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Clinical Exercise Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Educate participants on clinically proven health and fitness information, available fitness and ... A bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology or a related field, or a NCCA-accredited ...

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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 Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Senior Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Boston Medical Center

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Boston Medical Center rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

512th of 1,064 rated hospitals


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under supervision of the Operations Manager and according to established policies and procedures,
Provides direct patient assessment and management in the BMC Stress Testing Laboratories and/or Cardiac Rehabilitation & Prevention Program.

Position: Senior Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Department: Card Non-Inv Testing - Preston

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Stress Testing Management

  • Knowledge of ACSM stress testing guidelines
  • Evaluates patients for appropriateness of testing, patient safety, and correct type of test and protocol
  • Effectively communicates pertinent information with supervising physicians, nurses, sonographers and other physiologists and ensures communication with referring physicians as needed.
  • Evaluates and performs stress testing of outpatients and inpatients; including, exercise tolerance tests, stress echocardiograms, dobutamine echocardiograms, metabolic stress tests, exercise nuclear stress tests, pharmacological nuclear stress tests.
  • Performs Pediatric stress testing. Exhibits knowledge of testing protocols and proper equipment usage for pediatric patients.
  • Provides patient information, explains testing methods and procedures, and obtains patient consent
  • Selects appropriate testing protocol according to patient clinical presentation
  • Ensures recordings are of the best quality for diagnosis according to departmental practices and procedures.
  • Performs ongoing clinical assessment throughout the test by monitoring cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters including symptoms, appearance, heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram
  • Determines test duration and test termination as per BMC Stress Testing Lab Policy and ACSM guidelines
  • Calculates and records all necessary parameters, and provides initial interpretation of electrocardiographic tracings for diagnostic purposes
  • Creates the electronic record of exam, documentation of pertinent exam information, and data entry for charge capture
  • Evaluates and communicates findings to medical personnel as required, following departmental practices and procedures
  • Responds to medical emergencies for Stress Testing Labs and BMC Non Invasive Cardiovascular Laboratories, and assists-physicians according to BMC Non-Invasive Lab policy.
  • Provides education and instruction to hospital personnel and students in methods and theories of stress testing
  • Inserts peripheral intravenous lines as needed according to BMC Non Invasive Lab Policy

Nuclear Stress Testing (specific additional duties to those as outlined above)

  • Coordinates patient-specific imaging protocol with physician staff (Cardiology and/or Radiology)
  • Maintain Radiation safety standards per BMC Radiation policy and procedure guidelines
  • Enters basic pre-test patient data and imaging data into Apollo (medical history, radiopharmaceutical doses and administration time, etc.)

Cardiac Rehabilitation, PAD Rehab, & Prevention Program Management

  • Provides patient orientation to the Rehab Programs
  • Reviews medical evaluation and implements treatment plan as developed by the Program Medical Director
  • Develops specific exercise training program and training goals for each individual patient with reference to underlying medical conditions and risks of exercise
  • Performs ongoing clinical assessment throughout sessions by monitoring all relevant cardiovascular parameters
  • Coordination & scheduling of all adjunctive rehab services including behavioral medicine, social work, nutrition, and tobacco treatment
  • Evaluates and manages periodic Individualized Treatment Plans to achieve comprehensive risk reduction goals, interventions, outcomes, and effectiveness
  • Utilizes behavior modification techniques to implement change: goal setting, support, feedback, and patient empowerment
  • Educates patients on cardiovascular/pulmonary topics including (but not limited to): Anatomy & Physiology, Cardiopulmonary Risk Factors, Stress Management, Exercise, and Medications.
  • Assists in the scheduling of ancillary patient needs: interpreters, transportation, parking
  • Completes and maintains clinical documentation of daily sessions, treatment plans, and patient discharge information, using available documentation programs.
  • Analyzes cardiac rehab program outcomes for group data as a foundation for quality improvement
  • Collaborates and communicates with referring providers, including the provision of a written discharge summary
  • Documents and reports exercise sessions, manages appointment scheduling, and initiates and ensures charge capture processes
  • Maintains Cardiac Rehab Program standards to meet American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) accreditation requirements
  • Develops individual student programs including, supervision, instruction, and training all student interns
  • Responds to medical emergencies for Stress Testing Laboratories and BMC Non Invasive Cardiovascular Laboratories, and assists-physicians according to BMC Non-Invasive Lab policy.
  • Maintain AACVPR staff competency requirements

