How to Become an Exercise Therapist: Education, Salary & Career Guide 2025
Exercise therapists help clients improve mental and physical health through structured physical activity programs. To become an exercise therapist, you'll need a bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling, a master's degree in exercise or movement therapy, and 480 hours of supervised clinical practice before certification. As of 2024, exercise physiologists earn a median salary of $59,190 annually.
Nearly half of all Americans don't get enough exercise, and about a quarter suffer from mental or emotional disorders. What many don't realize is that physical fitness isn't just good for the body; it's essential for mental and emotional well-being, too. Research continues to show a strong link between regular exercise and improved mental health, with physically fit individuals generally reporting greater happiness and emotional balance.
If you're passionate about both fitness and mental health, a career as an exercise therapist might be the perfect fit. This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming an exercise therapist, from education requirements to salary expectations and career outlook.
Table of Contents
What Is Exercise Therapy?
Exercise therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses regular physical activity as a method to improve mental and emotional health. This isn't simply a standard workout routine. Instead, it's a structured, intentional program designed to help clients cope with everyday stress, build confidence, and improve their overall mental well-being.
Exercise therapy can effectively treat a range of conditions, including low self-esteem, negative body image, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. The approach is accessible to nearly anyone capable of at least light physical activity, making it a versatile treatment option across diverse populations.
The growing evidence supporting the connection between physical and mental health has made exercise therapy an increasingly valuable tool in the mental health field. As mental health counselors and therapists look for holistic treatment approaches, exercise therapy continues to gain recognition.
How Does Exercise Therapy Work?
While exercise might seem like the last thing someone struggling with stress or depression would want to do, it's remarkably effective. Exercise therapy works through several interconnected mechanisms.
Physical improvements build confidence. As people become more physically fit, they often experience improved self-esteem and a more positive body image. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with eating disorders or body dysmorphia.
Social interaction provides support. Many exercise activities involve interaction with others, whether in group classes, team sports, or workout partnerships. This social component can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and stress.
Brain chemistry changes create positive feelings. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These natural chemicals work together to improve mood, reduce stress, and create feelings of well-being. Think of it as your brain's own "happy juice" cocktail.
Routine and structure provide stability. Regular exercise creates predictable patterns in daily life, which can be especially helpful for people dealing with anxiety or depression. The sense of accomplishment from completing a workout also builds self-efficacy.
What Does an Exercise Therapist Do?
Exercise therapists work closely with clients to develop and implement therapeutic exercise programs tailored to individual needs and goals. Their role involves several key responsibilities.
Assessment and consultation. Before starting any exercise program, therapists consult with clients' medical doctors to ensure safety. Doctors typically perform physical examinations and review medical histories to identify any limitations or precautions.
Goal setting and planning. Therapists work with clients to identify problems, set realistic goals, and create structured exercise routines. This collaborative approach ensures the program aligns with both therapeutic objectives and client interests.
Exercise selection and customization. Not all exercises work for everyone. A person with a fear of water won't benefit from swimming, but might thrive with hiking if they enjoy the outdoors. Therapists help clients choose activities that match their abilities, limitations, and interests. Common options include walking, running, dancing, weight lifting, yoga, and team sports.
Motivation and support. Exercise therapists encourage clients throughout their journey, suggesting strategies like exercising with a friend or keeping an exercise log. They observe clients during sessions, provide technique corrections, and teach proper breathing methods to maximize therapeutic benefits.
Progress monitoring. Therapists track client progress, adjust programs as needed, and help clients recognize improvements in both physical fitness and mental health. The goal isn't pushing physical limits but helping clients enjoy their routines while building acceptance, self-esteem, and stress management skills.
How to Become an Exercise Therapist: Step-by-Step
Becoming a certified exercise therapist requires a significant educational commitment and hands-on experience. Here's the complete pathway.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree (4 years)
Start with a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related mental health field. During your undergraduate studies, take several courses focusing on physical fitness, kinesiology, or exercise science to build your foundation in both mental health and physical wellness.
Step 2: Complete a Master's Degree (2 years)
Most positions require a master's degree specifically in exercise therapy, movement therapy, or recreational therapy. These graduate programs dive deep into therapeutic applications of physical activity, integrating mental health principles with exercise science.
