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$5

$25

$56

How much do clinical exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical exercise physiologist in Raleigh, NC is $25.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $30.38 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.
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Clinical Exercise Physiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clinical Exercise Physiologist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 57% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,277 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist - Cardiopulmonary Rehab - PRN

Duke Clinical Research Institute

Durham, NC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

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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