Biology is also a compulsory first-year subject that covers cellular processes and development and organ systems.
Years two and three cover topics such as exercise nutrition, movement neuroscience, advanced biomechanics and technique assessment in sport.
A postgraduate diploma is required for anyone wanting to work as a clinical exercise physiologist or cardiac rehabilitation practitioner. Students specialise in one or the other, spending at least 250 hours with clients in the university Exercise Rehabilitation Clinic under supervision. Students chasing academic or research-based careers must do an honours year.
The graduate, Megan McEwen, 24
Clinical exercise physiologist and postgraduate clinical mentor at the University of Auckland Exercise Rehabilitation Clinic.
During my postgraduate diploma year, I worked in the Exercise Rehabilitation Clinic rehabilitating clients with various - often multiple - psychological and physical ailments.
At the end of the year, I was invited to complete a masters degree and offered the one part-time position available in the clinic.
The clinic gets clients through referral or privately; people can come off the street. Clients tend to have multiple conditions, including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, arthritis, cancer, Parkinson's, musculoskeletal injuries or poor pacing strategies.
The qualifications prepared me well. The undergraduate degree provides baseline theory and practice, while the postgraduate diploma is more intense and specific to medical conditions and working with clients with those conditions, from the medical understanding of the illness to assessing clients and learning how to deal with them psychologically.
Something that really stood out for me was the in-depth nature of the qualification - and how medical it is. I now fully understand the terms and values used by medical professions because I read medical reports daily.
I believe holding a Master of Science boosts my credibility in a profession that is still rather fresh in New Zealand. A few clinics are popping up, but more in cardiac rehabilitation than exercise rehabilitation practice.
The employer
Dr James Stinear, academic director, and Tracey Reason, business operations manager
- University of Auckland
People need to have an interest in physical activity and helping others, and be prepared to deliver a service based in science. If you are more interested in the leisure industry, then you may not be suited to the role of a clinical exercise physiologist.
We look for candidates who focus on customer service, responding to clients and building rapport. It is vital candidates understand how to interact with clients and apply their academic/research knowledge to clients' concerns.
We employed Megan in the clinic because she had a masters degree in exercise rehabilitation science which made her well qualified. Most practitioners only have a postgraduate diploma. She also had other important attributes, including integrity, honesty, great client skills and sound clinical knowledge.
Exercise rehabilitation practitioner
Bachelor of Science (Sport and Exercise Science); Postgraduate diploma in Sport and Exercise Science; Master of Science (Sport and Exercise Science), University of Auckland
Contact: 0800 61 62 63, (09) 923 1969; scifac@auckland.ac.nz, studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz; www.science.auckland.ac.nz
Tertiary fees:
Domestic: $4754-$5686; International: $26,000 (approx).
Closing dates: December 8
Number of places: 100
Entry requirements: NCEA University Entrance plus ranking of 190 over best 80 Level 3 credits from five approved subjects. Biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, physical education and/or computer science strongly recommended.
Employment possibilities: Clinical exercise or cardiac rehabilitation physiologists, rehabilitation case manager, injury-prevention consultant, occupational health and safety consultant, fitness centre manager/owner, medical products representative, PE teacher.
Starting average hourly rate: $25-$35 per hour, depending on location and experience.
