To become a clinical exercise physiologist, one needs an undergraduate degree, a graduate degree or professional certification, and possibly a doctoral program. Employment can be found in hospitals, health clubs, and rehabilitation centers. Certification is important and can be obtained through professional organizations. Networking and employment agencies can help with job placement.
To begin a career in clinical exercise physiology, an individual should plan to earn an undergraduate degree as well as a graduate degree or professional certification. Those planning to pursue a position that involves academic research must also complete a doctoral program. Employment as a clinical exercise physiologist can be sought in hospitals, health clubs, physical therapy practices and rehabilitation centers. Many exercise physiology jobs require an individual’s education or certification to be completed before gaining professional experience.
The first step in entering the field of clinical exercise physiology is to begin a degree program in exercise physiology, physical education, or health sciences. As a clinical exercise physiologist is responsible for testing and monitoring the human body’s response to various exercises, these degrees can familiarize a person with how the body works. These programs can also prepare students for graduate study in exercise physiology, which may be required by some employers. A student’s choice of degree program and school should be based on the goal of preparing individuals for advanced study or employment.
While a student is earning a degree, he must begin to decide which area of the exercise physiology field he is most interested in pursuing. For example, hospitals tend to prefer graduate degrees, while a specialization like physical therapy may prefer board certification. Some of the areas of expertise available include cardiac, pulmonary, fitness and research. Board certification in clinical exercise physiology can be obtained through professional organizations that administer certified exams.
Certification can be an asset to an aspiring clinical exercise physiologist. In addition to verifying a professional’s knowledge and technique, certification also helps ensure specific professional ethics and behaviors are followed. Some countries and employers use certification credentials as a way to communicate service quality and reliability. Vocational schools, universities, and distance education providers can be sources of courses that prepare individuals for certification in clinical exercise physiology.
After a student completes their education or certification, pursuing a position in clinical exercise physiology is similar to other professions. While newspaper advertisements and online job boards can be a good starting point, networking and employment agencies can also be helpful. Recruiters can give presentations or meet with students on college campuses during career fairs. If available, consulting a college’s career placement office is an additional way for graduates to be matched against available vacancies.
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