The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist® certification has become a benchmark of excellence in the fitness industry.
If you’re a fitness professional considering ways to elevate your career, the ACSM-EP® certification may provide the advancement you need. This post will outline why obtaining this certification is beneficial and provide insights into the average salary expectations.
Professional Recognition
In the fitness industry, it’s essential to distinguish yourself as an expert. ACSM-EP® certification immediately signals your commitment to professional growth, knowledge, and excellence. As a worldwide recognized organization founded in 1954, ACSM is trusted by employers for its rigorous certification standards and evidence-based approach to exercise science.
Demonstrate Expertise
ACSM-EP® certification goes beyond the basic understanding of fitness and wellness. This certification provides comprehensive knowledge on how to apply the principles of exercise science, counseling techniques, and behavioral modification to facilitate healthier lifestyle changes in individuals and groups.
You’ll also learn how to work with clients who have controlled cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases and other health challenges. This added knowledge can make you a more versatile and capable fitness professional, able to assist a broader range of clients.
Expand Your Client Base
Being an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist allows you to work with a wider variety of clientele. Your certification signifies that you are equipped to handle clients of different ages, abilities, and health conditions, thus broadening your reach and potential customer base. This certification prepares you to help healthy individuals and those with chronic diseases, significantly increasing your scope of practice.
Enhanced Career Opportunities
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists are highly sought after in various sectors. Health clubs, sports facilities, universities, wellness centers, and even corporate wellness programs look for professionals with this certification. It’s not uncommon to find job postings specifically requiring or favoring ACSM certification, which can enhance your employability and potentially open up more advanced positions.
Salary Boost
In 2020, Exercise Physiologists made an average of $50,280 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries in higher cost-of-living areas or more specialized sectors can reach up to $65,000 or more per year. Job outlook is currently at 13 percent growth for 2020-2030, which is faster than average.
Becoming an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist is a powerful way to elevate your career in the fitness industry. This prestigious certification sets you apart from the competition, equips you with a broader range of knowledge and skills, allows you to serve a wider variety of clients, and often results in higher earning potential. The fitness industry is competitive, but you can enhance your marketability and ensure a rewarding, long-term career with the right credentials and dedication.
