercise Physiologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Imran Kayani: The factors that can help you to excel in the respective field are doing additional qualifications like ACSM-CEP certification (American College of Sports Medicine-Clinical Exercise Physiologist), and also keep on updating your knowledge related to the latest advancements by becoming ACSM member and attending in-person seminars and online ACSM modules and webinars.
Garrett Peltonen
Assistant Professor of KinesiologyWestern New Mexico University
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What general advice would you give to an Exercise Physiologist?
Garrett Peltonen: Kinesiology is broadly defined as the study of human movement. Thus, someone in Kinesiology will work with various populations to increase and improve moment. Populations can range from older adults who want to add exercise to their lives or rehabilatate from an injury, to promoting exercise among children, to maximizing performance in elite athletes.
What Exercise Physiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Garrett Peltonen: As the American College of Sports Medicine says, 'exercise is medicine.' Thus, helping people become more active and witnessing improvements in their physical and mental health is extremely rewarding. On the contrary, it is often difficult to overcome the barriers of modern society to increase physical activity. These barriers primarily include a lack of physical activity infrastructure and lack of social support.
What will help Exercise Physiologists increase their earning potential?
Garrett Peltonen: Exercise is the single best thing that individuals can do to improve their physical and mental health. Given that approximately 70% of the US population is either overweight or obese, the time to get individuals to exercise is now.
Toni LaSala Ph.D.
Internship Coordinator, Exercise ScienceWilliam Paterson University
Department of Kinesiology
What skills stand out on Exercise Physiologist resumes?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: For an Exercise Physiologist working in Cardiac Rehab:
-Experience working with clients in Phase 2 and Phase 3 Cardiac rehabilitation
-Knowledge in assessments (subjective and objective) by going over medical history, assess risk factors at rest and during exercise
-Working knowledge of Cardiac Stress Testing
-Develop appropriate individualized exercise programs
-Demonstrate and lead proper exercises to improve patient's health
What soft skills should all Exercise Physiologists possess?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: Students need to be compassionate and have great communication skills to be able to speak and listen to patients/clients for a variety of reasons. Some patients/clients like to talk about themselves and just want a listening ear and to hear what they are saying regarding their overall day to day activities as it relates to their health. They also need to communicate with the health care team.
They must possess strong written skills as they need to track all aspects of the patient/client visits.
Knowledge of how to use a computer.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Exercise Physiologists?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: -Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science
-Knowledge in reading EKG's,
-Proficient in taking blood pressure
-Measuring pulse oxygen levels and heart rate
-Cardiopulmonary stress testing
-Knowledge in performing appropriate body composition methods
-Knowledge of how to prescribe exercise programming to those with special consideration (e.g., osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, pre and post-transplantation, metabolic disease, lung disorders, cancer, etc.)
-Working directly with patients to assist in lifestyle and behavior change
What skills will help Exercise Physiologists earn the most?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: Additional related certifications such as:
-American College of Sports Medicines Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)
-American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
-American Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist (CCRP)
Toni LaSala Ph.D.
Internship Coordinator, Exercise ScienceWilliam Paterson University
Department of Kinesiology
What skills stand out on Exercise Physiologist resumes?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: For an Exercise Physiologist working in Cardiac Rehab:
-Experience working with clients in Phase 2 and Phase 3 Cardiac rehabilitation
-Knowledge in assessments (subjective and objective) by going over medical history, assess risk factors at rest and during exercise
-Working knowledge of Cardiac Stress Testing
-Develop appropriate individualized exercise programs
-Demonstrate and lead proper exercises to improve patient's health
What soft skills should all Exercise Physiologists possess?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: Students need to be compassionate and have great communication skills to be able to speak and listen to patients/clients for a variety of reasons. Some patients/clients like to talk about themselves and just want a listening ear and to hear what they are saying regarding their overall day to day activities as it relates to their health. They also need to communicate with the health care team.
They must possess strong written skills as they need to track all aspects of the patient/client visits.
Knowledge of how to use a computer.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Exercise Physiologists?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: -Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science
-Knowledge in reading EKG's,
-Proficient in taking blood pressure
-Measuring pulse oxygen levels and heart rate
-Cardiopulmonary stress testing
-Knowledge in performing appropriate body composition methods
-Knowledge of how to prescribe exercise programming to those with special consideration (e.g., osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, pre and post-transplantation, metabolic disease, lung disorders, cancer, etc.)
-Working directly with patients to assist in lifestyle and behavior change
What skills will help Exercise Physiologists earn the most?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: Additional related certifications such as:
-American College of Sports Medicines Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)
-American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
-American Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist (CCRP)
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Exercise Physiologists?
