C. Smiley Reeves, M.S., CEP
Kinesiology is the study of human movement through the understanding of mechanics, anatomy and physiology. Exercise Physiology is concerned with analysis, improvement, and maintenance of the physiological mechanisms underlying health and fitness.
The American College of Sports Medicine provides the following description of a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEP’s) use prescribed exercise and basic health behavior interventions, as well as promote physical activity for individuals with chronic diseases or conditions; examples include, but are not limited to, individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic and hematologic diseases. CEPs provide primary and secondary prevention strategies designed to improve, maintain or attenuate declines in fitness and health in populations ranging from children to older adults. Chronic disease includes, but are not limited to, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, orthopedic/musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic and hematologic disorders.
How is Exercise Physiology and Physical Therapy different? Exercise Physiologists work with individuals who have chronic diseases, with a focus on improving cardiovascular health and body composition. Physical Therapists focus on rehabilitation from injury and preventive care in addition to those with chronic illness. So, in addition to testing and exercise prescription, clinical exercise physiologists focus on the improvement of physical capabilities for the purpose of Chronic disease management, reduction of health risks for early development of recurring chronic diseases, promote lifestyle and behavior changes that enhance health. CEP’s work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, wellness centers, physician offices, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, occupational health and safety, stress testing departments or health education settings.
Some states require licensure with the State Board of Medical Examiners. Louisiana passed that law in 1994 and if a professional works in a clinical setting, they are required to be licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LaSBME). The best way to stay connected with the requirements in Clinical Exercise Physiology is through ACSM’s Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA). This organization provides continuing education, research insights, and certification opportunities. It is a national association dedicated to the professional integrity and growth of Clinical Exercise Physiology.
In my career I have worked in the fitness industry, hospital based wellness and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Corporate wellness has been popular because Employers want to help their employees maintain health and fitness due to the cost of rising health care costs. Some employers have used risk rating for employee health insurance. In other words, the healthier the employee is, their health insurance premiums are lower than the employee who has high health risks and utilization of healthcare services. Higher education has been a rewarding part of my career path in the last 20 years. It has allowed me to use the experiences in different fields I’ve worked in and bring it to the classroom for future professional development. I feel blessed to be able to work with young professionals at Louisiana Tech. They have many options available to them in today’s career markets. Not only the allied health career options such as physical and occupational therapy, but in medical equipment sales representatives, corporate and community based wellness programs, athletic training, health and wellness coaching, athletic coaching, personal trainers, and so many more. Students should use the internship experience to get more specialized hands on training they wish to work in the future. These experiences only make the student a more marketable candidate for jobs. It is an exciting time to enter the workforce in this field. Many opportunities await young professional as they enter the job market after graduation. Be open, flexible, and work hard. You will find the path meant for you in your career and life.
The Exponential Factor 