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How to Become An Exercise Physiologist

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What is a Exercise Physiologist

An Exercise Physiologist is an allied health professional who uses exercise as medicine. They design personalised programs to help people manage chronic conditions, recover from injury, and improve their health. If you love fitness and want a career that truly helps others, this could be your path.

Exercise Physiologists see clients with conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and anxiety. They assess each person’s health and fitness, then build a program that is safe and achievable. They track progress and keep clients motivated every step of the way.

You will work alongside doctors, physios, and other allied health professionals as part of a care team. Exercise Physiologists work in hospitals, community health centres, gyms, and private clinics. The variety of settings makes every week different and keeps the work interesting.

The average salary for an Exercise Physiologist in Australia is around $107,000 a year (source: Your Career, Australian Government, 2025). The profession is growing fast, with demand rated as strong. It is a career that is both well-paid and deeply rewarding.

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Career Outlook for Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Physiology is one of the faster-growing allied health careers in Australia. About 5,100 people are employed as Exercise Physiologists and future demand is rated as strong (source: Your Career, Australian Government, 2025). The ESSA-accredited workforce grew 50% between 2018 and 2024, from about 5,100 to more than 7,800 professionals (source: ESSA, 2024).

Most Exercise Physiologists are young, with a median age of 29 (source: Your Career, 2025). The field is slightly female-majority, with women making up 52% of the workforce. Around 62% work full-time, though part-time roles are available and suit people who want flexibility. The average salary is about $107,000 a year, with entry-level pay closer to $65,000 (source: Your Career, 2025).

Job security is strong. Medicare and NDIS funding provides steady referral streams for private practitioners. With Australia’s ageing population and rising rates of chronic disease, the long-term outlook for Exercise Physiologists is positive.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to become an Exercise Physiologist

Step 1: Complete Year 12 with Relevant Subjects

Finish Year 12 with strong results in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. These subjects are required or strongly recommended for entry into exercise science and exercise physiology degrees. An ATAR in the mid-to-high range is typically needed, though entry requirements vary by university and state.

Step 2: Complete an ESSA-Accredited Undergraduate Degree

Enrol in an ESSA-accredited bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology or exercise science. The most direct path is a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (4 years full-time). Many universities also offer a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (3 years full-time), which leads to the postgraduate pathway. Both programs include supervised clinical placement hours. ESSA publishes a full list of accredited programs at essa.org.au/accredited-courses.

Step 3: Complete a Postgraduate Degree (If Required)

If your undergraduate degree is in exercise science rather than clinical exercise physiology, you need one more step. Enrol in an ESSA-accredited Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (1.5 to 2 years full-time). This degree includes additional supervised clinical hours and is required before applying for AEP accreditation. Check the ESSA accredited course list to find a suitable program.

Step 4: Apply for ESSA Accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Once you hold an ESSA-accredited degree, apply for AEP status through Exercise & Sports Science Australia (essa.org.au). AEP accreditation lets you use the Accredited Exercise Physiologist title and bill Medicare for eligible services. It also allows you to work with NDIS participants and access a wider range of referral streams.

Step 5: Build Experience and Maintain Your CPD

ESSA requires all AEPs to complete ongoing professional development to keep their accreditation current. CPD includes workshops, conferences, and online learning in exercise science and related fields. Staying up to date with research helps you provide the best possible care. It also supports progression into senior, specialist, or private practice roles.

What does an Exercise Physiologist do?

Exercise Physiologists spend their days working with people who want to improve their health through movement. A typical day includes assessing new clients and running supervised exercise sessions. They also check in with people who are managing conditions like heart disease or diabetes. They adjust programs as clients progress and consult GPs or physios when needed. They run group sessions, write clinical notes, and keep up with exercise science research. The role is hands-on, people-focused, and rarely the same two days in a row.

Tasks

Exercise Physiologists use movement to help people manage long-term health conditions and improve quality of life. They work with a wide range of clients, from cardiac patients to people managing mental health conditions. The role requires both clinical skill and a genuine passion for helping others move better.

  • Client assessment: Reviewing health history, fitness levels, and goals to plan effective programs.
  • Exercise program design: Creating personalised plans tailored to each client’s condition and capacity.
  • Supervised sessions: Running one-on-one and group exercise sessions with a focus on safety and results.
  • Progress tracking: Reassessing clients and refining programs to keep outcomes on target.
  • Health education: Teaching clients about exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle habits that support their goals.
  • Team care: Communicating with GPs, physios, and other health professionals to support joined-up care.
  • Group programs: Leading classes such as cardiac rehab, diabetes management, or pulmonary rehabilitation.

Skills for Success

To work as an Exercise Physiologist, you need both scientific knowledge and real people skills. A solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, and how exercise affects the body is the foundation. From there, the ability to connect with clients makes the biggest difference.

Good communication is key. You need to explain exercise programs clearly and listen to how clients are feeling. Adapting plans when circumstances change is part of the daily work. Being empathetic and patient goes a long way when clients are managing tough health conditions.

Organisation and attention to detail round out the skill set. You will write clinical notes, track client progress, and handle referrals from other health professionals. Staying up to date with new research keeps your practice sharp and your clients in safe hands.

Skills & Attributes

  • Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
  • Exercise prescription and program design
  • Clinical assessment and fitness testing
  • Communication and client education
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving and program adaptation
  • Teamwork with health professionals
  • Chronic disease management knowledge
  • Time management and record-keeping
  • Commitment to evidence-based practice
  • Client motivation and coaching
  • Proficiency with fitness assessment tools

Average Salaries

Exercise Physiologists in Australia earn around $107,000 a year on average (source: Your Career, Australian Government, 2025). This is based on a median weekly rate of $2,052. Entry-level pay starts at about $65,000 and rises to $120,000 or more with experience.

min $65 K

max $120 K

av $107 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.