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Lead Exercise Physiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$20 - $30/hr

Lead group exercise sessions for individuals with similar health issues * Update group exercise ... Physiologist (EP-C), Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) or Registered Clinical Exercise ...

The Exercise Physiologist coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Cardiac Rehabilitation ... often lead to innovative solutions. Our dedication to diversity includes a unified workforce ...

Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center is looking for an Exercise Physiologist to join our mission-drive Cardiac Wellness/Rehab team. This position is responsible for patient assessment ...

The Exercise Physiologist is responsible for the participation and decisions in daily operations ... lead person. Responsible for obtaining: patient history, physical assessment measurements during ...

The Exercise Physiologist is responsible for the participation and decisions in daily operations ... lead person. Responsible for obtaining: patient history, physical assessment measurements during ...

Exercise Physiologist

Sharon, CT · On-site

$26.48 - $50.49/hr

Exercise Physiologist - Sharon Hospital Position at Sharon Hospital Northwell is the largest ... Can provide literature describing equipment benefit & cost. 10. May lead staff meetings in absence ...

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Lead Exercise Physiologist information

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How much do lead exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead exercise physiologist in the United States is $28.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead exercise physiologist?

A Lead Exercise Physiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in designing, implementing, and supervising exercise programs for individuals with various health conditions, often within a clinical or rehabilitation setting. They are responsible for leading a team of exercise physiologists, overseeing program development, monitoring patient progress, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. The role often involves collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers to develop personalized exercise prescriptions that promote recovery, improve health outcomes, and enhance quality of life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead exercise physiologist?

To thrive as a Lead Exercise Physiologist, you need in-depth knowledge of exercise science, advanced assessment skills, and usually a degree in exercise physiology or a related field, often with ACSM or equivalent certification. Familiarity with exercise testing equipment, metabolic carts, ECG monitoring systems, and health data management software is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills set you apart, enabling you to guide teams and support diverse client populations. These competencies ensure effective program design, safe exercise prescription, and optimal health outcomes for clients and staff.

What are some common challenges lead exercise physiologists face when managing a multidisciplinary team?

Lead Exercise Physiologists often coordinate care with physicians, physical therapists, and other health professionals, which requires strong communication and organizational skills. Balancing administrative duties with direct patient care can be challenging, as can ensuring consistency in exercise protocols across the team. Additionally, staying current with evolving research and integrating new best practices into the team's workflow is essential. Effective leadership and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and fostering a collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Lead Exercise Physiologist vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectLead Exercise PhysiologistExercise Physiologist
CredentialsCertified Exercise Physiologist (CEP), advanced certifications often preferredCertified Exercise Physiologist (CEP), entry to mid-level certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervisory roles in clinics, hospitals, or rehab centersPatient care, assessment, and program development in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, sports medicine, rehab facilities, often with leadership dutiesHealthcare, wellness programs, cardiac rehab, outpatient clinics

The main difference is that a Lead Exercise Physiologist typically holds a supervisory role with advanced certifications and oversees other physiologists, while an Exercise Physiologist focuses on patient assessment and program implementation. Both roles work in similar environments, but the lead position involves additional responsibilities and leadership duties.

Is exercise physiology in high demand?

Exercise physiologists are in growing demand due to increasing awareness of chronic disease management and the emphasis on preventive healthcare. Employment opportunities are expected to expand as healthcare providers and fitness facilities seek professionals with specialized knowledge in exercise testing, prescription, and rehabilitation. Certification and advanced skills can enhance job prospects in this field.

Is it hard to find a job as a lead exercise physiologist?

Finding a job as a lead exercise physiologist can be competitive, but opportunities are available in healthcare, rehabilitation, and fitness settings. Strong credentials, such as certification from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), and experience in clinical or fitness environments improve job prospects.

Is there a demand for lead exercise physiologists?

Lead exercise physiologists are in demand due to the growing focus on preventive healthcare and rehabilitation services. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or fitness centers, and certifications such as ACSM or NSCA can enhance job prospects. The healthcare industry’s emphasis on chronic disease management supports steady employment opportunities for this role.

Where do lead exercise physiologists make the most money?

