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Clinical Exercise Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Wellness Navigator

Clive, IA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

... Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) or Registered Clinical -Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) preferred. - Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work with ...

Exercise Specialist

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$21.79 - $32.68/hr

But when it comes to clinical capabilities and quality, we exceed those geographical limits. We ... As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of ...

Exercise Specialist

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$21.79 - $32.68/hr

But when it comes to clinical capabilities and quality, we exceed those geographical limits. We ... As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of ...

Exercise Specialist

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$21.79 - $32.68/hr

But when it comes to clinical capabilities and quality, we exceed those geographical limits. We ... As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of ...

Exercise Specialist

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$21.79 - $32.68/hr

But when it comes to clinical capabilities and quality, we exceed those geographical limits. We ... As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of ...

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Clinical Exercise information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$24

$54

How much do clinical exercise jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical exercise in Iowa is $24.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $29.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are clinical exercise physiologists?

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 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 highest paying job in exercise science?

The highest paying jobs in exercise science typically include roles such as exercise physiologists, clinical directors, or sports medicine physicians, especially those with advanced certifications and extensive experience. These positions often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and work in clinical or research settings, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases.

What jobs can I get with a clinical exercise science degree?

A clinical exercise science degree prepares individuals for roles such as exercise physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, or fitness trainer. These jobs often require knowledge of human physiology, assessment skills, and certifications like ACSM or NSCA, and may involve working in hospitals, clinics, or fitness centers.

How to become a clinical exercise specialist?

To become a clinical exercise specialist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, along with certification such as the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) or similar credentials. Gaining experience through internships or supervised practice is also important, and strong knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions is essential for working with clinical populations.

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 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 heart disease or diabetes. They assess patients' fitness levels, monitor progress, and work closely with healthcare providers to improve health outcomes, often using tools like ECGs and exercise testing. Certification from organizations like ACSM or NSCA is typically required.

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.

Infographic showing various Clinical Exercise job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,482 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Wellness Navigator

Power Wellness

Clive, IA • On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Power Wellness rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 63 rated gym and leisure clubs


Job description

Position Title: Wellness Navigator
Location: MercyOne Health & Fitness Center
Type: Full Time
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Paid Days Off (ETO)
- 401(k) Plan with Company Matching
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Complimentary Fitness Membership for You and a Member of Your Household
- Flexible Work Schedules
Summary:
We improve life and we're here to serve. What you do is something special and contributes towards improving health within your community. Join our team of full time and part time staff at MercyOne Health & Fitness Center. Our facility is managed by Power Wellness Management, a company that specializes in managing state-of-the-art medically integrated health and fitness centers. Power Wellness is a medical fitness industry pioneer who improves the lives of clients with a unique and customized approach to medical fitness center development and management. Their turnkey method takes away the stress of the development and management process allowing clients to focus on other areas of their business.
The purpose of the Wellness Navigator is to provide leadership in administering and maintaining high quality standards for all aspects of medically integrated programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provide leadership, direction and oversight to fitness staff and personal trainers as it relates to medically integrated programs.
2. Oversee, ensure compliance, and actively participate with all physician approval and clearance procedures, pre- and post-program assessments, and medically integrated programs.
3. Work collaboratively to develop, implement and maintain monthly provider and clinician outreach.
4. Keep all participant accounts up to date in PowerForce. Must document ALL referrals and provider/clinician outreach in PowerForce.
5. Serve as a communications liaison among center and referral sources; serve on the Medical Advisory Committee as needed.
6. Work with center membership team to assist in the transition of participants to membership following completion of program.
7. Achieve volume and financial budget expectations for medically integrated programs.
8. Ensure that all medically integrated program participants are provided with a customized exercise program based on assessment results and appropriate communication with referral sources.
9. Ensure best practices for data input are being performed during the pre-assessment and post-assessment by the Fitness Team for accurate outcomes.
10. Responsible for providing participant summary reports for the referring healthcare provider and Power Wellness.
11. Respond to member feedback with a high level of professionalism.
12. Have the ability to perform all the duties outlined in the Fitness Specialist and Personal Training job description as needed.
13. Encourage employee professional growth through training, supervision, empowerment, continuous performance management and feedback.
14. Provide regular feedback, write, and conduct interim and annual performance reviews.
15. Conduct and/or participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings.
16. The ability to be flexible and accommodating as it relates to center hours, work schedules and scheduling appointments for prospects and members.
17. Demonstrate complete knowledge of emergency and safety procedures including the use of facility paging system and confidence in calling and communicating with EMS.
18. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university in a health-related, exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education major required. Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in the fitness/wellness industry required, preferably in a fitness facility.
- CPR/AED certification required within 90 days of hire.
- Nationally recognized NCCA accredited certification required.
- ACSM certification as Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) or Registered Clinical -Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) preferred.
- Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work with members in a positive, service-based manner.
- Ability to multi-task and maintain a controlled and professional demeanor.
- Proficient computer skills.
We Improve Life By Delivering Excellence In Health, Fitness & Wellness Management.
Integrity * Excellence * Humanity * Passion * Creativity * Humility

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