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Clinical Exercise Physiologist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Specialist PRN

Denver, CO · On-site

$22.49 - $31.50/hr

Job Summary and Qualifications The Clinical Exercise Specialist demonstrates knowledge and skills ... Physiology, or Kinesiology. * Prior experience in a patient care related field preferred. * Ability ...

Exercise Specialist PRN

Denver, CO · On-site

$22.49 - $31.50/hr

Job Summary and Qualifications The Clinical Exercise Specialist demonstrates knowledge and skills ... Physiology, or Kinesiology. * Prior experience in a patient care related field preferred. * Ability ...

Cardiac Rehab Specialist

Golden, CO · On-site

$29.43 - $45.39/hr

One year of clinical experience in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, excluding internship experience ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field at an ...

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Clinical Exercise Physiologist information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$27

$60

How much do clinical exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical exercise physiologist in Colorado is $27.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $32.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical exercise physiologist?

A Clinical Exercise Physiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in using exercise to help prevent and manage chronic diseases and medical conditions. They assess patients' physical abilities, design safe and effective exercise programs, and monitor progress, often working with individuals who have cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, or musculoskeletal issues. Clinical Exercise Physiologists often collaborate with doctors and other healthcare providers to improve patients' health outcomes through physical activity. Their work is essential in cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and chronic disease management. They also educate patients about lifestyle modifications to promote long-term health.

What does a clinical exercise physiologist do?

A clinical exercise physiologist works with a variety of patients to maintain or improve their health through physical activity. In this career, your duties may involve working with people with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, asthma, or diabetes. Your responsibilities may include assessing their needs, monitoring their exercise, and ensuring that they are following safe exercise practices. A certified exercise physiologist, also known as a CEP, may also work with patients who are recovering from a medical emergency or need to regain physical strength following surgery.

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

To excel as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, you need a solid background in exercise science, human physiology, and clinical assessment, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and professional certification (such as ACSM-CEP). Familiarity with cardiopulmonary exercise testing equipment, ECG interpretation, and health management software is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal skills, motivational ability, and clear communication help build trust and foster adherence among diverse patient populations. These competencies are crucial for delivering safe, effective exercise interventions and promoting long-term health outcomes in clinical settings.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical exercise physiologists when implementing individualized exercise programs?

Clinical Exercise Physiologists often encounter challenges such as varying patient motivation levels, adherence to prescribed exercise regimens, and managing complex medical conditions like cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. Adapting exercise plans to accommodate individual health limitations while ensuring safety and effectiveness is crucial. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and physical therapists, is essential to coordinate care and adjust programs as patients progress.

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

AspectClinical Exercise PhysiologistCardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
CredentialsCertified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP), CPR certificationCertified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP), CPR certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, rehab centers, fitness facilitiesHospitals, outpatient cardiac rehab programs, clinics
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, sports medicine, rehab centersCardiology clinics, hospitals, rehab centers
Primary FocusDesigning exercise programs for patients with chronic diseasesManaging and guiding patients through cardiac rehab programs

The main difference between a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and a Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist lies in their focus and certification. Clinical Exercise Physiologists develop exercise plans for various chronic conditions, while Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialists specifically focus on recovery for cardiac patients. Both roles work in healthcare settings and require similar certifications, but their primary patient populations and program goals differ.

Are clinical exercise physiologists in demand?

Clinical exercise physiologists are in growing demand due to increasing awareness of the benefits of exercise in managing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Employment opportunities are expected to expand as healthcare systems emphasize preventive care and rehabilitation, often requiring certification and specialized knowledge in exercise testing and program development.

What can you do with a clinical exercise physiologist degree?

A clinical exercise physiologist degree prepares individuals to assess, develop, and implement exercise programs for patients with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. They often work in healthcare settings, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers, using skills in patient assessment, exercise testing, and program design, sometimes requiring certification like ACSM or NSCA. This role involves working closely with medical teams to improve patient health outcomes through exercise therapy.

Where do clinical exercise physiologists make the most money?

Clinical exercise physiologists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater healthcare demand, such as urban areas and certain states. Salaries can also increase with advanced certifications, experience, and working in specialized clinical settings or hospitals.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Clinical Exercise Physiologist jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Clinical Exercise Physiologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Exercise Physiologist jobs in CO?

For Clinical Exercise Physiologist jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Clinical Exercise Physiologist job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,634 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Cardiology Exercise Physiologist

Denver, CO • On-site


Intermountain Healthcare

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 847 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

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Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Exercise Physiologist

This Exercise Physiologist position plays a vital role in helping patients return to their baseline health and achieve optimal functional capacity following a cardiac or pulmonary event. Responsibilities include patient assessment, such as medical history review, vital sign monitoring, EKG interpretation, and functional capacity testing. The role also involves mentoring new staff and fostering continuous improvement in departmental protocols and patient satisfaction.

Essential Functions
  • Educates patients regarding exercise technique and appropriate use of equipment.
  • Documents results and training in a clear, concise, and timely manner.
  • Maintains equipment to ensure a safe and functional environment.
  • Maintains a clean and inviting work environment according to health department codes and facility standards.
  • Provide mentorship, training, and oversight to Exercise Therapists and Exercise Specialists.
Skills
  • Works well with team
  • Process Improvement
  • Familiar with computers – Microsoft, excel, other
  • Client Engagement
  • Critical Thinking
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Clinical assessment and monitoring
  • EKG interpretation
  • Symptom recognition
  • Patient education and coaching
  • Communication
  • Patient care
  • Documentation
  • Technical proficiency, including use of equipment and clinical tools
Qualifications
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field at an accredited institution.
Physical Requirements
  • Ongoing need for employee to see and read information, labels, assess patient needs, operate monitors, identify equipment and supplies.
  • Frequent interactions with patient care providers, patients, and visitors that require employee to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information, alarms, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, particularly during emergency situations.
  • Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes frequent computer use and typing for documenting patient care, accessing needed information, medication preparation, etc.
  • Expected to lift and utilize full range of movement to transfer patients. Will also bend to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment. Typically includes items of varying weights, up to and including heavy items.
  • Need to walk and assist with transporting/ambulating patients and obtaining and distributing supplies and equipment. This includes pushing/pulling gurneys and portable equipment, including heavy items. Often required to navigate crowded and busy rooms (full of equipment, power cords on the floor, etc.)
  • May be expected to stand in a stationary position for an extended period of time.
Location

Heart and Vascular - Denver

Work City

Denver

Work State

Colorado

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

$24.30 - $37.52

We care about your well-being – mind, body, and spirit – which is why we provide our caregivers a generous benefits package that covers a wide range of programs to foster a sustainable culture of wellness that encompasses living healthy, happy, secure, connected, and engaged.

Intermountain Health is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

At Intermountain Health, we use the artificial intelligence ("AI") platform, HiredScore to improve your job application experience. HiredScore helps match your skills and experiences to the best jobs for you. While HiredScore assists in reviewing applications, all final decisions are made by Intermountain personnel to ensure fairness. We protect your privacy and follow strict data protection rules. Your information is safe and used only for recruitment. Thank you for considering a career with us and experiencing our AI-enhanced recruitment process.

All positions subject to close without notice.


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