1

Clinical Exercise Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Under minimal supervision, the Exercise Physiologist is responsible for coordinating the activities of patients in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, clinical exercise ...

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Under minimal supervision, the Exercise Physiologist is responsible for coordinating the activities of patients in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, clinical exercise ...

ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) within 1 year of hire. Required Our Commitment to Social Impact and Belonging UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates ...

Exercise Physiologist - PRN

Rockford, IL · On-site

$24.24 - $35.14/hr

ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) within 1 year of hire. Required Our Commitment to Social Impact and Belonging UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates ...

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$22.07 - $34.21/hr

Bachelor's Degree focusing on clinical patient care * Master's Degree for Physiologist role required * Specify Degree(s): Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology * 1-2 years of previous ...

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$22.07 - $34.21/hr

Bachelor's Degree focusing on clinical patient care * Master's Degree for Physiologist role required * Specify Degree(s): Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology * 1-2 years of previous ...

Details Open Date 07/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN17275N Job Title Clinical Assistants Working Title Clinical Exercise Asst Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate ...

Details Open Date 07/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN17275N Job Title Clinical Assistants Working Title Clinical Exercise Asst Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate ...

Details Open Date 07/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN17276N Job Title Clinical Assistants Working Title Clinical Exercise Asst (Work-Study) Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 ...

Details Open Date 07/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN17275N Job Title Clinical Assistants Working Title Clinical Exercise Asst Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate ...

Details Open Date 07/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN17276N Job Title Clinical Assistants Working Title Clinical Exercise Asst (Work-Study) Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 ...

Details Open Date 07/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN17276N Job Title Clinical Assistants Working Title Clinical Exercise Asst (Work-Study) Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Clinical Exercise information

What is a clinical exercise physiologist?

Clinical exercise physiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in using exercise and physical activity to help patients prevent, manage, and recover from chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and obesity. They assess patients' fitness levels, develop personalized exercise programs, and monitor progress to improve overall health and quality of life. Clinical exercise physiologists often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice, collaborating closely with physicians and other healthcare providers.

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

To thrive as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, you need a solid background in exercise science, physiology, and health assessment, often supported by a degree in exercise physiology or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic tools like metabolic carts, ECG machines, and certifications such as ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational ability, and clear communication help build rapport with patients and healthcare teams. These competencies ensure effective patient assessment, safe exercise prescription, and improved health outcomes in clinical settings.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical exercise physiologists when working with patients in a healthcare setting?

Clinical Exercise Physiologists often encounter challenges such as motivating patients who have chronic conditions or low physical activity levels, adapting exercise programs to accommodate a wide range of medical needs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of clinical guidelines and documenting patient progress accurately are essential aspects of the role. Effective communication and empathy are key to overcoming these challenges and achieving positive results for patients.

What is the difference between Clinical Exercise vs Physical Therapist?

AspectClinical ExercisePhysical Therapist
CredentialsCertified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP), CPR certificationDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), state licensure, CPR certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, fitness facilitiesHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, private practices
Job FocusDesigning exercise programs for chronic disease management and rehabilitationDiagnosing and treating musculoskeletal, neurological, and other physical impairments
Industry UsageHealthcare, fitness, rehabilitationHealthcare, rehabilitation, sports medicine

Both Clinical Exercise professionals and Physical Therapists work in healthcare settings and focus on patient rehabilitation. However, Clinical Exercise specialists primarily develop exercise programs for chronic disease management, while Physical Therapists diagnose and treat a broader range of physical impairments. Their credentials, work environments, and job responsibilities overlap but serve different roles within patient care.

What can I do with a clinical exercise science degree?

A clinical exercise science degree prepares individuals for roles such as exercise physiologists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, and fitness trainers. Graduates often work in hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers, applying knowledge of human physiology, exercise testing, and rehabilitation techniques, sometimes requiring certification like ACSM or NSCA. The degree provides a foundation for careers focused on improving patient health and physical performance through exercise programs.

What do you need to be a clinical exercise physiologist?

To become a clinical exercise physiologist, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, along with certification such as the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) from the American College of Sports Medicine. Strong knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and patient care, as well as good communication skills, are essential for working with patients in clinical settings.

What does a clinical exercise specialist do?