Lead exercise physiologists tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong healthcare or sports industries, such as metropolitan areas or states with robust healthcare systems. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the setting, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or sports organizations.
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What states have the most Lead Exercise Physiologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Exercise Physiologist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Exercise Physiologist jobs?

For Lead Exercise Physiologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Exercise Physiologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,974 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist Contingent

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

University of Michigan Flint
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Contingent Exercise Physiologist

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

As a Contingent Exercise Physiologist with Michigan Medicine, you will work directly with patients at the following seven stress testing and 2 cardiac rehabilitation locations: Cardiovascular Center, Dominos Farms, Brighton Center for Specialty Care, Ypsilanti Health Center, Briarwood building 5, Northville Health Center. You'll work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment with physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other medical professionals to determine patients' needs and monitor progress to ensure the best care is coordinated. The Exercise Physiologist's is responsible for being able to conduct the following areas:

Stress testing:

  • Demonstrate expertise in clinical exercise testing, including accurate lead placement, awareness of cardiovascular medications, and understanding testing principles.
  • Conduct and interpret various exercise stress testing including: 6-minute walk tests, cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs), stress echocardiograms, dobutamines, standard treadmill and research stress tests.
  • Understand appropriate clinical indication for administering exercise tests.
  • Assess and identify contraindications and risks associated with stress testing to ensure patient safety.
  • Rapidly recognize and manage complications during testing, such as cardiac arrhythmias or adverse responses.
  • Apply knowledge of diverse testing protocols, including the ability to determine appropriate tests based on clinical presentation.
  • Utilize a solid foundation in cardiovascular and exercise physiology, including the hemodynamic responses to physical exertion.

Cardiac Rehabilitation:

  • Apply core competencies in patient assessment, nutritional counseling, weight and blood pressure management, and behavior change strategies.
  • Provide compassionate care that respects individual patient needs, preferences, and goals.
  • Deliver tailored education based on patients’ readiness, understanding, and specific clinical needs.
  • Inspire and empower patients to take an active role in their recovery and long-term health.
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver consistent, coordinated care.
  • Understand and implement basic exercise safety design principles
  • Demonstrate proficiency in exercise prescription guidelines for healthy individuals, as well as those with cardiac, pulmonary, or other chronic health conditions.
  • Perform comprehensive health screenings and fitness assessments to evaluate patients’ physical status and needs.
  • Assist in the collection, analysis, and reporting of patient outcomes to support clinical care and program development.
  • Serve as a champion for wellness, prevention, and healthy lifestyle promotion through patient education and outreach.

Other Duties:

  • Support the advancement of clinical exercise physiology through involvement in professional organizations, writing for scientific or professional publications, and representing Michigan Medicine in community events.
  • Monitor patients during EECP treatments.
  • Actively engage with patients in the fitness center.
  • Monitor vital signs and be prepared to administer CPR or other emergency procedures as needed, ensuring prompt medical intervention when appropriate.
  • Train new staff members and students on updated or revised workflows, methods, and clinical protocols.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation across multiple systems, including LSI, Epic, GE CASE, and Medgraphics Ultima.
  • Teach Aerobics Classes.

General supervision is received from administrative manager

Required Qualifications*
  • Bachelors in exercise physiology, exercise science or a related field
  • Certification by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Clinical Exercise Test Technician or exercise Specialist
  • Certification in BLS/ACLS obtained within one year of date of hire
  • Experience in clinical testing, exercise prescription and evaluation.
  • This classification requires Primary Source Verification.
Desired Qualifications*
  • Master's degree in exercise physiology, exercise science or a related field
  • Six months’ cardiology experience
  • One year experience in both stress testing and cardiac rehabilitation
  • Health education and wellness program experience
  • Certification in BLS
  • ACLS within 6 months of hire
  • Clinical Internship in Phase II and Phase III Rehabilitation and Clinical Exercise Testing.
  • This classification requires Primary Source Verification.
  • Must pass the American College of Sports Medicine as A Clinical Exercise Physiologist within 1 year of hire.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

The schedule for this position will be full time day shift, with varying shifts from 7:00am-6:00pm, however, you may be asked to work an occasionally to 8:30pm. Occasional weekends may be required.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.


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About University of Michigan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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