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Clinical Exercise Physiologist Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Exercise Physiologist information

See Utah salary details

$4

$23

$52

How much do clinical exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical exercise physiologist in Utah is $23.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $28.46 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 Utah are hiring for Clinical Exercise Physiologist jobs?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Clinical Exercise Physiologist job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,898 per year, or $24 per hour.

Exercise Sciences - Certification Program Director, CFS Professional

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Brigham Young University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title:Exercise Sciences - Certification Program Director, CFS Professional

Posting End Date:October 15, 2026

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Position Start Date:August 1, 2027

Department Description: Exercise Sciences is a thriving department within the College of Life Sciences at Brigham Young University, serving approximately 2,000 undergraduate majors in Exercise Sciences and Exercise & Wellness. The department is committed to providing outstanding teaching, mentoring, and experiential learning that prepare students for graduate education and professional careers.

We seek a faculty member to lead the development and administration of professional certification and accreditation-aligned educational pathways within the department. Initial priorities will include strength and conditioning and exercise physiology, with emphasis on programs associated with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Required Degree:PhD, EdD, or equivalent degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or a closely related discipline. The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Experience:

Candidates must:

  • Hold an earned doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or a closely related discipline.
  • Hold a current NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification and/or ACSM Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) or Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) certification.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and experience related to professional certification preparation, curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation, and professional education.
  • Demonstrate potential for excellence in university teaching, professional instruction, and student mentoring.

Preferred qualifications include experience directing or developing certification- or accreditation-aligned academic programs; familiarity with CASCE and/or CAAHEP/CoAES standards and processes; clinical, strength and conditioning, or other applied professional experience; and experience developing field-based or experiential learning opportunities.

Duties/Expectations:

The successful candidate will:

  • Lead the development, implementation, and administration of academic pathways that prepare students for nationally recognized professional certifications, with initial emphasis on NSCA strength and conditioning and ACSM exercise physiology credentials.
  • Coordinate curriculum alignment, program assessment, accreditation or recognition processes, and continuous program improvement associated with these pathways.
  • Develop and oversee field experiences and other experiential learning opportunities that support professional preparation.
  • Teach undergraduate courses in areas such as exercise prescription, strength and conditioning, and professional preparation.
  • Mentor students pursuing professional certifications and careers in exercise science, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and related fields.
  • Develop relationships with professional organizations, accreditation bodies, clinical and industry partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Participate in department, college, university, and professional service.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape an expanding departmental initiative designed to strengthen the connection between the Exercise Sciences curriculum, experiential learning, nationally recognized professional credentials, and career preparation.

Please direct any questions to the department chair, Ty Hopkins at tyhopkins@byu.edu.

Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter, Mission Alignment Statement, and a statement on teaching and mentoring philosophy to the faculty application.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered.

BELONGING STATEMENT

United by our common primary identity as children of God, BYU values equal opportunity. We also value and embrace the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts of each member of the BYU community and the richness and strength they bring in helping create and support an environment of covenant belonging centered in Jesus Christ. Candidates with experience in and commitment to mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it "bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel" (Spencer W. Kimball).

If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.


EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

All faculty are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress &Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


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