Exercise physiologists study the authors of physical movement and treat different types of patients. Professionals in this field offer counseling to patients with a wide variety of difficulties, illnesses, and rehabilitation needs. To become a professional in this rewarding field in the United States, you will need a degree in exercise physiology (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate), and a certification by passing the exercise physiologist certification (EPC) exam.. College programs accredited by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) better prepare students for the EPC exam. However, graduates of any exercise physiology program are eligible to undertake it as long as they meet certain educational requirements.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Complete a Bachelor's Degree
Step 1. Choose a degree program
Take some time to imagine the type of job you want to have. Do you want to work in a hospital or a fitness center? Would you like to work with athletes or people who have suffered injuries? Is there something you want to specialize in? Once you have a clear picture, start looking for a bachelor's degree based on your needs. Read the web pages and credentials for each program to see what they focus on. When you have selected the correct program, complete the application.
- A strong program will have a good job placement rate for graduates.
- Look for a program that offers practical course work.
- Look for a program that provides work experience, such as an internship at a fitness center or the possibility of working at a rehab center.
- Any good program will have ASEP accreditation.
Step 2. Verify that the chosen program is accredited by the ASEP
ASEP stands for American Society of Exercise Physiologists in Spanish. Any bachelor's or master's degree program in exercise physiology will be accredited by the ASEP. Such accreditation in your degree will make it much easier for you to find a job after finishing your studies.
Step 3. Determine where you want to work
Exercise physiologists can work in hospitals, fitness centers, physical therapy clinics, cardiac rehab centers, and other settings. Where you want to work will determine the level of education you need, as well as the programs that may be right for you.
Step 4. Identify the level of education you want to obtain
In general, a master's degree in exercise physiology is a requirement for many professions. However, you may only need a bachelor's degree (in physical education, exercise science, or health science) to work in a community organization or at the community level. If you want to be a researcher or work at a university, you will need a doctorate.
- Determining the level of final education you want to obtain will help you choose the correct program.
- Some programs are designed to continue with graduate programs, while others are designed to begin to enter the world of work.
Step 5. Complete your bachelor's degree
Once you are accepted into a program, it will take you approximately four years to complete. As an exercise physiology student, you will learn about exercise science, covering topics such as athletic training, exercise science, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and others. You will also do some clinical training, giving you practical knowledge and experience.
Method 2 of 3: Earn a Graduate Degree
Step 1. Decide if you want to deepen your academic level
When you are in the fourth year of your undergraduate study, you will be able to determine if it really is the right field for you. If you plan to go straight to a graduate degree, start looking for programs near the last year of your undergraduate study. Applications are generally submitted near the beginning of the spring semester (approximately January through March) of the final year of undergraduate study.
Some programs may require you to take the GRE before applying. This is similar to the SAT or ACT, but for graduate school
Step 2. Consider getting a master's degree in science
A master of science (MS) in exercise physiology can provide you with more career opportunities. Some programs offer what is known as a “fifth-year master's degree,” which means that after completing your bachelor's degree, you will simply study one more year to earn your master's degree. If your undergraduate university does not offer this option, start looking for an ASEP-accredited master's program that is right for you.
- When you find the right program, apply immediately.
- Once you are accepted, spend between one and three years completing your studies.
- Depending on the program, you may need to write a research report or a thesis to complete it.
Step 3. Consider pursuing a Ph. D
A PhD in Exercise Physiology (Kinesiology) is a program with strong research content. Like a master's degree, you will continue to study the science of exercise and nutrition. However, as a PhD student, you are expected to conduct research and contribute new knowledge to the field. To complete your degree, you will have to do research and write a PhD thesis. If you know you want to complete a Ph. D., look for a Master's program that prepares you for a Ph. D. or, better yet, a Master's program that directly continues with a Ph. D. program.
- Start applying for doctoral programs in the final year of your master's degree.
- Once accepted, spend three to five years (or more) earning your Ph. D.
- Make sure any program you choose is ASEP certified.
Step 4. Find a program that offers assistantships
Many master's and doctoral programs in exercise physiology offer assistantships to their students. This means that graduate students can teach, research, or do other jobs in exchange for a tuition waiver. As well as making studying more affordable for learners, this hands-on professional training is ideal for any type of exercise physiology student at any level.
