Master of Science in clinical exercise physiology
Health care is moving toward a model of chronic disease prevention and overall wellness as health care practitioners and administrators emphasize exercise and proactive care. The year-and-a-half Master of Science in clinical exercise physiology program provides you with the expertise to improve health outcomes for individuals and populations with cutting-edge knowledge in exercise science. The program takes two years if you choose to pursue a thesis.
Get specialized training in cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic and hematologic disorders. Gain the theoretical knowledge, clinical experience and applied skills needed for successful completion of the American College of Sports Medicine examination to earn clinical exercise physiologist certification.
With a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on laboratory and clinical practice, you will prepare for a career in a growing field using exercise and rehabilitation to prevent and manage chronic disease.
Promote health and well-being.
41% of exercise physiologists have an advanced degree. Occupational Information Network
The College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University translates scientific health research and discovery into practice. Its programs prepare students to address the challenges facing our populations to stay healthy, improve their health, and manage chronic disease — all toward improving health outcomes.
10% faster than average job growth for exercise physiologists is expected through 2033
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
MS in clinical exercise physiology
In this program, accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences, you’ll learn theory and science. At the same time, you develop practical skills and build the necessary competencies to become a certified clinical exercise physiologist. Complete the program by passing a comprehensive written exam or pursuing deeper research with a thesis project under faculty guidance.
Featured courses
EXW 542 Health Promotion
Explore the theory and research for fitness and wellness programs in nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation and stress management.
EXW 560 Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Understand exercise testing and prescription for cardiac and pulmonary patients, as well as pharmacology, electrocardiography and pathophysiology.
EXW 565 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physiology
Delve into the pathophysiology and physiology of exercise concerning persons living with cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.
KIN 547 ECG Interpretation
Learn about heart rhythm disturbances and common implantable devices used within the chambers and conducting tissue of the heart. Gain hands-on knowledge by analyzing electrocardiogram rhythm strips and through laboratory experiences.
EXW 568 Management and Treatment of Chronic Disease for the Clinical Exercise Physiology
Examine the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic diseases. Learn through case studies designed to reinforce core knowledge while fostering clinical reasoning related to a variety of conditions, including metabolic, immunologic, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders.
EXW 568 Clinical Internship
Engage in 600 hours of hands-on work in multiple performance domains:
• Clinical assessment.
• Education and behavior change.
• Exercise prescription.
• Exercise testing.
• Exercise training.
• Legal and professional considerations.
• Program administration.
Become a certified clinical exercise physiologist
The American College of Sports Medicine is the national association responsible for establishing guidelines and recommendations for exercise testing, prescription and evaluation of research for both healthy populations and those with chronic disease. The ACSM certification is the organization’s most prestigious credential for clinical professionals with a master’s degree working with clients who are under the care of a physician for cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases as well as orthopedic or musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and neoplastic, immunological or hematological diseases. The accredited program curriculum will prepare you with the knowledge, clinical reasoning and skills necessary to take the ACSM Certified CEP exam. Successful completion of the exam allows you to bill insurance and registers you nationally within the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association professional network.
4+1 accelerated master’s program
Follow a streamlined path from the undergraduate kinesiology program to your Master of Science in clinical exercise physiology. Reduce the time to get your master’s degree from two years to one. During your senior year, complete credit hours toward your master’s degree. Once you complete your bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, you have just one year left of courses to earn a Master of Science in clinical exercise physiology.