Grayson Lipford Ph.D.: Yes. The fitness industry was hard-hit by the virus. Fitness centers were some of the first businesses to be locked down and last to be allowed to open. In academic settings, sports, including strength and conditioning, were also shut down. This has caused a wave of bankruptcies and closures across the country, especially since many fitness centers were small businesses running on tight margins.
However, as the country claws its way out of the pandemic, there is great hope for the industry.
First, many of the precautions needed for avoiding COVID infection were already being used by fitness centers since our field is well-aware of the dangers of infectious diseases. Purpose built fitness centers are designed with HVAC systems that create more air exchanges than regular commercial buildings and exchange indoor for outdoor air to a greater extent. Fitness centers also are typically diligent about cleaning, even before the pandemic and have simply increased the frequency of cleanings. However, most evidence points to surface transmission as being a minor method of transmission, especially if individuals wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer. (See this article in Nature: Nature )
Simply put, fitness centers may be safter than other business where patrons spend time, such as restaurants, as long as the members use masks and social distance while exercising.
This, however, is small comfort for businesses that went under during the early stages. So right now, employment may be harder to find temporarily. But, for young entrepreneurs, the market may be much more open to new fitness businesses since competition may be diminished. There is an increased opportunity to gain a foothold in the market, especially if business diversify their offerings into areas such as options for home-based video-driven workouts, outdoor areas for fitness and other practices that may be safer for some. New graduates should be looking to develop skills in these areas to be competitive in the marketplace.
What's a day at work look like for an Exercise Physiologist?
Grayson Lipford Ph.D.: The opportunities for graduates in the Kinesiology/Exercise and Sport Science field are many and varied. Graduates may pursue careers in commercial fitness, strength and conditioning in an academic setting, community health education, or pursue graduate degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Medicine, Dentistry, or other health-related fields. Therefore, it's difficult to say what a day at work will look like since jobs can be so varied. However, expect that, obviously, more time will be spent on cleaning at the site and more remote work, such as video-based meetings with clients and patients. Skill at using technology has always been important but the recent events have emphasized this. Also, being agile and able to quickly adapt to changing environments is key. There will continue to be changes in procedures and regulation and the ability to "roll with the punches" is important.
What technical skills for an Exercise Physiologist stand out to employers?
Grayson Lipford Ph.D.: Although the ability to design and implement training programs that are effective at helping clients and patients reach their goals while simultaneously motivating them to adhere to their program is has always been the crux of what we do, additional technology skills are becoming increasingly important. The ability to market using social media, where most people get fitness information from, for marketing has been implemented for years, but now being able to deliver products and services through a variety of pathways, most involving technology, is a growing area. Communications skills, although not technical, so to speak, are some of the most important "soft-skills" for those in Kinesiology/Exercise and Sport Science to possess.
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Exercise ScienceThe University of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Kinesiology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Exercise Physiologists?
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.: I think it is safe to say the pandemic will have a lasting effect on all of us. We have had to adjust the way we attend class, the way we study, and the way we test. Some of the changes will have a positive impact on future attempts, while some adjustments have helped highlight some aspects that aren't favorable. For graduates who have had their senior year impacted by the pandemic, I think there are some real positives. The recent graduates have had to learn to be more flexible and accommodating, as 2020 was a series of unknowns. The recent graduates have also had to improve their intrinsic motivation and time-management skills, as there wasn't necessarily the daily reminders from the professor in the classroom. I remember telling my students in March when the pandemic first forced us online, "You'll have a story to tell your grandkids one day." Now that we are almost a full year into the pandemic, those words strike even more true.
What type of skills will young Exercise Physiologists need?
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.: New graduates will have to learn to be accommodating and flexible to whatever the world may throw our way. If 2020 has told us nothing else, it is to expect the unexpected. Students from 2020 became graduates by having to be flexible to a new learning environment, accomodating to revised assignments, and learning new technologies along the way. The skills of being adaptable will be needed in virtually all fields for the foreseeable future, and the tribulations that 2020 classrooms endured will make many recent graduates better equipped to be successful.
What experience really stands out on Exercise Physiologist resumes?
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.: At UAH, we have a dedicated research component for all of our seniors, and most of our graduates come away having conducted thesis-caliber work as part of a small research group. More and more, research experience is being valued on resumes and applications. Even if a student never does another research project after they leave our program, I am a firm believer that the two-semester group research experience will make them more successful in their professional goals. They have to learn to comb through the literature and synthesize the material. They have to learn to work well as part of a group. They have to collect and analyze their data. They have to present their findings. Whether they continue in human performance assessment or not, the skills of synthesizing information, strategizing effective group work and management, organizing information, and presenting your work will be present in virtually any professional realm.
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUtah Valley University
Department of Exercise Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Exercise Physiologist job market given the pandemic?
