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Clinical Exercise Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Clinical Exercise Physiologist works closely with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide evidence-based exercise therapy that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused ...

Clinical Exercise Physiologist Belong. Connect. Grow. We are a contract of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers, and we all share one goal: to improve the world ...

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Clinton, MD ยท On-site

$22.48 - $39.75/hr

Clinical Exercise Physiologist MedStar Health is looking for a Clinical Exercise Physiologist to join our team at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center! As a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, you ...

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Clinton, MD ยท On-site

$22.48 - $39.75/hr

As a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, you will develop complex exercise prescriptions and assess the effectiveness and responses to interventions and documents according to established standards. The ...

We are seeking a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX to support the Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures (EPC) Laboratory. What you'll do: In this ...

We are seeking a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX to support the Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures (EPC) Laboratory. What you'll do: In this ...

Sentara is hiring a Clinical Exercise Specialist I in Hampton, Virginia This is a Flexi, Day shift opportunity!!! Under the direction and guidance of a licensed clinician, the Clinical Exercise ...

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Clinical Exercise information

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$5

$26

$57

How much do clinical exercise jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical exercise in the United States is $26.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical exercise physiologist?

Clinical exercise physiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in using exercise and physical activity to help patients prevent, manage, and recover from chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and obesity. They assess patients' fitness levels, develop personalized exercise programs, and monitor progress to improve overall health and quality of life. Clinical exercise physiologists often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice, collaborating closely with physicians and other healthcare providers.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical exercise physiologists when working with patients in a healthcare setting?

Clinical Exercise Physiologists often encounter challenges such as motivating patients who have chronic conditions or low physical activity levels, adapting exercise programs to accommodate a wide range of medical needs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of clinical guidelines and documenting patient progress accurately are essential aspects of the role. Effective communication and empathy are key to overcoming these challenges and achieving positive results for patients.

What can I do with a clinical exercise science degree?

A clinical exercise science degree prepares individuals for roles such as exercise physiologists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, and fitness trainers. Graduates often work in hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers, applying knowledge of human physiology, exercise testing, and rehabilitation techniques, sometimes requiring certification like ACSM or NSCA. The degree provides a foundation for careers focused on improving patient health and physical function through exercise programs.

How to become a clinical exercise specialist?

To become a clinical exercise specialist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, along with certification such as the ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CCEP). Relevant skills include knowledge of cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, and certification often requires practical experience and passing an exam. Continuing education is also important to maintain certification and stay current with industry standards.

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

To thrive as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, you need a solid background in exercise science, physiology, and health assessment, often supported by a degree in exercise physiology or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic tools like metabolic carts, ECG machines, and certifications such as ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational ability, and clear communication help build rapport with patients and healthcare teams. These competencies ensure effective patient assessment, safe exercise prescription, and improved health outcomes in clinical settings.

What does a clinical exercise specialist do?

A clinical exercise specialist designs and supervises individualized exercise programs for patients with chronic diseases or health conditions, such as cardiovascular or metabolic disorders. They assess patients' fitness levels, monitor progress, and often work in healthcare or rehabilitation settings, requiring knowledge of exercise science and certification such as ACSM or NSCA. Their goal is to improve health outcomes and functional capacity through tailored exercise interventions.

What is the difference between Clinical Exercise vs Physical Therapist?

AspectClinical ExercisePhysical Therapist
CredentialsCertified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP), CPR certificationDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), state licensure, CPR certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, fitness facilitiesHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, private practices
Job FocusDesigning exercise programs for chronic disease management and rehabilitationDiagnosing and treating musculoskeletal, neurological, and other physical impairments
Industry UsageHealthcare, fitness, rehabilitationHealthcare, rehabilitation, sports medicine

Both Clinical Exercise professionals and Physical Therapists work in healthcare settings and focus on patient rehabilitation. However, Clinical Exercise specialists primarily develop exercise programs for chronic disease management, while Physical Therapists diagnose and treat a broader range of physical impairments. Their credentials, work environments, and job responsibilities overlap but serve different roles within patient care.

