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Lead Exercise Physiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Physiologist EKG and Cardiac Experience Highly Preferred Summary & Work Performed Develop ... Mentor and lead others in thedepartment (employees and interns) * Direct responsibility for all ...

... ability to lead through demonstration. * Desire to work with a comprehensive health care team ... Advanced knowledge of exercise physiology, nutrition, risk factor modification strategies ...

Exercise Physiologist EKG and Cardiac Experience Highly Preferred Summary & Work Performed Develop ... Mentor and lead others in thedepartment (employees and interns) * Direct responsibility for all ...

Exercise Physiologist

Sharon, CT · On-site

$26.48 - $50.49/hr

Attention Exercise Physiologist - Sharon Hospital has a Part Time - 24-hour Opportunity Monday ... Can provide literature describing equipment benefit & cost. 10. May lead staff meetings in absence ...

Attention Exercise Physiologist - Sharon Hospital has a Part Time - 24-hour Opportunity Monday ... Can provide literature describing equipment benefit & cost. 10. May lead staff meetings in absence ...

Exercise Physiologist

Sharon, CT · On-site

$26.48 - $50.49/hr

Attention Exercise Physiologist - Sharon Hospital has a Part Time - 24-hour Opportunity Monday ... Can provide literature describing equipment benefit & cost. 10. May lead staff meetings in absence ...

Attention Exercise Physiologist - Sharon Hospital has a Part Time - 24-hour Opportunity Monday ... Can provide literature describing equipment benefit & cost. 10. May lead staff meetings in absence ...

... ability to lead through demonstration. * Desire to work with a comprehensive health care team ... Advanced knowledge of exercise physiology, nutrition, risk factor modification strategies ...

... Physiologist shall be responsible for the patient/participant care and program process for the ... lead to a strong hospital reputation for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation care. The Exercise ...

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Lead Exercise Physiologist information

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$12

$28

$47

How much do lead exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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 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 there a high demand for exercise physiologists?

The demand for exercise physiologists is expected to grow faster than average due to increasing awareness of chronic disease management and the need for rehabilitation services. Employment opportunities are strong in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and wellness centers, often requiring certification and specialized knowledge of exercise testing and program development.

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 highest paying job in fitness?

In the fitness industry, senior roles such as Director of Fitness or Fitness Program Director often have the highest salaries, especially in large organizations or luxury facilities. Additionally, specialized roles like Sports Medicine Physicians or Exercise Physiologists working in clinical or research settings tend to earn higher incomes due to advanced certifications and expertise.

What jobs can I get with a degree in exercise physiology?

A degree in exercise physiology can lead to roles such as exercise physiologist, clinical exercise specialist, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, or fitness director. These positions often involve developing and supervising exercise programs, working in hospitals, clinics, or fitness centers, and may require certification such as ACSM or NSCA. Job responsibilities include assessing physical fitness, designing personalized exercise plans, and promoting health and recovery.

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.

Where do exercise physiologists make the most money?

Exercise physiologists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with robust healthcare industries. Salaries can also increase with advanced certifications, experience, and working in specialized settings like hospitals or sports medicine clinics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Exercise Physiologist, and why are they important?

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.
More about Lead Exercise Physiologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Exercise Physiologist jobs? Cities with the most Lead Exercise Physiologist job openings:
What states have the most Lead Exercise Physiologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Exercise Physiologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Exercise Physiologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,974 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Cardiac Exercise Physiologist

Cardiac Exercise Physiologist

Cleveland Clinic

Weston, FL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Cleveland Clinic rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 895 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 882 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Join Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital's team of caregivers that remain on the leading edge of technology and education, all while consistently providing patient-centered healthcare. As part of Cleveland Clinic's Florida region, Weston Hospital is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Florida regions. Here, you will receive endless support and appreciation while building a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.

As a Cardiac Exercise Physiologist, you will conduct and evaluate exercise stress tests for outpatients and inpatients based on physician orders, clinical assessments, and established protocols. In this role, you will develop individualized exercise prescriptions and oversee exercise progression for patients with cardiovascular disease in a rehabilitative setting.

A caregiver in this role works days from 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

  • Supervise all stress testing in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

  • Review history and physical (H&P) for test appropriateness.

  • Recognize contraindications to exercise and abnormal patient responses to exercise.

  • Respond appropriately to all situations including exercise cessation and referral to medical professionals.

  • Perform additional physiological assessments as required (i.e. cardiopulmonary testing, PFTs, oximetry, ammonia PET studies

  • Responsible for coding daily procedures using current Medicare CPT and ICD10 guidelines

  • Provide inpatient (Phase I) and outpatient (Phase II and maintenance) cardiac rehabilitation services to a variety of cardiovascular conditions.

  • May provide patient testing before and after rehabilitation including strength, body composition, flexibility, balance and endurance.

  • Provide exercise prescription for patients utilizing test data, patient status and current medication regimen, update prescription according to patient response.

  • Implement concepts of cardiac secondary prevention.

  • May develop and will update cardiac rehab participants' Individual Treatment Plans. Competency in blood pressure, lipid, diabetes, smoking cessation, weight management and psychosocial assessment/plan development/reassessment and symptom evaluation

  • Recognize contraindications to exercise and abnormal patient responses to exercise.

  • Respond appropriately to all situations including exercise cessation and referral to medical professionals.

  • Provide exercise, cardiovascular health promotion and behavior change strategy information for patients, peers and the community which may include public speaking and education classes.

  • Arrange for initial outpatient cardiac rehab evaluation, recurring outpatient cardiac rehab sessions and discharge from the program.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

  • Master's degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology,nursingor a similar field

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross

  • American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification within one year of hire date

  • 3-6 months internship or equivalent work experience working with cardiopulmonary patients and their families

  • Proficient in 12-lead EKG interpretation and cardiac arrhythmia recognition

  • Knowledge of cardiology, disease processes, multi-organ disease issues, and pharmacology as it relates to exercise

  • Competency in patient assessment skills such as blood pressure measurement, pulse taking, telemetry, pulse oximetry, blood glucose assessment, body composition

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

  • One to three years of experience

  • Clinical Exercise Specialist Certification by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

  • Training in graded exercise testing, EKG analysis and interpretation, and cardiovascular exercise physiology, including cardiac rehabilitation principles

Physical Requirements:

  • Essential Duties: Interacts with patients and their families, as well as professional staff.

  • Develops and maintain cooperate working relationship between the department and members of the medical staff, nursing services and other ancillary department.

  • Communicates with referring physician as needed regarding exercise test result and patient's clinical status.

  • Good motor coordination and manual and finer dexterity, as well as excellent hand/eye coordination to operate stress-testing equipment.

  • This position requires frequent walking, sitting, and standing; talking and listening when given instructions and explanations and also frequent use of the phone, fax machines and computer.

  • Work is medium/frequent, lifting and carrying equipment, supplies and materials up to 50 pounds without help of mechanical devices or other personnel.

  • Requires stooping, pushing and pulling when moving patient into position for treatment; also you will be reaching, handling, feeling and manipulation of equipment into position.

  • Communication skills to convey instruction and information to patient and staff member.

  • Visual acuity to perceive retains to treatment and follows or read instruction.

  • The position spends 98% of his/her time in air-conditioned areas.

  • The potential for exposure to blood and blood-borne pathogens materials is present while completing his/her duties.

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • This position requires exposure to infectious wastes such as blood and body fluids in his/her clinical duties and therefore, requires the use of PPE and Universal Precautions.

Pay Range

Salaries [which may be] shown on independent job search websites reflect various market averages and do not represent information obtained directly from The Cleveland Clinic. Because we value each individual candidate, we invite and encourage each candidate to discuss salary/hourly specifics during the application and hiring process.


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