What can you do with a Exercise Physiology degree?

First, some facts. Of the Exercise Physiology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:

These are estimates based on AI analysis of 365 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, Exercise Physiology graduates have a lower likelihood (-8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, 56% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Exercise Physiology graduate.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Exercise Physiology degree?
• What do Exercise Physiology graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Exercise Physiology degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Exercise Physiology degree?
• What are the best colleges for Exercise Physiology?

View a random Exercise Physiology graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 85% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2013 from University of Massachusetts at Lowell with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Physiology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Fitness Professional Best Fitness Fitness Club Jan 2014 - Aug 2014 The role of a Fitness Professional may involve some understanding of exercise physiology principles, but it is not directly centered on the core qualifications of the degree. Rehab Aide Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Aug 2014 - Mar 2015 As a Rehab Aide, some knowledge from exercise physiology could be beneficial, but the position primarily focuses on support tasks rather than applying those core skills daily. Certified Personal Trainer Anytime Fitness 2015 - 2016 The position as a Certified Personal Trainer directly utilizes knowledge and skills from exercise physiology, requiring specific expertise in fitness and training. Group Fitness Coach Delta Life Fitness May 2016 - Sep 2016 The role of a Group Fitness Coach requires extensive application of exercise physiology principles for effective group training and teaching. Health Educator Health Designs May 2016 - Jun 2018 While a Health Educator may utilize some concepts from exercise physiology in promoting health, the core qualifications of the role are broader and involve health promotion rather than specialized exercise knowledge. Occupational Therapist UF Health Jacksonville Mar 2019 - Mar 2021 Working as an Occupational Therapist integrates knowledge of human physiology and movement, which aligns closely with the principles of exercise physiology. Occupational Therapist Encompass Health Sep 2021 - Mar 2022 The Occupational Therapist role also involves substantial application of exercise physiology principles to help patients improve mobility and function. Home Health OT Interim HealthCare Inc. Feb 2022 - Oct 2023 Home Health OT requires the application of exercise physiology knowledge to create effective rehabilitation plans for patients in their home environments. Occupational Therapist Baptist Health Mar 2022 - Dec 2023 As an Occupational Therapist at Baptist Health, the job relies heavily on understanding human movement and rehabilitation, directly tied to exercise physiology. Occupational Therapist SOLARIS HEALTHCARE Jan 2023 - Dec 2023 The role of an Occupational Therapist at SOLARIS HEALTHCARE necessitates application of exercise physiology to support patient recovery and physical therapy practices. FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING Master of Occupational Therapy University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences 2016 - 2018 ABOUT I am a skilled occupational therapist and certified lymphedema and wound care therapist with several years experience in acute care, subacute inpatient short-term rehab, outpatient rehab and home health. I have a passion for empowering individuals through holistic rehabilitation and maximizing potential for all clients using evidence-based practice and client-centered interventions. I have a special interest in weight-neutral, safe, and inclusive care through a lense of social justice.

What jobs can you get with a Exercise Physiology degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Physical Therapist
• Student Physical Therapist
• Personal Trainer
• Occupational Therapist
• Intern
• Physician Assistant
• Physical Therapy Aide
• Exercise Specialist
• Physical Therapy Student
• Exercise Physiologist

In examining the career trajectories of individuals who've graduated with a degree in Exercise Physiology, a clear trend emerges. Many graduates find themselves in roles that align directly with their education, particularly in healthcare and fitness settings. Positions such as Exercise Physiologists, Personal Trainers, and Physical Therapists are common, showcasing a strong link between their academic background and their professional responsibilities. These jobs generally involve assessing physical conditions, developing exercise programs, and tailoring interventions specific to client or patient needs. This direct application of exercise physiology principles demonstrates not only the relevance of their degree but also the necessity of specialized knowledge in these roles.

However, it is also important to note that a significant proportion of graduates end up in positions unrelated to their major. Many individuals transition into roles such as sales representatives, administrative positions, or even entirely disparate fields like management or customer service. These roles often do not leverage their knowledge in exercise science or human physiology, leading to the conclusion that while there are certainly relevant career paths available, many graduates may struggle to find positions that fully utilize the skills and knowledge they acquired during their studies. This discrepancy raises questions about the job market's recognition of Exercise Physiology as a specialized field and the potential need for graduates to broaden their professional horizons or seek additional certifications to align their career paths with their educational backgrounds.