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.: Our primary students are going into health related fields, including exercise, fitness, and therapy/medicine. I think what we have seen in the past years will be accelerated, and that is the idea of the nontraditional exercise and therapy approach. It will be fun to see the creativity that will develop as individuals try and get exercise and therapy at home and in nontraditional gym settings. Telemedicine will need to improve and allow individuals to stay healthy on their own time, in their way, and without large groups.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Exercise Physiologists in the next 3-5 years?
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.: I am excited to see how the ability to detect movement and health will continue to improve. Activity monitors can do everything from HR to simple EKG measurements. We have sleep tracking and physical activity tracking, and all of these things will need to get better. Wearable sensors that can put out fitness and essential health metrics will be the most crucial trend shortly. AS a part of that is an ability for exercise professions, therapists, and doctors to use these devices to gather data without having to see a patient. A therapist or doctor can get some basic idea of the range of motion of a joint, strength in a muscle, cardiovascular issues, sleep issues, and even essential brain activity.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Exercise Physiologists in the next 5 years?
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.: I think medicine, and therapy, and health will increase as we know more about these fields' long-term benefit. Preventative medicine in wellness and healthy living will see a massive increase in the coming years. As the baby boomer generation gets older, we will need great therapists to take them through therapy post-stroke or total joint replacement. But those who are successful in this will be those who think outside of the box. We need graduates in these fields who can forge their path and think of unique and creative ways to engage individuals in healthy living and also therapy and medicine when needed. I think technology will give our graduates the tools, but they will need to use problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills to use those tools to provide results.
What type of skills will young Exercise Physiologists need?
Frank Wyatt: Well, using the word "skills" is somewhat misleading. First and foremost, the greatest tool that Exercise Physiologists will have in the coming years is their knowledge base. The field is changing so rapidly that our scientific knowledge of exercise and the human body is broadening at an incredible pace. As it relates to skills, I would say that being able to apply the aforementioned knowledge base will be a skill. The field has become so sophisticated in terms of cellular, molecular, and genetic components that an individual will have to be "skillful" in relaying that information to the application. Lastly, laboratory skills (i.e., blood analysis, metabolic measurements, genetic identification) will be necessary.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Exercise Physiologists to find work opportunities?
Frank Wyatt: What I have witnessed, from my students, is that larger metropolitan areas generally provide better opportunities in a broader spectrum with higher pay.
How do you envision technology impacting Exercise Physiologists in the next 5 years?
Frank Wyatt: Technology is greatly impacting the field of Exercise Physiology. Measurement devices have become incredibly sophisticated and precise. This is actually in conjunction with the direction the field is taking and that being more clinical in nature.
Clinton Brawner Ph.D.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Core Laboratory Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular InstituteHenry Ford Hospital
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
What general advice would you give to an Exercise Physiologist?
Clinton Brawner Ph.D.: Hopefully, the individual is graduating from a program that had a clinical exercise physiology focus and culminated in a hands-on clinical internship, not just an observation. They should plan to take the Clinical Exercise Physiology certification offered by the American College of Sports Medicine certification. Clinical exercise internships should be treated as a first work experience and should be featured on the resume. Employment opportunities for clinical exercise physiologists (CEPs) vary by regions across the U.S. and between institutions, so employment opportunities will vary. Over the next 10 years, opportunities for CEPs may improve due to an increased focus on prevention and efforts to increase utilization of cardiac rehabilitation link. However, outside of cardiac rehabilitation and clinical exercise testing, the lack of reimbursement for CEP-led services is a barrier today; however, efforts are underway to address this. The new graduate may have to initially settle for a position that they feel is below their training or not their "dream job." The benefits of working in a less desired position that is in a clinical environment outweigh not working in a clinical environment. Similarly, working in a non-clinical exercise position is better than not working in the field (e.g., exercise) at all. Finally, the new graduate should develop a plan to stay up-to-date in the field by becoming a member of one or two professional organizations, registering to receive the electronic table of contents from a few professional journals, and look for continuing education opportunities, such as webinars and conferences.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Exercise Physiologists in the next 3-5 years?
Clinton Brawner Ph.D.: The ability to learn and work with task-specific software is critical. This might be the electronic medical record or the software that runs a clinical device, such as an exercise stress test system or an ECG telemetry monitoring system. Considering that progress notes are typed, good typing skills are an asset. Finally, experience with using Microsoft Office applications is important. The individual who knows how to use Excel or Access and how to organize data tables to capture and analyze programmatic data often has an advantage in the workplace.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Exercise Physiologists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Clinton Brawner Ph.D.: There is little data specific to the CEP. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not separate clinical and non-clinical exercise physiologists (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm). The CEPA has collected salary data from CEPs (attached). In general, starting salary for a bachelor's prepared CEP is likely $42k to $45k, with considerable variability across the U.S.