A clinical exercise specialist designs and supervises individualized exercise programs for patients with chronic diseases or health conditions, such as cardiovascular or metabolic disorders. They assess patients' fitness levels, monitor progress, and often work in healthcare or rehabilitation settings, requiring knowledge of exercise science and certification such as ACSM or NSCA. Their goal is to improve health outcomes and functional capacity through tailored exercise interventions.
Infographic showing various Clinical Exercise job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist Cardiac Rehab

Bannerhealth

Banner, IL • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Banner Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 771 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Primary City/State:

Mesa, Arizona

Department Name:

Cardiac Rehab-Hosp

Work Shift:

Day

Job Category:

Clinical Care

A rewarding career that fits your life. Those who have joined the Banner mission come from all walks of life, united by the common goal: Make health care easier, so life can be better.

Banner Heart Hospital cares for a high volume of heart disease patients throughout the state of Arizona and the southwest. Our physicians stand out as being active participants in national research and as providers of cardiac training to physicians from all over the United States and the world. Our goal is to offer patients excellent cardiac services by providing safe, compassionate care and the best advanced treatment options.

As an Exercise Physiologist in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab at Banner Heart Hospital you will play a key role in supporting patients across all phases of recovery, from inpatient to long-term maintenance. The daily work includes assessing patients' medical status, developing individualized exercise prescriptions, and leading supervised exercise sessions while closely monitoring vitals, ECG, and symptoms to ensure safety. You will provide education on lifestyle medication, breathing techniques, and risk-factor management, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to support recovery and long-term wellness. Through compassionate coaching and evidence-based practice, you will help patients build confidence, improve functional capacity, and transition safely from hospital care to independent exercise.

Location: Banner Heart Hospital

Shift: Full-Time: 3 12hr shifts or 4 10hr shifts. Monday-Friday.

Ideal Candidate:

  • Completion of Internship in a Clinical Cardiac Rehab environment;

  • Will have BLS and ACLS (uploaded with application

Located next to Banner Baywood Medical Center in east Mesa, Arizona, Banner Heart Hospital specializes in providing the most advanced cardiovascular care in an environment of clinical excellence, compassion and healing. We have the most advanced technology in the state of Arizona, with innovative and cutting-edge technologies. With 111 beds, we are one of the largest freestanding heart hospitals in the nation. We have also been named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals for cardiovascular care by Thomson-Reuters. Our facility includes a 28 bed cardiovascular intensive care unit that specialized in the recovery of surgical patients, cardiogenic shock, and CRRT. Our 60 bed Cardiac Progressive Care Unit specializes in fast-paced procedural recovery and our 23 bed Cardiovascular Progressive Care Unit specializes in surgical recovery. Our space also includes two endovascular suites, six OR suites, six cardiac Cath labs, and three electrophysiology labs.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position provides assessment, treatment, and education to cardiac and pulmonary patients and their families in an outpatient cardiac, pulmonary rehabilitation or inpatient setting. Writes exercise prescriptions to progress patients through phase two and three outpatient rehabilitation.


CORE FUNCTIONS

1. Evaluates patient's functional abilities and limitations to determine appropriate intervention. Develops a plan of care and exercise goals, as ordered by physician or other referral source. Works alongside and receives guidance from other more experienced team members when working in phase I and II cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation. May oversee phase III outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehab independently.

2. Implements individualized exercise plans based on patients' physical and age-specific needs and abilities. Ensures that treatment plans are supported by standard practices and/or current literature. Reevaluates treatment plans, as needed, to ensure safety and maximum patient benefit.

3. Educates patients, family, and other care providers post cardiac to promote patient participation and attainment of exercise program goals. Provides individualized home programs with clear instructions. Instructs patients and families in pathology, discharge guidelines, risk factor modification, and exercise individually and through classes for both cardiac and pulmonary patients.

4. Under general supervision, documents patient treatment according to professional and regulatory standards.

5. Follows plan of care to accomplish functions within established procedures and scope of practice. Confers with lead or supervisor on any unusual situations.

6. Utilizes basic understanding of medical devices, equipment function and quality control measurements. Adheres to safety policies. Demonstrates the ability to trouble shoot and notifies appropriate personnel to maintain equipment performance. Maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.

7. Complies with all ethical, legal and professional responsibilities. Maintains confidentiality of all patient information.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a level of clinical knowledge as normally obtained through Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology or related field.

Minimum experience of a 300 + hour internship in cardiac rehabilitation or equivalent clinical/patient hours.

Requires knowledge in cardiac/pulmonary physiology, management and treatment of chronic disease, health promotion, ECG interpretation.

Requires the ability to work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare providers. Must have strong interpersonal, communication and human relation skills.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in Exercise Physiology or related field

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification

600+ hour internship in outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

EEO Statement:

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.

Privacy Policy:

Privacy Policy


What Banner Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom