Education level
Job area
Your role as an exercise physiologist
You'll give advice and help people use exercise to:
- stay healthy and mobile
- improve physical function to help with daily tasks and prevent falls
- manage long term physical and mental health conditions
- improve and maintain mental wellbeing.
You'll also help people make healthy changes to their habits and lifestyle behaviours.
How an exercise physiologist is different to a physiotherapist
Exercise physiologists and physiotherapists both use physical activity as treatment. Physiotherapists can diagnose injuries and conditions in things like bones, joints and muscles. They focus on physical conditions. Exercise physiologists use exercise to manage chronic conditions and improve physical and mental health and wellbeing. They both use motivational interviewing for healthy lifestyle changes.
What your day might look like
You'll work as part of a team with other specialists in a hospital, clinic or community setting. You could also see patients in their own homes. You'll spend time getting to know your patients and understand what their issues are. You'll create exercise plans and lifestyle changes based on their specific needs.
Your patients could have a range of conditions, including but not limited to:
- heart disease
- lung disease
- diabetes
- mental health
- osteoporosis
- depression
- cancer
- arthritis.
You'll be active most of the day, guiding people through exercises and movements. Some of your sessions will be one on one and some will be group programs that you've designed for patients with similar needs. A large part of your role will also be helping patients and their families understand how exercise and lifestyle changes can help them feel better.
Learn more about working as an exercise physiologist on Your Career.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or master's degree in clinical exercise physiology that's accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia
Professional association
Exercise physiologists are accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia
Pay and benefits
Your pay rate and benefits will depend on your role and your pay point. In your first year you’ll start at health professional grade HP3, pay point 1. You’ll get a different rate if you’re in a higher level role.
We also offer:
- regular wage increases
- a superannuation rate of 12.75%
- a supportive workplace with flexible working arrangements
- several types of leave
- salary packaging.
If you're moving to start a new job with us, you may be able to get help with moving and travel costs.
Rural and remote opportunities
You may also be able to get financial incentives and other benefits if you work in rural and remote areas.
Read about our opportunities for rural allied health careers.
Career paths
Doing more training after you become an exercise physiologist can lead to other roles.
- Occupational health and safety adviser
- Public health officer
If you plan to do more study, ask your training provider if your past studies will count towards a higher qualification.