Overall, while there is a robust presence of job opportunities that are relevant to Exercise Physiology, the diversity of roles taken by graduates illustrates both the versatility and the challenges faced by those entering the workforce with this degree. For actual relevance to the degree, roles that are focused on physical health, rehabilitation, and client training stand out as definitive matches, while others reflect the broader landscape of today's job market where one's expertise may not always be fully utilized.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Exercise Physiology graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Exercise Physiology graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking through the career trajectories of graduates who studied Exercise Physiology, it’s interesting to observe some commonalities and trends. Right off the bat, many of these graduates land their first jobs in positions that are directly related to their field of study. Positions such as Exercise Physiologist and personal trainers are frequent choices for new grads. For instance, some graduates have taken on roles as exercise specialists or fitness trainers shortly after completing their degrees, which showcases a smooth transition into the workforce for many individuals with academic backgrounds in Exercise Physiology.

However, as we move further out from graduation, particularly five to ten years down the line, the landscape shifts a bit. While some grads continue in related roles—like physical therapists, fitness specialists, or health coaches—many others veer off into careers that don’t necessarily align with what they studied. For example, individuals who went into management positions, sales, or even completely non-health-related jobs such as general managers or technology coordinators show a significant shift away from the Exercise Physiology field. This trend might suggest that while these graduates initially sought careers within their area of expertise, they either found other interests or economic opportunities that led them away from fitness and health roles over time.

There are definitely signs of success among those who stay in the industry; many have established themselves as respected professionals, perhaps gaining advanced degrees or certifications that enhance their credentials. For instance, some have transitioned into specialized areas like cardiac rehabilitation or even academia, becoming instructors or lecturers at universities. However, it's essential to also recognize that paths diverge significantly for many graduates, leading them into careers that may not utilize their degree directly, which could signify either a lack of job availability in their field or personal career evolution toward different interests or industries.

In conclusion, while the early career choices of Exercise Physiology graduates often align closely with their studies, many eventually branch out into diverse areas over time. Whether that reflects a fulfillment of personal aspirations or a response to job market realities, it’s clear that the journey after graduation can take many turns!

How hard is a Exercise Physiology degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology can be a solid mix of challenging and manageable, depending on your interests and strengths in science and fitness. If you love biology, anatomy, and have a knack for understanding how the body works during exercise, you might find it more on the easier side. However, some of the courses can get pretty in-depth and require a good amount of studying, especially when you dive into topics like biomechanics and exercise testing. Overall, it’s not the easiest degree out there, but if you stay organized and passionate about the content, it’s definitely doable!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Exercise Physiology.

Do Exercise Physiology graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at these profiles, it seems that some people are definitely making decent money, especially those in healthcare roles like physical therapists, exercise physiologists, and personal trainers who are advancing in their careers. For instance, graduates who have progressed to managerial positions or started their own practices can likely earn a good income. Additionally, those who transitioned into roles like general dentist or physical therapist supervisor are probably seeing solid paychecks. On the other hand, some individuals, especially those still in entry-level positions, like gym instructors or assistants, might not be making as much yet. It really depends on the job level, the industry sector, and how quickly they’ve moved up the ladder.

Overall, it looks like a mixed bag. People who have stuck with it in specialized fields or management roles tend to do well, but newer graduates or those in more fluctuating positions may still be working their way up. The healthcare field generally offers good pay as professionals gain experience and certifications. So while some people are likely earning good salaries, others may be in roles that don't command as high a paycheck, at least for now.

What buzzwords do Exercise Physiology graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Exercise Physiology. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Exercise Physiology?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Exercise Physiology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Exercise Physiology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
East Carolina University	70	15
California State University-Chico	70	11
University of Massachusetts Lowell	66	15
West Virginia University	63	23
University of Miami	59	11
Florida State University	55	22
Ohio University	55	13
Brigham Young University - Idaho	40	21