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Cardiac Exercise Physiologist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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Cardiac Exercise Physiologist information

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How much do cardiac exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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.

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.

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.

How much does a cardiac rehab exercise physiologist make?

The average salary for a cardiac rehab exercise physiologist in New Jersey ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries may be higher in hospitals or specialized clinics, and additional certifications can enhance earning potential.

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.

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.
Infographic showing various Cardiac Exercise Physiologist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% 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 Specialist - Duke Fitness Center - part time

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

486th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

General Description of the Job Class
The Duke Health and Fitness Center is seeking a highly qualified exercise specialist to join our team. Responsibilities include to provide safety for clinical members during exercise sessions and to triage symptoms and vitals for members pre/during/post exercise sessions and providing personal training sessions to a diverse member population. Supporting group fitness classes on land and in pool is an added support.
Work Performed
Level I - Participate in screening individuals' medical histories and current Health status to identify major health risk factors; administer fitness testing procedures and counsel individuals regarding test results and us of exercise equipment, assist with fitness-related educational programs. - Population usually low risk, even though risk factors exist. Entry level work with medical programs, scripts must be co-signed by level 3 Exercise Specialist, Exercise Physiologist or supervisor. Level II - Plan, coordinate and implement the development of exercise and related programs for a variety of special populations and clinical programs. - Perform a wide variety of fitness assessments and/or non-invasive cardiopulmonary tests according to work site. - Responsible for developing safe exercise prescriptions, goal setting and exercise progression for low, medium and high-risk patients. - Able to teach variety of land and water based group exercise for low, medium and high risk clients as required by work site. - Requires co-sign / oversight by Level 3 Exercise Specialist, Exercise Physiologist or supervisor. Level III - Responsible for all exercise requirements indicated in cardiac rehab state license, AACVPR national and ACSM guidelines as applicable to work site. - Able to teach most/all offered land and water based group exercise for low, medium and high risk clients as required by work site. - Recognizes symptom changes & signs of problems. - Knows appropriate medical response / processes. - Initiates first responder care. - Active in program certification process and regulatory agency review as applicable to work site. - Understands care management and interacts as patient advocate for appropriate referrals (non-physician) to other professionals or community services as indicated. - Function as a Team Leader and performs charge responsibilities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
N/A
Level Characteristics
Level I: • All exercise scripts have to be co-signed by higher-level ES • Lower risk responsibilities. • Significant on the job training takes place at this level. Level II: • Higher level of function and autonomy, but still needs oversight. May have some "charge duty" responsibilities, but not full supervisory responsibility. Level III: • Functions independently in all diagnostic / clinical tasks. • Higher-level function regarding program oversight. • No co-signatures required (unless future national policy requires EP signature.) • Maximum level attained without master's degree or RCEP credential.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in exercise science or related field required.
Experience
Level I: No previous experience required.Level II: Minimum 1-year applicable experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. Level III: Minimum 2 yrs. applicable experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
Level I: BLS certification Level II: BLS; ACSM certification (must attain certification within 1 year of hire) Level III: BLS (ACLS preferred), ACSM Clinical Certification as Exercise Specialist required
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.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US