ACSM Certified Exercise physiologists work with both healthy and medically fragile individuals to create and administer programs designed to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition. They conduct preparticipation health screenings, submaximal graded exercise tests as well as developing lifestyle behaviors for both healthy individuals as well as patients living with medically controlled diseases.
Education Requirements
The American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM, is one of the world’s premier global sports medicine and exercise science organizations. Offering educational and professional development to individuals in exercise physiology, testing, clinical physiology, sports nutrition and more; ACSM prides itself on furthering scientific research with educational applications that make use of it; becoming certified with ACSM can advance your career and expand opportunities with clients.
ACSM exercise physiologists require both a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and at least 1,200 hours of practical experience in order to practice their craft. At University of New England, for instance, its bachelor of applied exercise science program prepares students to sit for national certification exams with courses like applied exercise physiology, biomechanics of human movement and performance enhancement among others.
ACSM exercise physiologists are fitness professionals who specialize in creating tailored fitness programs to address medical and health concerns for specific client populations, often in health care communities, gyms, studios and YMCA/JCCs. Furthermore, the ACSM also offers credential programs to expand fitness professionals’ ability to assist those who live with chronic illnesses and health conditions.
Learn the skills and credentials necessary for becoming an ACSM Exercise physiologist through ACSM workshops and online study materials. Workshops may take place either physically in person or online and are led by experienced instructors with a strong grasp on topics and material required of them; study material includes video presentations and interactive quizzes for your convenience.
An Acsm Exercise physiologist is the ideal person to oversee exercise and wellness programs that promote physical performance and overall health. These professionals perform pre-participation health screenings, submaximal graded exercise tests, strength, flexibility and body composition assessments and develop and administer programs intended to increase cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, balance, range of motion as well as cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Acsm exercise physiologists may work in commercial, community, studio fitness studios or worksite health promotion settings or university fitness settings.
Career Opportunities
Acquiring an ACSM Exercise physiologist certification can open doors to an exciting career in one of the fastest-growing segments of fitness industry. This type of certification serves as a mark of distinction, helping professionals stand out among their peers. Furthermore, those holding this credential tend to command higher salaries.
Exercise physiologists work in various environments, such as hospitals, physical therapy offices and fitness centers. They may also provide their services directly to college athletic departments and sports team staff as well as offering them privately or through health insurance companies – most work full time.
Exercise physiologist are responsible for designing and administering fitness programs tailored specifically for healthy individuals as well as those living with medically controlled diseases. Furthermore, they may conduct and interpret pre-participation health screening procedures in order to ensure client safety as well as conducting and interpreting assessments of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition assessments.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise physiology equips students with the technical knowledge and competencies needed for success in this career field. These include human anatomy, physiology and kinesiology as well as exercise pharmacology and nutrition – with additional coursework covering cardiovascular physiology, biomechanics and echocardiogram interpretation for added training in this field.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science may pursue various career opportunities depending on their area of interest and qualifications, including clinical exercise physiologist, clinical director or professor of exercise physiology.
Exercise physiology provides an academic foundation that serves as the cornerstone for those pursuing pre-professional courses in physical therapy, medicine, nursing or nutrition; additionally it may serve as the prerequisites to become certified personal trainer or NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Employment projections show 9 percent annual job growth among exercise physiologists over the next decade – faster than the overall average for occupations.
Certification Requirements
Acquiring ACSM exercise physiologist certification involves meeting some general requirements. This typically includes possessing a bachelor’s degree in either exercise physiology, kinesiology or sports science as well as clinical experience. Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR/AED certification may also be a requirement to attain this credential.
ACSM certifications often require passing an exam, and many online study guides are available to help prepare for it. Furthermore, workshops and webinars hosted by ACSM offer invaluable practice opportunities – usually run over several days and highly recommended to anyone hoping to excel on test day!
ACSM provides the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) certification to those looking to expand their clinical exercise physiology background. This credential aims to assist those suffering from orthopedic, immunologic, hematologic, musculoskeletal and metabolic diseases reach long-term positive health outcomes through physical activity. As well as meeting general requirements, candidates for this certification must hold at least a bachelor’s degree with at least 1,200 hours of clinical exercise physiology experience prior to applying.
Individuals looking to work with groups should consider the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Group Exercise Instructor designation. This credential can open doors in commercial, community studio and worksite health promotion settings as well as university campuses, YMCA/JCC facilities and fitness-facility settings.
ACSM also offers the Health/Fitness Director certification. This credential aims to show leadership capabilities within fitness and wellness programs; candidates should be able to establish and administer clinical exercise programs which improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, balance and body composition.
ACSM also offers a Sport and Performance Specialist certification, ideal for individuals who wish to teach or coach athletes across multiple sports such as soccer, basketball, swimming and tennis. In order to be eligible for this credential, individuals should possess both a master’s degree in exercise science or related field as well as two years of relevant experience.
Exam Preparation
Are You Preparing to Pass an ACSM Exercise Physiologist Exam? There are various strategies available for those attempting to take and pass the ACSM exercise physiologist exam, including finding a study guide or review specifically created for this test – this will allow you to focus your study efforts in areas most important for passing it.
Joining an online forum or study group is another effective way of preparing for the ACSM certification exam, where you can discuss its content with others in an interactive forum and get answers quickly in a welcoming setting – as well as remain motivated throughout your preparation journey!
An effective way to prepare for the ACSM exam is taking practice tests. Doing this will allow you to get acquainted with its format and help build your confidence when sitting the actual test. There are plenty of online practice tests available – be sure to go through them thoroughly so you understand all concepts rather than simply memorizing answers!
The ACSM exam is a moderately difficult fitness exam with a first-time pass rate of approximately 69%, making it an excellent option for those hoping to pursue careers in medically supervised physical activity. The test consists of four main domains and addresses topics such as client consultation, communication skills development, fitness examination and exercise program design.
As part of your preparation for the RCEP exam, ACSM recommends two texts – Certification Review and ACSM-CEP Study Guide – which offer career-related information, assessment tools and application exercises designed to increase confidence before test day. In addition, practice tests and additional resources can be found on their official website.
Consider taking the ACSM-CEP exam with the aid of an instructor or study group for optimal preparation and passing success on your first try. Furthermore, this will give you the chance to network with other fitness professionals while building professional relationships which will ultimately make you more successful in your career.