More about Clinical Exercise jobs
What cities are hiring for Clinical Exercise jobs? Cities with the most Clinical Exercise job openings:
What states have the most Clinical Exercise jobs? States with the most job openings for Clinical Exercise jobs include:
Infographic showing various Clinical Exercise job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,810 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

UNC Health Careers

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

Summary:

The Clinical Exercise Physiologist works closely with theย multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide evidence-based exercise therapy
that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused medical goals.ย Primary responsibilities include development and implementation of the exerciseย prescription through initial patient assessment, exercise testing, monitoring,ย and evaluation of the patient's progress.ย 
The Clinical Exercise Physiologist uses evidence-based practice,ย protocols, and guidelines to determine exercise intervention.ย  As part of the multidisciplinary team, theย Clinical Exercise Physiologist is directly involved in patient care, patientย education, program development, and quality performance improvement.


Responsibilities:
1. Assesses exercise therapy needs using standardized practice and critical thinking. Conducts exercise testing where applicable. Recognizes potential medical problems in all clinical situations and works in collaboration with the healthcare team to resolve these issues. Recognizes unsafe exercise situations and intervenes to ensure patient safety. Monitors response to exercise such as heart rate and rhythm, ratings of perceived exertion, blood pressures, blood glucoses, and O2 Sats. Attends and participates in patient care conferences.
2. Develops exercise prescriptions according to age, disease, medical history, comorbidities, and individual needs for patients. Implements, monitors, and modifies exercise prescriptions and individual treatment plans. Participates in reassessments and discharge planning process. Demonstrates clinical and age-specific competency as evidenced by clinical competency tools, forms, chart audits, tests, observation, etc.
3. Provides initial orientation to exercise program, educating patient on untoward signs and symptoms to recognize and report, safe use of exercise equipment, and program processes. Provides patient education on a variety of topics, such as disease management, safe exercise principles, risk factor modification, medication compliance, stress management, and behavior modification.
4. Documents all aspects of exercise therapy in the medical record. Demonstrates compliance with regulatory agency standards as evidenced by chart audits and organizational / regulatory agency surveys. Communicates effectively with physicians, medical director, other providers, and co-workers. Provides patient education using established behavioral change techniques. Communicates with patients in a clear and effective manner.
5. Assists in achieving compliance with the Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), American Association for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) or other accrediting agency standards to continuously improve the safety and quality of care to the public and to the organization's performance improvement. Performs business functions, such as management of resources in a cost-effective manner, and participates in compliance and quality performance improvement efforts to ensure that clinical care is safe and effective.
6. Attends and participates in staff meetings, and continuing education opportunities. Participates in quality improvement initiatives and cross training. Maintains professional competency and skills required for professional practice. Act as a resource for community-based exercise programs.
7. Participates in the training of clinical exercise physiology students and orienting new staff members as directed by supervisor.


Other Information

Other information:
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field
Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field preferred Completion of a clinical internship preferred
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) required within twelve (12) months of hire* or licensed Physical Therapist
Professional Experience Requirements:
One (1) year of experience working in a clinical exercise setting.
No minimum clinical experience required with Master's degree
*Note: Current teammates hired before Dec 15, 2019 are not required to hold CEP certification.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form to patients, public, hospital and medical staff, and physicians. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of patients and their guests, community members, and others outside of the organization. Possess ability to time manage, complete tasks, and meet operational timelines. Ability to function independently on assignments. Demonstrate a passion for using skills and knowledge to help patients, guests and coworkers. Ability to efficiently, calmly, and tactfully deal with in-person interactions, telephone calls, email correspondence, and related patient and customer services issues. Working knowledge and skills of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Proficient keyboarding skills. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations by collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Critical thinking to integrate facts, informed opinion, active listening, and observations. Ability to use good judgment and make decisions regarding patient care.


Job Details

Legal Employer: NCHEALTH

Entity: UNC REX Healthcare

Organization Unit: Rex Rehab-Cardio

Work Type: Per Diem

Standard Hours Per Week: 12.00

Salary Range:ย $23.24 - $33.41 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Raleigh

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No


This position is employed by NC Health (Rex Healthcare, Inc., d/b/a NC Health), a private, fully-owned subsidiary of UNC Heath Care System. This is not a State employed position.


Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

Employment Type: