| Accredited Exercise Physiologist | Personal Trainer |
| Education: Completed 4 years study at University in a Bachelor or Master’s Degree and min 500hrs clinical experience. |
Certificate 4 in Personal Training that may be completed after just 6 months. |
| Skills: Specialists in exercise for generally healthy populations as well as special populations such as complex or chronic medical and musculoskeletal conditions. |
Only insured to deliver exercise programs to low risk persons (i.e. generally healthy populations). |
| Governance: Recognised allied health professionals governed by the accreditation body Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). |
Not governed. |
| Approach: Evidence-based scientific approach and customised prescription for each individual considering their holistic health status. |
Generally provide fitness assessments, instruction and supervision based on templates. |
| Knowledge: In depth understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, human physiology and disease processes. |
PT courses offer limited understanding of the fundamentals of movement. |
| Health Care Rebates: Recognised by Medicare and Private Health Insurers. |
Not recognised. |