Sports Science & Human Movement
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In Australia, exercise and sports science professionals work in a diverse range of employment including strength and conditioning, sports science, sports coaching, exercise physiology, rehabilitation, research, workplace health and safety, and corporate health.
Exercise and Sports Science Australia* (ESSA) was established in 1991 to establish, promote and defend the career paths of tertiary-trained exercise and sports science practitioners.
The work
Traditionally, exercise and sports science graduates fall into one of three categories:
Exercise scientists are university-qualified health professionals who work primarily in prevention, corporate health and wellness, community health, and exercise programs for low-risk clientele. An exercise scientist can also register with Fitness Australia and gain formal recognition as a personal trainer. Exercise scientists are not eligible to register with Medicare Australia.
Accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) are four-year university-qualified allied health professionals specialising in delivery of exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs for prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries.
AEPs provide physical activity and behaviour change support for clients with chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and workplace conditioning/rehabilitation. AEPs are eligible to register with Medicare Australia, the Department of Veterans Affairs and state Workcover, as well as recognition among a number of health insurers.
ESSA has developed clear skills and competencies for accredited exercise physiologists.
Sports scientists work in a multi-disciplinary field concerned with the understanding and enhancement of human performance. Sports scientists evaluate, research, assess and advise on coaching, training, competition and recovery practices in all areas and levels of sport to achieve the best possible sporting performance.
Major employers of sports scientists are sporting academies (e.g. the Australian Institute of Sport) and professional and amateur sporting teams.
*Formerly The Australian Association for Exercise & Sports Science (AAESS)
What you need
- University qualifications and training related to your area of practice
- Sports and/or Exercise Science/Human Movement Studies degree for sports scientist roles
- Registration with relevant health care services and insurers for certain practices
- Personal trainer qualifications valued
- Postgraduate degree in Sports Science for overseas, academy-based or professional sports roles
Money matters: graduate salary ranges for selected relevant occupations
- Exercise Physiologist/Occ. Therapist/Physiotherapist & Podiatrist: $35,000-$82,000
-- Figures from National Health Award 2010. Ranges reflect full salary scale for positions; graduate salaries may vary based on chosen placement, field and practical hours gained during study.
- Fitness Instructors: $34,000-$41,800
- Recreation Officer: $38,000-$47,000
- Sports Administrator: $37,000-$41,000
-- Figures from the Australian Graduate Survey 2008, GCA. Ranges refer to the middle 50 per cent of salaries for bachelor degree graduates with permanent residency, in full-time employment in Australia Oct 07-Apr 08.
Industry at a Glance
- 73% male workforce (physiotherapists)
- 33 years median age (fitness instructors)
- Positive outlook (35% growth: physiotherapists, 2007-09)
