Introduction:

What is a Physiologist? Physiology is a broad area of science that studies the physical actions that take place for a living system to function. A physiologist can study anything from single celled life forms to Aspen trees. Typically, a physiologist will specialize in a particular area of expertise, and they will further narrow their field of study and treatment within that area. Physiologists are highly trained medical scientists with a master’s degree or doctoral degree. With zeal and expertise in studying how humans, plants, animals and cells function, this field is growing as the demand for their scientific knowledge increases. As the need to better understand how living things function and improve the health and well-being of humans increases, this field will continue to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), Medical Scientists in general can expect a higher-than-average expected job growth, with specialists like Exercise Physiologists enjoying an expected 11% increase in job growth between 2019 and 2029.

Types of Physiologists:

There are many different types of physiologists, with areas of specialization within each area.

Physiology fields include: Clinical Physiology, Animal Physiology, Plant Physiology, Cell Physiology, and Exercise Physiology. Within each area, a Physiologist may become an expert with a narrow or broad focus.

Clinical Physiologists work with humans as medical professionals working alongside doctors to diagnose, treat, and anticipate health problems. Clinical Physiologists may work in sub-fields as audiology, cardiac physiologists, gastro-intestinal physiologists, neurophysiologists, respiratory physiologists, and sleep physiologists.

Animal Physiologists study the cell and organ structure of animals. They also study and research animal functions including reproduction, movement, and growth, with both animals in captivity and those in natural habitats.