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How to Become A Physiologist

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What is a Physiologist

An exercise physiologist helps people get healthier through science-based exercise programs. They work with a wide range of health conditions. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and mental health disorders. Their role is to assess, plan and guide exercise in a way that is safe and effective for each person.

Exercise physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals, accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). That means their services are covered under Medicare, the NDIS, and many private health plans. They work in hospitals, rehab centres, gyms, sports clubs and community health services.

No two days are the same in this job. You might test someone’s fitness after a heart attack. Or design a strength program for a person with type 2 diabetes. You might also help an older adult stay mobile and independent. You work with patients over time, tracking progress and adjusting the plan as they improve.

The career is growing fast. Australia had more than 7,800 accredited exercise physiologists in 2024, up from about 5,100 in 2018 (ESSA, 2024). The Australian Government rates future demand as strong. It is a great time to enter this field.

Career Outlook for Physiologist

The outlook for exercise physiologists in Australia is strong. The accredited workforce grew from about 5,100 in 2018 to more than 7,800 in 2024 (ESSA, 2024). The Australian Government rates future demand as strong. This is driven by more people living with chronic disease and an ageing population. Growth in NDIS funding for allied health is also pushing demand.

The workforce is youthful and diverse. The median age is 29, and women make up 52% of all exercise physiologists (Jobs and Skills Australia). About 62% work full-time, averaging 41 hours a week. Pay is around $85,000 a year on average (SEEK, 2025). Part-time and casual roles are also available, giving flexibility at different life stages.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Physiologist

Step 1: Complete an ESSA-Accredited Bachelor Degree

Enrol in a bachelor degree accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Common options include a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology or a Bachelor of Exercise Science with a clinical major. These degrees take 3 to 4 years full-time at university. They cover anatomy, physiology, chronic disease and how to prescribe exercise clinically. You must finish an ESSA-accredited degree to qualify as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) in Australia. University bachelor degrees are not VET qualifications; find ESSA-accredited programs at essa.org.au.

Step 2: Complete Your Supervised Work Placement

Most ESSA-accredited degrees include at least 500 hours of supervised work placement. You will work with real patients in hospitals, rehab centres, or community health services. A registered exercise physiologist will guide you through each placement. This is usually built into your degree. It gives you hands-on skills before you graduate.

Step 3: Apply for AEP Status with ESSA

After finishing your degree and placement hours, apply for AEP status through ESSA. ESSA will check your degree and placement record. Once approved, you are listed on the ESSA find-a-practitioner register. AEP status lets you bill Medicare, the NDIS and private health insurance as an allied health professional.

Step 4: Build Experience in Your First Roles

Apply for exercise physiologist roles in hospitals, community health centres, private practice or sports groups. Your first one to two years of work will build your skills across many types of patient conditions. Many new graduates start in salaried roles before moving into private practice. Join ESSA and connect with other exercise physiologists to grow your network.

Step 5: Keep Your Accreditation with Annual CPD

ESSA requires all AEPs to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year to keep their accreditation. CPD includes workshops, conferences, online learning and clinical supervision. You must log and submit your CPD hours to ESSA each year. Staying up to date with research and guidelines is a core part of the role.

What does a Physiologist do?

An exercise physiologist’s day is varied and hands-on. They start by testing each patient’s fitness and health. From there, they design custom exercise programs to manage chronic conditions, injuries and disabilities. They track each client’s progress and adjust the program as needed. A big part of the role is education. They help patients and their families learn to exercise safely at home and make lasting lifestyle changes. Exercise physiologists often work with other health staff to give patients well-rounded care.

Tasks

Exercise physiologists work with people of all ages and abilities. They use exercise as a clinical tool to improve health, manage chronic disease and speed up recovery. Every day brings a mix of assessment, program design, patient education and teamwork.

  • Assess fitness and health: run tests to find physical problems and set a baseline for each patient.
  • Design exercise programs: create personalised plans to manage chronic disease, injury or disability.
  • Monitor progress: track how patients respond to exercise and adjust programs along the way.
  • Keep detailed records: document medical histories, exercise logs and treatment outcomes.
  • Educate patients and families: explain home exercises, lifestyle changes and rehabilitation steps.
  • Work with other health professionals: refer patients to specialists and coordinate care.

Skills for Success

Working as an exercise physiologist means using both your science skills and your people skills. You need a solid base in human anatomy, physiology, and how different health conditions affect the body. You also need to be great with people. Most of your work involves face-to-face care with patients who need support and motivation.

Strong communication skills help you explain programs clearly and work well with other health professionals. Problem-solving is key: every patient is different, and you need to adapt your approach as their condition changes. A passion for staying current with research will also help you grow throughout your career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
  • Physical fitness and health assessment skills
  • Exercise program design and prescription
  • Chronic disease management and rehabilitation knowledge
  • Clear communication with patients and health professionals
  • Empathy and ability to motivate clients
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration with multidisciplinary health teams
  • Attention to detail in record-keeping and documentation
  • Commitment to evidence-based practice and ongoing learning
  • Understanding of Medicare, NDIS and private health funding
  • Health and safety awareness in clinical settings

Average Salaries

Exercise physiologists in Australia earn between $68,000 and $110,000 a year. The average salary is around $85,000 a year (source: SEEK, 2025). Pay rises with experience, the setting you work in, and your area of specialisation.

min $68 K

max $110 K

av $85 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.