Step 3: Complete Supervised Clinical Hours (480 hours)
After earning your master's degree, you'll need 480 hours of supervised job placement experience. This practical training allows you to work directly with clients under the guidance of experienced professionals, applying what you've learned in real-world settings.
Step 4: Pass the Certification Examination
Once you've completed your education and supervised hours, you can take the certification examination offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Passing this exam earns you the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential, which is recognized across the field.
Step 5: Maintain Certification and Pursue Continuing Education
After certification, you'll need to maintain your credentials through continuing education and periodic renewal. This ensures you stay current with the latest research and best practices in exercise therapy.
Education Requirements
The path to becoming an exercise therapist requires a strong foundation in both mental health and physical fitness. Here's a detailed breakdown of the educational timeline and requirements.
| Degree Level | Duration | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | Psychology, counseling foundation, fitness courses, human anatomy, therapeutic recreation |
| Master's Degree | 2 years | Exercise therapy specialization, movement therapy, therapeutic interventions, and clinical practice |
| Supervised Practice | 480 hours | Clinical experience, client assessment, program development, documentation |
| Certification Exam | 3-6 months prep | NCTRC examination covering therapeutic recreation principles and practices |
Recommended Coursework
During your bachelor's and master's programs, focus on courses that bridge mental health and physical fitness, including abnormal psychology, counseling techniques, kinesiology, exercise physiology, therapeutic recreation, group dynamics, assessment methods, and program planning. This combination prepares you to understand both the psychological and physical aspects of client care.
Accreditation Matters
Choose programs accredited by recognized bodies like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Accreditation ensures your education meets industry standards and that your degree will be recognized by certification boards.
Exercise Therapist Salary and Job Outlook
Understanding salary expectations is crucial when considering any career path. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies exercise therapists under exercise physiologists, providing detailed salary data for the field.
National Salary Data (2024)
As of May 2024, exercise physiologists earn competitive salaries with significant growth potential based on experience and location.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th Percentile) | $39,090 | New graduates beginning their careers |
| Early Career (25th Percentile) | $47,170 | 1-3 years of experience |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $59,190 | Mid-career professionals |
| Experienced (75th Percentile) | $76,230 | 5-10 years of experience |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | $98,210 | Senior practitioners, specialized roles |
The national mean salary for exercise physiologists is $65,100, with employment projected to grow as more healthcare providers recognize the importance of exercise in mental health treatment.
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors influence earning potential in this field. Geographic location plays a significant role, with metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living typically offering higher salaries. Work setting matters too, as hospitals and specialized rehabilitation centers often pay more than general fitness facilities. Specialization in areas like cardiac rehabilitation or sports psychology can command premium salaries. Additional certifications beyond the basic CTRS credential also increase earning potential.
Career Growth and Advancement
Exercise therapists can advance their careers in several ways. Some move into supervisory or program director roles, overseeing other therapists and designing facility-wide programs. Others pursue specialized certifications in areas like cardiac rehabilitation or geriatric exercise. Some combine their expertise with additional education to become licensed counselors or clinical psychologists, opening doors to private practice and higher earning potential.
Where Do Exercise Therapists Work?
Exercise therapists find employment across diverse healthcare and wellness settings, each offering unique opportunities and client populations.
Medical facilities employ many exercise therapists in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and physical therapy offices. These settings often involve working with patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, integrating exercise into comprehensive treatment plans.
Mental health facilities provide opportunities to work specifically with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. These positions focus heavily on the psychological benefits of exercise.
Retirement communities and assisted living facilities need exercise therapists to help older adults maintain physical function and mental wellness. This work often involves adapting exercises for mobility limitations and chronic conditions common in elderly populations.
Fitness and wellness centers employ exercise therapists to work with general populations seeking improved mental and physical health. These positions might involve leading specialized classes or providing one-on-one therapeutic exercise coaching.
Private practice attracts many experienced exercise therapists who want autonomy in their work. Running your own practice allows you to specialize in specific populations or conditions and set your own schedule, though it requires business management skills alongside clinical expertise.
Corporate wellness programs hire exercise therapists to help employees manage stress, improve health metrics, and boost productivity. These positions often involve program development, health screenings, and group fitness classes.