Pulmonary Function Testing

  • Performs metabolic testing with indirect calorimetry
  • Perform basic PFT testing

Other Duties

  • Maintains current knowledge in exercise testing, indirect calorimetry and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation through regular study of emerging literature, individual instruction by supervising staff, and participation in conferences at the department, local and national level
  • Maintains a working knowledge of cardiovascular medications
  • Has a working knowledge of 12-lead EKGs and rhythm strip interpretation
  • Communicates/collaborates with members of multidisciplinary team (nursing, physicians, sonographers, local health centers, dieticians, behavioral medicine, respiratory therapists)
  • Maintains necessary records and files according to departmental practices and procedures.
  • Orders equipment and supplies as needed.
  • Actively participates in quality improvement initiatives in the Non-Invasive Cardiac Laboratories and Respiratory Department
  • Demonstrates an ability to manage several concurrent tasks
  • Work in flexible, team environment
  • Maintains Boston Medical Center Behavioral Standards
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to age groups of adult and geriatric patients regularly served.
  • Utilizes BMC Values as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the department and hospital's mission.
  • Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
  • Performs other [additional and related] duties as needed.

Equipment Management

  • Ensures that all equipment is in working condition before each test, and troubleshoots all equipment needs
  • Manages all technical components of equipment including use of exercise stress test systems, treadmills & bicycles, metabolic cart, vital sign monitors, mobile language interpretation devices
  • Monitors Daily Quality Control including: glucometer, electronic refrigerator indicators, and defibrillator
  • Maintains equipment and mobilizes service personnel as needed and/or informs chief physiologist for continued follow up and management

Must adhere to all of BMC's RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology; Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology Preferred

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

BLS, ACLS, and ACSM certifications required

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum three years of experience in a hospital setting, or similar setting, as an Exercise Physiologist or in Cardac Rehab setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA):

  • Work requires educational preparation from a Bachelor's program in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or exercise science.
  • Experience in Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation setting and/or Stress Testing preferred.
  • Work requires knowledge to effectively utilize the Electrocardiograph, and stress testing procedures, medical terminology and basic sciences such as Physics, Math, Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Ability to present professional literature/research at departmental Journal Club Education Series
  • Maintain self-directed continued education in the field of clinical exercise physiology, stress testing and/or rehabilitation
  • Proficiency with Exercise testing - ECG, stress echo, stress nuclear, pharmacologic, metabolic stress (CPET invasive and non-invasive) and pediatric. ( no Cardiac Rehab Duties) OR Cardiac Rehab Physiology Duties plus Exercise - ECG, stress echo, metabolic stress ( CPET non-invasive)
  • Carry out senior administrative duties as requested by chief physiologist and troubleshoot software difficulties
  • Interpersonal skills sufficient to work directly with patients and effectively interact with physicians, nurses, and other staff members.

Compensation Range:

$26.92- $37.74

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being.

NOTE: This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or "apps" job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.


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About Boston Medical Center

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Boston Medical Center (BMC) is more than a hospital. It's a network of support and care that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need each year. It is the largest and busiest provider of trauma and emergency services in New England. Emphasizing community-based care, BMC is committed to providing consistently excellent and accessible health services to all-and is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. The hospital is also the primary teaching affiliate of the nationally ranked Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and a founding partner of Boston HealthNet - an integrated health care delivery systems that includes many community health centers. Join BMC today and help us achieve our Vision 2030 which is a long-term goal to make Boston the healthiest urban population in the world.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1996