Method 3 of 3: Get Certified
Step 1. Make sure you meet the requirements
To qualify for the Exercise Physiologists Certification (EPC) exam, you must have an academic degree (Bachelor's or Master's) with a specialization in exercise physiology or an academic degree with a specialization in exercise science, kinesiology, sports science, human performance or a related degree, and a grade of “C” or higher in seven out of nine specific courses.
- The nine courses are exercise physiology, sports assessment, exercise metabolism, kinesiology, research design, biomechanics, environmental physiology, nutrition, and exercise in special populations.
- It is important that you take the exam as soon as possible after completing your graduate degree.
- This exam is completed online. As such, it can be done at any time of the year.
Step 2. Become a member of ASEP
To take the EPC exam, you must be a current member of ASEP. Membership has an annual cost of $ 175, and can be obtained through the ASEP website. Select the appropriate level of membership (student, professional, colleague, international or affiliate), complete the form and pay the fee.
Step 3. Submit your academic records
Under current circumstances, graduates of ASEP accredited and non-accredited programs can register and take the EPC exam. However, as mentioned, it is necessary to meet certain academic requirements. Submit your academic records through the ASEP website. Approval can take up to 48 hours.
Step 4. Register for the EPC exam and pay the fee
Once you are a current ASEP member and your academic records have been approved, you can register to take the exam. You will have to pay a fee of $ 300. However, graduates of an ASEP-accredited program are eligible to take the exam for a discounted rate of $ 50.
Step 5. Prepare for the exam
Prepare for the test by reviewing what you have learned in college. If you have graduated from an ASEP accredited program, you will be perfectly prepared for the test. If your program is not accredited by ASEP, you may need to study some specific topics. According to the ASEP website, the exam covers the following eight areas:
- exercise physiology: 72 questions (36%)
- cardiac rehabilitation: 37 questions (18, 5%)
- metabolism and exercise regulation: 23 questions (11.5%)
- kinesiology: 21 questions (10, 5%)
- investigation: 13 questions (6.5%)
- sports biomechanics: 12 questions (6%)
- environmental factors in exercise physiology: 12 questions (6%)
- sports nutrition: 10 questions (5%)
Step 6. Pick a good spot
The EPC exam is taken online from anywhere. The most important factor in choosing a location is having a stable, reliable, high-speed internet connection. Then it should be a distraction-free place where you can stay for the four hours necessary to complete the exam.
Step 7. Take the exam
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. You will have four hours to complete it. Each multiple-choice item consists of a “root” (which includes factual data or describes a situation) and four answer options. You must choose the best answer for each one.
- During the test, you should have a pencil, scratch paper, and a calculator handy.
- Results are posted immediately upon completion of the exam. They will also be sent to the email archived in the member's profile.
- Once you pass, you will be a certified exercise physiologist.
Step 8. Find a job
As a certified exercise physiologist, you won't have a hard time finding a job. In fact, this is a rapidly growing field. Through your ASEP membership and your certification, you will be able to search for vacancies by logging in to the member's area. Thanks to certification, you will not only be an eligible candidate, but highly desirable for virtually every position in the field.
Advice
- As you learn how to become a certified exercise physiologist, think about what you are looking for in your future profession. Exercise physiologists have many career options, such as health center instructors, sports consultants, fitness instructors, strength trainers, and fitness experts at spas and resorts.
- Remember that you must be ASEP certified to be an accredited exercise physiologist. There are many other programs available that you can qualify for to be a trainer, but you will need specific training and pass exams to be an exercise physiologist.
- If you want to get certified, prepare to take continuing education courses throughout your career to meet ASEP qualifications.
- Prepare to be trained in science, biology, and anatomy to earn your accreditation, as well as math, health, and chemistry.
Warnings
- Don't choose the field of exercise physiology until you are sure that it really is the way you want to go. Observe a professional's work for a day to find out what to expect in the real workplace.
- Don't choose a university until you know exactly what programs and degrees it offers in exercise physiology
- Don't think being a certified exercise physiologist is easy. The course is difficult, but rewarding.