1

Clinical Exercise Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Clinical Exercise information

See salary details

$5

$26

$57

How much do clinical exercise jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% 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 Physiologist

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

CommonSpirit Health

Bismarck, ND

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


CommonSpirit Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 521 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

374th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Since 1885, CHI St. Alexius Health has been dedicated to leading health care in this region by enriching the lives of patients through the highest quality of care. We seek to continue our tradition of success and innovation with individuals dedicated to delivering the highest level of expertise and quality. Together we can continue to grow and support the legacy of CHI St. Alexius Health for many years to come.

CHI St. Alexius Health is a regional health network with a tertiary hospital in Bismarck, the system also consists of critical access hospitals (CAHs) in Carrington, Dickinson, Devils Lake, Garrison, Turtle Lake, Washburn and Williston and numerous clinics and outpatient services.  CHI St. Alexius Health manages four CAHs in North Dakota - Elgin, Linton, and Wishek, as well as Mobridge Regional Medical Center in Mobridge, S.D. CHI St. Alexius Health offers a comprehensive line of inpatient and outpatient medical services, including: a Level II Trauma Center, primary and specialty physician clinics, home health and hospice services, durable medical equipment services, a fitness and human performance center and ancillary services throughout western and central North Dakota.

CHI St. Alexius Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthier communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care.


As our Exercise Physiologist - Cardiac Rehabilitation, you will help patients effectively receive exercise physiology services, so they can improve their cardiac health and overall well-being in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of St. Alexius Medical Center.

Every day you will perform initial evaluations and individual sessions for patients in inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. You will be expected to demonstrate good patient assessment skills, develop comprehensive plans of care, and collaborate effectively with physicians and professional staff.

To be successful in this role, you must possess a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology, ability to independently problem-solve, make decisions, and effectively manage time and interpersonal relationships.

Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrates good knowledge of cardiac rhythms, drugs, lab values, cardiac anatomy, and cardiac conditions in developing a plan of care for individual patients
  • Effectively considers the patient's age, pain, understanding, communication, social, emotional, and educational needs in developing a plan of care
  • Demonstrates ability to perform initial evaluations and individual sessions for patients in inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation
  • Documentation on patient charts demonstrating the following: prior level of function, pain, effective treatment plan, presence of goals, evidence that the patient is involved in decision-making, the patient's response to treatment, and ongoing plans
  • Daily charges accurately reflect time spent and services provided to the patient
  • Effectively works to update care plans, patient education, and new medical device training as required

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology with a preferred defined curriculum in Cardiac Rehabilitation. 
  • Certification in Federal DOT drug testing, Breath Alcohol Testing, Spirometry, Audiology, and knowledge in various consortium driven functional capacity evaluation methodologies

Preferred

  • Preferred experience providing direct patient care in a clinical setting – Cardiac Rehab or Occupational Medicine or in personal training.
  • Preferred ACSM Certified exercise Physiologist or ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist

What CommonSpirit Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom