Love sport & science? Exercise physiology could be a great career for you
Do you have a passion for exercise, and want to use it to help people manage different health conditions?
Exercise physiology can be a rewarding career – and according to recent LinkedIn data, it’s the second fastest-growing profession in Australia right now.
So what does an exercise physiologist do, and how do you become one?
Here are a few things you should know, and stories from three Victoria University (VU) graduates who are thriving in the industry.
What does an exercise physiologist do?
Exercise physiologists are experts in the human body’s response to exercise, and how physical activity can help prevent or manage injuries and chronic health conditions.
They design and deliver personalised exercise programs, often working with people who are affected by conditions like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression or cancer, or who need rehabilitation after injury or surgery.
Exercise physiologists can work in a range of health and community settings, including:
- sports clinics and fitness centres
- hospitals
- rehabilitation clinics
- aged care facilities
- sports academies
- occupational health and safety services
- and more.
How do you become an exercise physiologist?
To become an accredited exercise physiologist, you need to complete a course accredited with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).
Our Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation is fully accredited with ESSA and gives you the skills and knowledge you need to launch your career.
To apply for this course, first you need an undergraduate degree in exercise science. Our Bachelor of Exercise Science: Sport Practice or Bachelor of Exercise Science: Clinical Practice are great options that get you set up for success.
David's story: Opening his own clinic
For David, upskilling in exercise physiology kicked off an exciting new chapter in his 30-year fitness career.
“I’ve been working in the fitness industry since the early 90s,” David says. “I did my undergraduate degree in exercise science at VU and bought a gym when I was 24 years old.
“My passion is for exercise prescription. I quickly realised that I found great joy helping people with injury and a variety of medical conditions.”
Changing lives, one exercise program at a time
In 2020, David returned to VU to complete his Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation and deepen his expertise.
“I loved the course – the lecturers were great, and I found the content on exercise prescription really exciting.
“Now as an accredited exercise physiologist, I have opened an exercise physiology clinic, Re Form Exercise Science. Every day is different and we’re growing rapidly.
“At 48 years old, I’m exceptionally happy that as an older student I had the ability to follow my dreams.”
Rhiannon's story: Improving workplace health
From personal training to injury management, Rhiannon is following her passion for helping people achieve their health goals.
“I’d worked in the fitness industry for six years when I decided to go back to VU and complete my Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation,” Rhiannon says.
“While I enjoyed being a personal trainer, I wanted to work with more complex conditions and help people achieve goals different to the traditional reasons people go to the gym.”
Having previously completed her undergraduate degree at VU, Rhiannon knew she’d love the strong practical focus of the course.
“It’s so important, because the typical role of an exercise physiologist is client-facing and thinking on your feet,” she says.
Making a difference in workplace health and safety
After graduating, Rhiannon was excited to land her first exercise physiology job with a company that runs onsite programs in workplaces.
“My role involves injury prevention, prescribing individualised injury management programs and helping organisations to effectively manage occupational health and safety risks."
“I’m also completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at VU, and have recently begun the process of recruiting participants for my own study.”
Carlie's story: Going deep into research
Carlie followed her passion for sport into exercise physiology, and is now making new strides in the world of research.
“During my undergraduate exercise science degree at VU, I learned from brilliant academics who ignited my passion for areas of study I had never previously considered,” Carlie says.
“Ultimately exercise physiology was the avenue I was most passionate about, so I enrolled in the Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation.
“I was lucky to get the opportunity to complete three placements – at MD Health, Barwon Health and our VUCER clinic. These were incredibly beneficial, putting theory and skills into practice.”
Advancing scientific knowledge
Now as an accredited exercise physiologist, Carlie is going deep into research at VU.
“I’m now completing my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), researching the effect of exercise on the communication between bone, muscle and fat.
“Alongside my PhD, I've completed two years of clinical practice in a private clinic, and I will soon be pursuing more teaching and research work.”
Start your exercise science career now
Turn your passion for sport and exercise into a rewarding career at VU, a global leader in sport.
Choose from a range of exciting course options across sport and exercise science, from exercise physiology to data analytics, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning and more.