What can you do with a Diploma of Clinical Exercise Science qualification

A Diploma of Clinical Exercise Science opens doors to a range of careers focused on improving health and wellbeing through movement as an Accredited Exercise Professional.

This area of study blends anatomy, physiology, exercise prescription and health coaching to prepare graduates for wellbeing, community and performance settings.

Whether you’re already working in fitness or just starting your career, a Clinical Exercise Science qualification builds the foundations for roles that combine science, movement and client care.

Careers in exercise science

Clinical exercise science careers are expanding across Australia’s health and wellness sectors. You could work with people managing chronic health conditions, athletes recovering from injury, or clients seeking to improve overall fitness and function.

Common employers include gyms, allied health clinics, rehabilitation centres, community wellbeing programs and aged care facilities, or you might choose to operate your own business.

Registered exercise professional

As a graduate of the Diploma of Clinical Exercise Science, you’ll be eligible for registration with AUSactive as an Accredited Exercise Professional, meeting the national standard for practice in the health and fitness industry.

Depending on your interests and elective focus, you can register under the following AUSactive categories:

• Group Exercise Instructor: Deliver safe and engaging group-based fitness sessions.
• Gym Instructor: conduct fitness assessments and develop programs in a gym environment.
• Personal Trainer: design and deliver tailored exercise programs for individuals or small groups.

Being accredited is great for your career because it builds trust and confidence with future clients. It also gives you access to valuable industry tools, resources, and benefits like eligibility for private health fund rebates.

Accreditation shows your commitment to growing as a professional and maintaining high standards. In the long run, this can help you attract loyal clients, gain more referrals, and even enjoy perks such as lower insurance costs.

Broader opportunities and pathways

Your qualification provides a strong foundation for working alongside allied health professionals or within wellness-focused teams, supporting clients to maintain healthy, active lifestyles.

It also creates a pathway to further study in exercise and health disciplines, including the Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy) at Think Education or other Health Science degrees at Torrens University, with advanced standing.

Further tertiary study at bachelor level and beyond can open doors to accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) as an exercise scientist or exercise physiologist.

Practical and professional learning

Throughout your studies, you’ll gain hands-on experience in The Practice Wellbeing Centre, applying your skills with real clients under professional supervision.

You’ll develop essential capabilities in exercise assessment and program design, health screening and movement analysis, and effective client communication and behaviour change strategies.

The course also emphasises safe, inclusive and evidence-based exercise delivery to ensure you’re confident working with people of all ages and fitness levels.

You’ll graduate with the confidence, professionalism and applied skills to succeed as a registered exercise professional in Australia’s growing health, fitness and wellbeing industries.

Skills for success

Successful exercise professionals combine a solid scientific foundation with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Through your studies, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively and coach clients toward their goals, using analytical skills to interpret health and fitness data and design personalised programs.

The course also emphasises empathy, professionalism and inclusivity, ensuring you can work confidently with people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. You’ll be encouraged to apply evidence-based approaches to improve both physical and mental wellbeing, developing the well-rounded capabilities that define a trusted fitness professional.

The Diploma of Clinical Exercise Science helps you build these professional attributes through teamwork, client interaction and guided practice in our student-led clinic.