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Clinical Exercise Physiologist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$23.24 - $33.41/hr

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 ...

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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 ...

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Clinical Exercise Physiologist information

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$56

How much do clinical exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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.

Are clinical exercise physiologists in demand?

Clinical exercise physiologists are in growing demand due to increasing awareness of preventive healthcare and management of chronic diseases. Employment opportunities are expected to expand as healthcare facilities and rehabilitation centers seek professionals skilled in exercise testing, prescription, and patient education, often requiring certification and knowledge of medical conditions.

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.

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 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.

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 cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Clinical Exercise Physiologist jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Clinical Exercise Physiologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Exercise Physiologist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,277 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

UNC Health Careers

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


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