New course aims to alleviate growing regional healthcare needs
CQUniversity is aiming to address the growing need for allied health professionals in regional Australia with the launch of a new Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology course that is set to welcome its first cohort in Term 1, 2026.
Associate Professor in Exercise and Sport Science Robert Stanton said the new course was designed to help bridge a significant gap in healthcare education and services between metropolitan and regional areas.
“Exercise and physical activity are increasingly used in the assessment, treatment and prevention of chronic and complex health conditions, as well as treating those with sport or work-related injury,” Assoc Prof Stanton explained.
“However, a significant healthcare inequity exists between metropolitan and regional centres in access to healthcare education and services,” he said.
“Exercise Physiology is one of Australia’s fastest growing allied health professions, but in regional areas demand far exceeds supply for new graduates.”
Assoc Prof Stanton said the course was a logical next step for graduates of exercise science programs who wish to work independently with people at risk of, or living with, chronic and complex conditions.
“Its online delivery, combined with on-campus residential schools and clinical placements, ensures equity of access to tertiary education in this critical area of healthcare.”
Enrolment is available to people who have completed CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Sciences degree, an Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) accredited Bachelor degree in Exercise and Sport Science from another Australian university, or who can obtain a current Graduate Entry Assessment letter from ESSA.
The course duration is 1.5 years full time, or three years part time, and admission is by direct application to CQU, with numbers capped at 30 students to ensure a strong staff-to-student ratio and personalised learning experience.
“Students will get access to authentic learning experiences, the flexibility of online study supported by residential schools and clinical placement - all of which ensure graduates are ready to enter the healthcare workforce with the knowledge and skills to enable healthcare consumers to achieve their goals,” Assoc Prof Stanton said.
Asso Prof Stanton said the University would soon recruit new staff members to support the course delivery.
“We’re seeking teaching and research staff with clinical expertise in areas such as exercise oncology, neurological conditions or metabolic health,” he said.
“Ideally, they’ll bring clinical experience into the classroom to provide students with authentic, practice-led learning.”
Find out more about the course here.
