Exercise Physiologists

Students should obtain as much experience in the field as possible by participating in summer internships and part-time jobs at a medical facility, school, fitness center, or other organization that employs exercise physiologists.

Exercise physiologists must be experts regarding fitness and health. They must know the appropriate exercise prescription for each physical ailment—from arthritis and asthma to fibromyalgia and congestive heart disease. They must have keen observation skills in order to assess the physical health and fitness progress of their patients. Exercise physiologists also need outgoing personalities since they interact closely with their patients, as well as physicians and other health care professionals. They must know how to motivate and inspire their patients—many of whom may be afraid to begin an exercise regime after a serious illness or injury or who are simply uninterested in exercising.