Educational institutions sometimes employ exercise therapists to work with students, particularly in college counseling centers or special education programs where physical activity supports mental health and learning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Exercise Therapist
How long does it take to become an exercise therapist?
The complete process typically takes 6-7 years. This includes earning a bachelor's degree (4 years), completing a master's degree in exercise or movement therapy (2 years), and finishing 480 hours of supervised clinical practice (approximately 3-6 months if working full-time). After completing these requirements, you can take the NCTRC certification examination.
What's the difference between an exercise therapist and a physical therapist?
While both professions involve physical activity, their focus differs significantly. Exercise therapists primarily address mental health benefits through structured exercise programs, helping clients with conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress. Physical therapists focus on treating physical injuries, pain, and mobility issues through rehabilitation exercises and manual therapy techniques. The educational paths also differ, with physical therapists requiring a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Do exercise therapists need to be licensed?
Exercise therapists typically need certification rather than state licensure. The primary credential is the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. However, some states may have additional requirements or recognize different credentials, so it's important to check regulations in your specific state.
Can I become an exercise therapist with only a bachelor's degree?
Most professional positions require a master's degree in exercise therapy, movement therapy, or recreational therapy for certification eligibility. However, you can work in related roles with a bachelor's degree, such as a fitness instructor or wellness coordinator, while pursuing your master's degree. These entry-level positions provide valuable experience.
What is the job outlook for exercise therapists?
The job outlook remains positive as healthcare providers increasingly recognize exercise's role in mental health treatment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in the field, driven by an aging population, increased awareness of mental health issues, and growing emphasis on preventive care and holistic treatment approaches.
Where do most exercise therapists find employment?
Exercise therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, retirement communities, corporate wellness programs, private practices, and fitness centers. The variety of work environments allows professionals to choose settings that align with their interests and the populations they want to serve.
How much can I expect to earn as an exercise therapist?
As of 2024, the median annual salary is $59,190, with entry-level positions starting around $39,090. Experienced professionals in specialized settings or metropolitan areas can earn $98,210 or more annually. Salary varies based on location, work setting, experience level, and any additional certifications or specializations.
What skills are most important for exercise therapists?
Successful exercise therapists need strong interpersonal skills to build trust with clients, empathy to understand their struggles, comprehensive knowledge of both physical fitness and mental health principles, creativity in designing customized exercise plans, motivational abilities to keep clients engaged, and an understanding of medical conditions and physical limitations. Communication skills and patience are also essential.
Is exercise therapy similar to recreational therapy?
Exercise therapy is actually a specialization within the broader field of recreational therapy. While recreational therapy uses various leisure activities (art, music, games, social activities) to improve well-being, exercise therapy specifically focuses on physical activity as the primary therapeutic tool. Both earn the same CTRS certification but may emphasize different treatment modalities.
Can exercise therapy replace traditional counseling or medication?
Exercise therapy is typically used as a complementary treatment alongside other interventions, not as a replacement. While research shows significant benefits of exercise for mental health, most clients benefit from a comprehensive approach that might include talk therapy, medication (when appropriate), and lifestyle modifications like exercise. Exercise therapists often work as part of multidisciplinary treatment teams.
Key Takeaways
- Exercise therapy uses structured physical activity to improve mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and chronic pain, through both physiological changes and psychological benefits.
- Education requirements include a bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling (4 years), a master's degree in exercise or movement therapy (2 years), and 480 hours of supervised clinical practice before becoming eligible for NCTRC certification.
- 2024 salary data shows exercise therapists earn a median of $59,190 annually, with entry-level positions starting at $39,090 and experienced professionals earning up to $98,210 or more, depending on location, specialization, and experience.
- Career settings are diverse, ranging from hospitals and mental health facilities to retirement communities, private practices, corporate wellness programs, and fitness centers, allowing professionals to choose environments aligned with their interests.
- Certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is the primary credential, requiring passing the CTRS examination after completing educational and practical requirements.
- Job outlook remains positive as healthcare increasingly recognizes the connection between physical activity and mental health, with growing demand driven by an aging population and expanded awareness of holistic treatment approaches.
Ready to Launch Your Exercise Therapy Career?
Explore accredited psychology and counseling degree programs that can set you on the path to becoming a certified exercise therapist. Find programs that match your location and career goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other, Psychiatric Techs, Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
