Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology FAQs

Clinical exercise physiology is an allied health discipline with a focus on working with clinical populations across the lifespan. The professionals who practise clinical exercise physiology are called accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs). AEPs are advanced practitioners who have professional accreditation from Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). 

AEPs work with people from all walks of life, but their main focus is on supporting people living with, or people at risk of developing, chronic illness or injury. These include people affected by cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, metabolic disease, intellectual and physical disability and other conditions, as well as priority populations, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; culturally and linguistically diverse people; and people living in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia. 

While the role has a strong focus on physical activity and exercise prescription (such as designing rehabilitation plans and tailored exercise programs), AEPs also provide health education, advice, lifestyle and self-management support to help clients achieve sustainable behavioural change. 

AEPs offer services that can help optimise health and clinical outcomes for a wide range of people, including: 
 

• people living with or at risk of chronic physical or mental health conditions, such as:
  • diabetes
  • cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic or neurological disease
  • arthritis, osteoporosis, osteopenia or other musculoskeletal conditions 
  • cancer 
  • mood disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, psychosis and trauma-related conditions among others
• people recovering from injury, surgery or other health challenges who need help to improve their strength and mobility 
• people looking to enhance their health and fitness.

AEPs primarily provide movement-based treatment during the sub-acute and chronic phases of illness or injury. AEPs are focused on chronic disease and injury management, often for at-risk populations, via exercise interventions, education and lifestyle support. 

By contrast, physiotherapists primarily deliver hands-on treatment with an emphasis on acute and sub-acute care. They diagnose, treat and manage injuries using a combination of manual therapy, education and exercise prescription. 

AEPs are allied health professionals who specialise in chronic disease or injury management through the design and delivery of tailored exercise interventions. They hold provider numbers with Medicare and other schemes (such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme, WorkCover, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and most private health insurers) that provide compensation for professional health care services.

By contrast, AESs work with apparently healthy populations to educate individuals, communities, and populations on the importance of physical activity and engage in exercise to promote health, wellbeing, function, and fitness. They can also deliver physical education, strength and training, high-performance and sport nutrition programs that benefit physical and mental wellbeing. AESs cannot hold provider numbers. 

AEPs and accredited exercise scientists (AESs) are both accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). AEPs are also AESs.  

Read more about the differences between AEPs and AESs (opens external site)

AEPs are allied health professionals who specialise in chronic disease or injury management through the design and delivery of tailored exercise interventions. They hold provider numbers with Medicare and other schemes, and they’re accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). 

By contrast, personal trainers are fitness professionals who work with clients to help them meet their health and fitness goals, rather than to overcome injury, illness or disability. Personal trainers do not require a university qualification or professional accreditation to deliver their services and are only permitted to work with low-risk clients.

You’ll need to be accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), which is the sole accrediting authority for AEPs in Australia. AEPs hold ESSA accreditations for exercise physiology and exercise science, so when you become an AEP, you’ll be able to work in both fields of practice.  

To meet these dual accreditation requirements, you’ll need to:
 

• complete an ESSA-accredited exercise physiology course (e.g., the UTS Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology*)   
• meet the professional standards to become an accredited exercise scientist, including 140 hours of practical experience 
• meet the professional standards for exercise physiology, including 360 hours of practical clinical experience. 

Read more about ESSA accreditation (opens external site)

* The UTS Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology has been submitted for accreditation from ESSA. Once accredited, graduates will be eligible to work as AEPs after completing their studies.

A Medicare provider number lets you claim, bill, refer or request Medicare services — in short, you’ll need one if you’re planning to work as an AEP in Australia. You can apply for a provider number via Services Australia (you’ll learn how to do this as part of your UTS degree).

In addition to holding a Medicare provider number, as a qualified AEP you’ll also be eligible to receive compensation for services you deliver on behalf of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, WorkCover and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, as well as from most private health insurers.

Clinical exercise physiology is the fastest-growing allied health profession in Australia and the second-most in-demand job overall^[1].  Accredited exercise physiologists also form part of Australia’s health care and social assistance sector, which is the largest employing industry in Australia. They’re part of what the Australian Government calls the Skill Level 1 category, which is expected to account for more than half the total expected employment growth between 2021 and 2026.

AEPs work in a wide range of health care and community environments, including:

• public and private hospitals 
• private and multidisciplinary clinics
• aged care facilities
• health and rehabilitation centre 
• fitness and sport centres, including gyms.   

Yes. In fact, the UTS Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology includes a subject called Professional and Interprofessional Practice that will equip you with entrepreneurial skills. You can draw on these skills to launch your own clinical exercise physiology practice or to deliver better business outcomes for your employer. 

AEPs have high earning potential — in the public sector, experienced AEPs can earn over $170,000 per year^^[1], while experienced AEPs in private practice can also command significant income well over the $100,000 mark. In general, AEP salaries are on par with physiotherapists and other allied health professionals.