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Cardiac Exercise Physiologist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Cardiac Exercise Physiologist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do cardiac exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiac exercise physiologist in Raleigh, NC is $27.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cardiac exercise physiologist?

A Cardiac Exercise Physiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in designing and supervising exercise programs for individuals with heart conditions. They assess patients' cardiovascular health, develop safe exercise routines, and monitor progress to help improve heart function and overall fitness. These specialists often work as part of a cardiac rehabilitation team in hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers, helping patients recover after heart attacks, surgeries, or manage chronic heart diseases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cardiac exercise physiologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cardiac Exercise Physiologist, you need a solid understanding of exercise physiology, cardiac anatomy, and rehabilitation principles, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and professional certification (such as ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist). Familiarity with ECG interpretation, metabolic testing equipment, and electronic health records is essential for monitoring and documenting patient progress. Outstanding interpersonal communication, empathy, and the ability to motivate patients set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for safely guiding cardiac patients through rehabilitation and promoting positive health outcomes.

How does a cardiac exercise physiologist collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a cardiac rehabilitation setting?

Cardiac Exercise Physiologists work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, nurses, physical therapists, and dietitians, to develop and implement tailored exercise programs for patients recovering from cardiac events. They regularly communicate patient progress, share assessment findings, and adjust exercise prescriptions based on input from the broader care team. This collaborative approach ensures that each patient's rehabilitation plan is safe, effective, and aligned with their overall treatment goals, fostering a supportive work environment and comprehensive patient care.

What is the difference between Cardiac Exercise Physiologist vs Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist?

AspectCardiac Exercise PhysiologistCardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
CredentialsCertified Exercise Physiologist, ACSM or CSEP certificationCertified in cardiac rehab, often with additional certifications
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, fitness centersRehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient programs
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, fitness, cardiac rehab programsHospitals, rehab clinics, cardiac centers

Both roles focus on cardiac health, but Cardiac Exercise Physiologists primarily design exercise programs, while Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialists often oversee comprehensive rehab programs, including education and counseling.

What jobs can I do with a cardiac exercise physiologist degree?

A cardiac exercise physiologist can work in hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, or fitness facilities, designing and supervising exercise programs for patients with heart conditions. They often collaborate with healthcare teams, utilize exercise testing equipment, and may obtain certifications such as ACSM or CSEP to enhance employment opportunities.

Where do cardiac exercise physiologists make the most money?

Cardiac exercise physiologists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with advanced healthcare infrastructure. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in hospital or private clinic settings. Overall, geographic location significantly influences earning potential for this role.
Infographic showing various Cardiac Exercise Physiologist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,325 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist - Cardiopulmonary Rehab - PRN

Duke University

Durham, NC

Per diem

Re-posted 15 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Job Duties:

Meet the knowledge and skillset outlined in the core competencies for Cardiac Rehabilitation professionals guidelines based on AACVPR's guidelines.  This includes, but is not limited to, patient assessment, nutritional/physical activity counseling, education on smoking cessation, and management of the following: diabetes, blood pressure, weight, lipids.  Candidate will need to also be able to provide psychosocial support to patients, as they are dealing with life-changing events.  Candidate should have knowledge of exercise parameters for patients with heart disease.

Key Responsibilities: 

Monitor vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, symptoms, and blood glucose levels, ensuring accurate documentation within Epic, Duke's electronic medical records system. 

Formulate personalized exercise prescriptions tailored to clients with diverse health histories and varied goals. 

Deliver expert instruction in group exercise classes

Offer individualized personal treatment plans to a diverse client base, accommodating a range of health histories and objectives. 

Maintain regular communication with patients and interdisciplinary team 

Work Performed: 

Ensure a secure exercise environment for clients, monitoring vital signs and collaboratively communicating care plans with the complete healthcare team. Spearhead the planning, coordination, and implementation of exercise and related programs tailored to diverse special populations, clinical programs, and healthy demographics. Undertake the responsibility of creating personalized exercise prescriptions, setting goals, and orchestrating exercise progression for patients at varying risk levels-low, medium, and high. Conduct comprehensive fitness assessments for clients spanning a spectrum of health abilities. Function as an integral team player, contributing to optimal client care and fostering mutual support within the team. 

Required Qualifications at this Level 

Education 

Master's degree in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science. Bachelor's degree plus ACSM RCEP credential accepted 

Experience 

Level I: Minimum 1 yrs applicable experience, prefer 2 

Level II: Minimum 3 yrs applicable experience (leadership experience preferred). 

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification 

Level I: ACSM Clinical Certification as Exercise Physiologist or Clinical Exercise Physiologist 

Level II: ACSM Clinical Certification as Clinical Exercise Physiologist 


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US