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Clinical Exercise Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, your day centers on assessing patients' fitness levels, developing tailored exercise prescriptions, and monitoring their responses during supervised sessions. You ...

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Clinical Exercise information

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$5

$26

$57

How much do clinical exercise jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical exercise in the United States is $26.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $31.25 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 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 typically involve working in healthcare settings, clinics, or fitness facilities.

What is the highest paying fitness job?

In the fitness industry, clinical exercise physiologists and specialized sports medicine professionals tend to have the highest earning potential, especially those working in healthcare settings or with advanced certifications. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and experience, and can offer higher salaries compared to general personal trainers or fitness instructors.

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 do I need to be a clinical exercise physiologist?

To become a clinical exercise physiologist, you 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 credential. Relevant skills include knowledge of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, patient assessment, and exercise programming, often gained through supervised clinical experience or internships.

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 work closely with healthcare providers to improve health outcomes, often using tools like ECGs and exercise testing. Certification from organizations like ACSM 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.

More about Clinical Exercise jobs
What cities are hiring for Clinical Exercise jobs? Cities with the most Clinical Exercise job openings:
What states have the most Clinical Exercise jobs? States with the most job openings for Clinical Exercise jobs include:
Infographic showing various Clinical Exercise job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,810 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Clinical Exercise Specialist

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


UT Health East Texas rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

692nd of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Join our team as a day shift, full-time, Clinical Exercise Specialist for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Tyler, TX.

Why Join Us? 

Thrive in a People-First Environment and Make Healthcare Better 

  • Thrive: We empower our team with career growth opportunities, tuition assistance, and resources that support your wellness, education, and financial well-being. 
  • People-First: We prioritize your well-being with paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, and a supportive, inclusive culture where you are valued and cared for. 
  • Make Healthcare Better: We use advanced technology to support our team and enhance patient care. 

Get to Know Your Team: 

  • UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center includes a 48-bed inpatient hospital, 14 outpatient therapy clinics, 11 cardiopulmonary rehabilitation clinics and nine Olympic fitness centers, with access to some of the most advanced therapy techniques and care available.

Responsibilities
  • Provides direct patient care in Cardiac Rehabilitation.
  • Monitors patients during exercise sessions.
  • Responsibilities focus on the preventive and restorative healthcare needs of the cardiovascular patient.
  • Provides patient education on disease entities, cardiac risk factors, behavior modification.
  • Communicates with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Medical Director and the patient’s physician about changes in the patient's clinical condition symptomatology.
  • Respond quickly and accurately to changes in the patient’s condition and response to treatment.

Qualifications

Job Requirements: 

  • Graduate of an approved exercise science program: BS in Exercise Science or MS in Exercise Physiology.
  • BLS certification must be obtained within 14 days of hire or transfer into the role and prior to providing direct patient care.
  • ACLS and AED certification.

Preferred Job Requirements:

  • ACSM certification preferred
Qualifications:

Job Requirements: 

  • Graduate of an approved exercise science program: BS in Exercise Science or MS in Exercise Physiology.
  • BLS certification must be obtained within 14 days of hire or transfer into the role and prior to providing direct patient care.
  • ACLS and AED certification.

Preferred Job Requirements:

  • ACSM certification preferred
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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