How to become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Accredited Exercise Physiologists specialise in the delivery of exercise and lifestyle programs for people impacted by chronic disease and injuries. They also design behaviour change interventions for the prevention and management of chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and arthritis.
1. Complete a university degree in exercise physiology straight after high school
You can apply to study our Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) as an undergraduate student if you meet the minimum ATAR score.
This course is a four-year, full-time degree that will equip you with the knowledge to assess physical and functional capacity, identify risks as well as design targeted exercise programs, and apply these skills in practical clinical settings.
Already completed a bachelor’s degree in health?
If you've already completed a bachelor’s degree in exercise science (accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia) or a health-related discipline (with an approved Graduate Entry Assessment by Exercise & Sports Science Australia), you can apply for the Master of Exercise Physiology as a postgraduate student.
You’ll also need to have existing knowledge in human anatomy, human or exercise physiology and research design and statistics. To see the full list of requirements, check out the handbook.
Our Master of Exercise Physiology degree is one of our Graduate Entry Masters courses (GEM) which provides an accelerated pathway to a professional health qualification in 1.5 years full time (also available part-time).
2. Study at the best, with the best
The University of Sydney is ranked 2nd in Australia and 4th in the world for sports-related subjects by the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2024).
Added to that, you’ll study with us at our new Susan Wakil Health Building. This state-of-the-art space has clinical simulation teaching areas, research facilities, a multi-service clinic and a brand new library.
3. Complete your clinical and fieldwork placements
Integral to putting your knowledge into practice in both the undergraduate and postgraduate degree is the clinical and fieldwork placements that you’ll undertake.
Whether you’re a bachelor’s or a master’s student, you’ll spend time during your degree working with a range of different clients in numerous settings such as gyms, hospitals and private clinics. This will allow you to combine your academic study with the practical abilities the exercise physiology profession requires.
4. Get your professional accreditation
Both the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) and the Master of Exercise Physiology are accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). This means that once you’ve graduated, you are eligible to register to be an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).
Once you’re accredited, you can provide services under Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs, WorkCover and private health insurance funds.
5. Start your new career
After you’ve completed your degree and have become accredited with Exercise & Sports Science Australia, a wide range of professional opportunities are available to you.
Popular career paths for our graduates include exercise rehabilitation, private or hospital-based clinical practice, sport or medical science, and occupational health and safety.