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Clinical Exercise Physiologist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Physical Therapy Technician

Cary, NC · On-site

$13 - $14.75/hr

Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Prescription, EMR documentation. · Patient Care ... excellence in clinical outcomes, team culture, and operational performance. We empower our ...

Physical Therapy Technician

Cary, NC · On-site

$13 - $14.75/hr

Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Prescription, EMR documentation. • Patient Care ... excellence in clinical outcomes, team culture, and operational performance. We empower our ...

Showing results 21-39

Clinical Exercise Physiologist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$5

$25

$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.

Exercise Specialist - Duke Fitness Center - part time

Duke Health

Durham, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Duke Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description


General Description of the Job Class

The Duke Health and Fitness Center is seeking a highly qualified exercise specialist to join our team. Responsibilities include to provide safety for clinical members during exercise sessions and to triage symptoms and vitals for members pre/during/post exercise sessions and providing personal training sessions to a diverse member population. Supporting group fitness classes on land and in pool is an added support.

Work Performed

Level I - Participate in screening individuals' medical histories and current Health status to identify major health risk factors; administer fitness testing procedures and counsel individuals regarding test results and us of exercise equipment, assist with fitness-related educational programs. - Population usually low risk, even though risk factors exist. Entry level work with medical programs, scripts must be co-signed by level 3 Exercise Specialist, Exercise Physiologist or supervisor. Level II - Plan, coordinate and implement the development of exercise and related programs for a variety of special populations and clinical programs. - Perform a wide variety of fitness assessments and/or non-invasive cardiopulmonary tests according to work site. - Responsible for developing safe exercise prescriptions, goal setting and exercise progression for low, medium and high-risk patients. - Able to teach variety of land and water based group exercise for low, medium and high risk clients as required by work site. - Requires co-sign / oversight by Level 3 Exercise Specialist, Exercise Physiologist or supervisor. Level III - Responsible for all exercise requirements indicated in cardiac rehab state license, AACVPR national and ACSM guidelines as applicable to work site. - Able to teach most/all offered land and water based group exercise for low, medium and high risk clients as required by work site. - Recognizes symptom changes & signs of problems. - Knows appropriate medical response / processes. - Initiates first responder care. - Active in program certification process and regulatory agency review as applicable to work site. - Understands care management and interacts as patient advocate for appropriate referrals (non-physician) to other professionals or community services as indicated. - Function as a Team Leader and performs charge responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

N/A

Level Characteristics

Level I: All exercise scripts have to be co-signed by higher-level ES Lower risk responsibilities. Significant on the job training takes place at this level. Level II: Higher level of function and autonomy, but still needs oversight. May have some "charge duty" responsibilities, but not full supervisory responsibility. Level III: Functions independently in all diagnostic / clinical tasks. Higher-level function regarding program oversight. No co-signatures required (unless future national policy requires EP signature.) Maximum level attained without master's degree or RCEP credential.

Minimum QualificationsEducation

Bachelor's degree in exercise science or related field required.

Experience

Level I: No previous experience required.Level II: Minimum 1-year applicable experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. Level III: Minimum 2 yrs. applicable experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Level I: BLS certification Level II: BLS; ACSM certification (must attain certification within 1 year of hire) Level III: BLS (ACLS preferred), ACSM Clinical Certification as Exercise Specialist required


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.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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