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Exercise Research Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Physiologist

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist Department: Rehab Reports To: Rehab Manager Location: Hospital ... We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical ...

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist Department: Rehab Reports To: Rehab Manager Location: Hospital ... We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical ...

Exercise Physiologist

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$27.86 - $41.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist Department: Rehab Reports To: Rehab Manager Location: Hospital ... We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical ...

Exercise Physiologist

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist Department: Rehab Reports To: Rehab Manager Location: Hospital ... We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical ...

Exercise Physiologist - On-call

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$27.86 - $41.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist Department: Rehab Reports To: Rehab Manager Location: Hospital ... We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Exercise Research information

See Minnesota salary details

$27.4K

$88.6K

$150.8K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Minnesota is $88,558.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $96,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is exercise research?

Exercise research is the scientific study of physical activity, its effects on the human body, and how exercise can be used to prevent or treat health conditions. Researchers in this field investigate topics like exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports performance, rehabilitation, and the psychological impacts of physical activity. The goal is to understand how different types, intensities, and frequencies of exercise influence health, fitness, and overall well-being. Exercise research informs guidelines for physical activity and helps develop interventions to improve public health.

What are jobs in exercise research?

Jobs in exercise research include exercise physiologists who research the human body and how it responds and adapts to exercise. As an exercise physiologist, you examine the human response to exercise. Your responsibilities involve the study of subjects in controlled lab settings. You develop tests to prove a thesis by recording physical, metabolic, and development information. Other duties can include working in an exercise science department at a research institute or post-secondary school. Keeping up to date on current peer-reviewed exercise science research is a critical part of your job. As a researcher, you travel to various locations to research and test subjects.

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

To thrive as an Exercise Researcher, you need a strong background in exercise science, physiology, research methodology, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R), laboratory equipment, and human performance testing tools is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills set outstanding researchers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing rigorous studies, accurately analyzing data, and effectively communicating findings to advance the field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in exercise research, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in exercise research often encounter challenges such as recruiting a sufficient and diverse participant pool, ensuring compliance with study protocols, and controlling for external variables that may affect outcomes. These challenges are typically addressed through strategic partnerships with local fitness centers or clinics, the use of robust study designs, and careful data management. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including statisticians and clinicians, also helps ensure methodological rigor and the reliability of research findings.

What is the difference between Exercise Research vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectExercise ResearchExercise Physiologist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), research certificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in exercise science, certification (e.g., ACSM)
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, healthcare institutionsClinics, hospitals, fitness centers, community health programs
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research institutions, government agenciesHealthcare, fitness, rehabilitation facilities
Primary FocusConducting studies, developing exercise protocols, advancing scientific knowledgeDesigning and implementing exercise programs for health and rehabilitation

Exercise Research focuses on scientific studies and developing new exercise protocols, often within academic or research settings. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists apply this knowledge directly to patient care and fitness programs. Both roles require related credentials but serve different purposes within the health and fitness industry.

How do I become an exercise researcher?

To become an exercise researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced roles. Gaining experience through internships, research assistant positions, and developing skills in data analysis and laboratory techniques are important steps. Certification or training in research methods and familiarity with relevant tools like statistical software can also enhance job prospects.

What careers can you get with exercise research?

Careers in exercise research include roles such as exercise physiologist, sports scientist, research analyst, and clinical exercise specialist. These positions often require knowledge of human physiology, data analysis skills, and certifications like ACSM or NSCA, and may involve working in laboratories, healthcare settings, or sports organizations.

What are popular job titles related to Exercise Research jobs in Minnesota?

For Exercise Research jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Exercise Research jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Exercise Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,558 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist

HealthPartners

Hutchinson, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


HealthPartners rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Job Title: Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist

Department: Rehab

Reports To: Rehab Manager

Location: Hospital

FLSAStatus:Non-exempt









JobSummary:

Ahealth care professional who address the education and restoration ofmaximum function by evaluating and treating people with limitationsresulting from, but not limited to cardiac disease, pulmonarydisease, and peripheral artery disease.


EssentialDuties & Responsibilities:

  1. Provides evaluation, treatment planning, and treatmentimplementation to adult and geriatric clients; addresses individualdevelopmental, cognitive and physical needs, as well as culturaldifferences.

  2. Coordinates client care with other disciplines through goodcommunication and intervention recommendations.

  3. Provides education, information, and training to clients, family,caregivers, and community to promote continuity of care, optimumtherapeutic outcome, healthy lifestyle and community health.

  4. Maintains documentation and records of treatment performance toassure quality client care, meet regulatory and professionalstandards, and receive optimal reimbursement.

  5. Acts as a consultant to internal and external customers.

  6. Maintains education, knowledge, and training required to provideup-to-date, quality care to meet client case load and communityneeds and meet minimum state licensure requirements.

  7. Participates in quality improvement and peer review to assureeffective and efficient services.

  8. Performs all other related duties as assigned.


Accountabilitiesfor all Employees:

  1. Adheres to the Hutchinson Health Employee Values.

  2. Maintains confidentiality of the organization and patients.

  3. Reports any health/medical errors.

  4. Observes all Environment of Care policies and reports safety risksor hazards immediately.


Education,Training or Degree Required:

  1. BS or BA degree in Exercise Physiology required

  2. Masters degree preferred

  3. Previous experience (1+ year) in a similar setting preferred

  4. Demonstrates knowledge of age-related growth and developmentprinciples necessary to

provide appropriate service and assure safety of patients.

  1. Demonstrates an understanding of: anatomy, physiology, and pathologyof heart disease and pulmonary systems; exercise implications forcardiovascular and pulmonary systems; cardiac and pulmonary riskfactor modification; vitals such as blood pressure, heart rate,oxygen saturation, and blood sugar levels.

  2. Demonstrates knowledge of effects of exercise and ability to modifyprogram as needed for each individual. Has basic knowledge ofnutrition, risk factors and behavior modification strategies.


License/Registration/CertificationRequired: (will beprimary source verified by HR)

  1. Current CPR certification required

  2. Current ACLS certification required

    1. If not currently certified upon hire, the employee will have 60days from start date to become certified.

  3. ACSM Exercise Specialist preferred


Experienceand Skills: (indicatepreferred or required)

  1. Previous work experience in a cardiac/pulmonary setting isdesirable, but not required.

  2. Education/Training in EKG reading required.




Datecreated: 01/21/2021

Dateupdated:


At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good - good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you'll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work.

We're a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improve lives around the world.

At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included and valued. We're working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.

Benefits Designed to Support Your Total Health
As a HealthPartners colleague, we're committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.

Join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members, and communities.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.


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