1

Exercise Physiology Internship Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Exercise Physiology Internship information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do exercise physiology internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise physiology internship in Raleigh, NC is $27.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise physiology intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Physiology Intern, you need a strong background in human anatomy, exercise science, and physiology, often supported by progress toward a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise testing equipment, and data analysis software is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow guidance make candidates stand out in this role. These competencies ensure effective support for clients and supervising professionals, while promoting safe, evidence-based exercise interventions.

What is an exercise physiology internship?

An Exercise Physiology Internship is a structured, hands-on training experience for students or recent graduates pursuing a degree in exercise physiology or a related field. Interns work under the supervision of certified exercise physiologists, gaining practical skills in exercise testing, program design, and client interaction. Internships often take place in clinical, sports, or wellness settings, and are designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. Completing an internship is often a requirement for certification and provides valuable networking and career opportunities.

What is the difference between Exercise Physiology Internship vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectExercise Physiology InternshipExercise Physiologist
CredentialsTypically requires enrollment in or completion of relevant degree programs; certification not yet obtainedRequires certification (e.g., ACSM, NSCA) and licensure in some regions
Work EnvironmentInternship settings such as clinics, gyms, or hospitals; supervised experienceFull-time professional settings including clinics, hospitals, sports teams, or wellness centers
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, internship programs, entry-level rolesHealthcare providers, sports organizations, rehabilitation centers

The main difference is that an Exercise Physiology Internship is a training period for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while an Exercise Physiologist is a licensed professional providing specialized health and fitness services. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a certified Exercise Physiologist.

What are exercise physiology internship opportunities?

An exercise physiology internship allows students who are pursuing a career in the industry to work with licensed exercise physiologists and gain experience in the field. Your specific job duties vary, depending on the details of the internship program and the physiologist with whom you work. General responsibilities may include assisting the physiology staff as they assess the health and fitness of clients, helping patients as they participate in exercise tests, and working with the physiologist to create a training plan that addresses each client’s fitness needs while reducing the risk of injury. Other job duties include obtaining and recording data during tests and following up with patients after their first session or following their discharge from treatment. These internships are most commonly found in health care facilities and hospitals.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during an exercise physiology internship?

During an Exercise Physiology Internship, you can expect to engage in a variety of hands-on activities such as conducting fitness assessments, assisting with exercise testing protocols, developing personalized exercise programs, and monitoring client progress. Interns frequently work alongside certified exercise physiologists, physical therapists, and other health professionals, providing opportunities to observe and participate in multidisciplinary care. This real-world exposure not only helps you apply classroom knowledge but also builds essential communication and teamwork skills vital for a career in exercise science.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Physiology jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Exercise Physiology jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Exercise Physiology Internship jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Exercise Physiology Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Physiology Internship job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,328 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

UNC Health Careers

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

Summary:

The Clinical Exercise Physiologist works closely with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide evidence-based exercise therapy
that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused medical goals. Primary responsibilities include development and implementation of the exercise prescription through initial patient assessment, exercise testing, monitoring, and evaluation of the patient's progress. 
The Clinical Exercise Physiologist uses evidence-based practice, protocols, and guidelines to determine exercise intervention.  As part of the multidisciplinary team, the Clinical Exercise Physiologist is directly involved in patient care, patient education, program development, and quality performance improvement.


Responsibilities:
1. Assesses exercise therapy needs using standardized practice and critical thinking. Conducts exercise testing where applicable. Recognizes potential medical problems in all clinical situations and works in collaboration with the healthcare team to resolve these issues. Recognizes unsafe exercise situations and intervenes to ensure patient safety. Monitors response to exercise such as heart rate and rhythm, ratings of perceived exertion, blood pressures, blood glucoses, and O2 Sats. Attends and participates in patient care conferences.
2. Develops exercise prescriptions according to age, disease, medical history, comorbidities, and individual needs for patients. Implements, monitors, and modifies exercise prescriptions and individual treatment plans. Participates in reassessments and discharge planning process. Demonstrates clinical and age-specific competency as evidenced by clinical competency tools, forms, chart audits, tests, observation, etc.
3. Provides initial orientation to exercise program, educating patient on untoward signs and symptoms to recognize and report, safe use of exercise equipment, and program processes. Provides patient education on a variety of topics, such as disease management, safe exercise principles, risk factor modification, medication compliance, stress management, and behavior modification.
4. Documents all aspects of exercise therapy in the medical record. Demonstrates compliance with regulatory agency standards as evidenced by chart audits and organizational / regulatory agency surveys. Communicates effectively with physicians, medical director, other providers, and co-workers. Provides patient education using established behavioral change techniques. Communicates with patients in a clear and effective manner.
5. Assists in achieving compliance with the Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), American Association for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) or other accrediting agency standards to continuously improve the safety and quality of care to the public and to the organization's performance improvement. Performs business functions, such as management of resources in a cost-effective manner, and participates in compliance and quality performance improvement efforts to ensure that clinical care is safe and effective.
6. Attends and participates in staff meetings, and continuing education opportunities. Participates in quality improvement initiatives and cross training. Maintains professional competency and skills required for professional practice. Act as a resource for community-based exercise programs.
7. Participates in the training of clinical exercise physiology students and orienting new staff members as directed by supervisor.


Other Information

Other information:
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field
Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field preferred Completion of a clinical internship preferred
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) required within twelve (12) months of hire* or licensed Physical Therapist
Professional Experience Requirements:
One (1) year of experience working in a clinical exercise setting.
No minimum clinical experience required with Master's degree
*Note: Current teammates hired before Dec 15, 2019 are not required to hold CEP certification.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form to patients, public, hospital and medical staff, and physicians. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of patients and their guests, community members, and others outside of the organization. Possess ability to time manage, complete tasks, and meet operational timelines. Ability to function independently on assignments. Demonstrate a passion for using skills and knowledge to help patients, guests and coworkers. Ability to efficiently, calmly, and tactfully deal with in-person interactions, telephone calls, email correspondence, and related patient and customer services issues. Working knowledge and skills of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Proficient keyboarding skills. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations by collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Critical thinking to integrate facts, informed opinion, active listening, and observations. Ability to use good judgment and make decisions regarding patient care.


Job Details

Legal Employer: NCHEALTH

Entity: UNC REX Healthcare

Organization Unit: Rex Rehab-Cardio

Work Type: Per Diem

Standard Hours Per Week: 12.00

Salary Range: $23.24 - $33.41 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Raleigh

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No


This position is employed by NC Health (Rex Healthcare, Inc., d/b/a NC Health), a private, fully-owned subsidiary of UNC Heath Care System. This is not a State employed position.


Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

Employment Type: