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Medical Exercise Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Our Exercise Specialists Enjoy the following : * Competitive compensation: $18 - $21/hr depending ... Prior medical clinic experience preferred but not required. We provide extensive clinical training ...

Exercise Specialist

Springfield, VA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Our Exercise Specialists Enjoy the following : * Competitive compensation: $18 - $21/hr depending ... Prior medical clinic experience preferred but not required. We provide extensive clinical training ...

Company Description Exercise Specialist - Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Location ... Prior experience in a medical or fitness setting preferred * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Company Description Exercise Specialist - Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Location ... Prior experience in a medical or fitness setting preferred * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Company Description Exercise Specialist - Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Location ... Prior experience in a medical or fitness setting preferred * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Company Description Exercise Specialist - Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Location ... Prior experience in a medical or fitness setting preferred * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Company Description Exercise Specialist - Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Location ... Prior experience in a medical or fitness setting preferred * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Company Description Exercise Specialist - Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Location ... Prior experience in a medical or fitness setting preferred * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Company Description Exercise Specialist - Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Location ... Prior experience in a medical or fitness setting preferred * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Company Description Exercise Specialist - Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Location ... Prior experience in a medical or fitness setting preferred * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Company Description Exercise Specialist - Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Location ... Prior experience in a medical or fitness setting preferred * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Department Overview The Exercise Specialist's purpose is to positively promote the Oregon Health ... Performing medical assessments of vital signs, phlebotomy and urine specimen collection and ...

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Medical Exercise Specialist information

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How much do medical exercise specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical exercise specialist in the United States is $30.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $41.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical exercise specialist?

A Medical Exercise Specialist is a fitness professional trained to design and implement exercise programs for individuals with medical conditions, injuries, or chronic diseases. They work alongside healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective exercise tailored to each client's unique health needs. Their primary goal is to improve function, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life through therapeutic exercise. Medical Exercise Specialists commonly assist clients recovering from surgery, managing diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or other health concerns. They bridge the gap between healthcare and fitness, providing supervised, evidence-based programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical exercise specialist?

A Medical Exercise Specialist needs a solid background in exercise science, anatomy, and chronic disease management, often supported by certification such as ACSM or ACE. Competence with assessment tools, fitness tracking software, and knowledge of medical documentation systems is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to motivate clients set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital to safely designing effective exercise programs tailored to individuals with medical conditions, ensuring both safety and positive health outcomes.

How does a medical exercise specialist typically collaborate with healthcare providers to develop client programs?

Medical Exercise Specialists frequently work in tandem with physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to design and implement safe, effective exercise programs for clients with medical conditions. This collaboration often involves interpreting physician referrals, communicating regularly about client progress, and adjusting exercise plans based on medical feedback. Building strong professional relationships and maintaining clear documentation are key to ensuring that client care is cohesive and aligned with medical recommendations. This interdisciplinary approach not only supports client outcomes but also enhances the specialist’s professional growth.

What is the difference between Medical Exercise Specialist vs Physical Therapist?

AspectMedical Exercise SpecialistPhysical Therapist
CredentialsCertification in medical exercise or related fieldsDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) license
Work EnvironmentClinics, gyms, rehab centers focusing on exercise therapyHospitals, clinics, outpatient rehab centers
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, fitness, wellness industriesHealthcare, rehabilitation services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for rehab and exercise programsCompared for injury recovery and mobility improvement

The Medical Exercise Specialist focuses on designing and implementing exercise programs for clients with chronic conditions or recovery needs, often working in fitness or rehab settings. Physical Therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat a wide range of physical impairments, often providing more comprehensive medical care. While both roles aim to improve physical health, the Physical Therapist has a broader scope and clinical authority.

Do you need a degree to be a Medical Exercise Specialist?

A degree is not always required to become a Medical Exercise Specialist, but many employers prefer candidates with a background in exercise science, kinesiology, or related fields. Certification from organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is often necessary and can enhance job prospects. Practical experience and specialized training in medical or clinical exercise are also important for this role.

How to become a medical exercise specialist?

To become a medical exercise specialist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, along with certification such as the Certified Medical Exercise Specialist (CMES) or similar credentials. Gaining experience in clinical or rehabilitation settings and developing knowledge of medical conditions and exercise programming are also important steps in this career path.
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Infographic showing various Medical Exercise Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,778 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Exercise Specialist

Portland, OR • On-site

Oregon Health & Science University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Exercise Specialist

The Exercise Specialist's purpose is to positively promote the Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Medicine, and Human Performance Lab (HPL) in a friendly and professional manner. Under the guidance of a physician at the HPL, people of all abilities can identify their body's strengths, weaknesses and physical potential.

This is a part time Exercise Specialist position working in the HPL directly with patients. This clinically trained position will primarily participate in patient care duties including rooming & performing vital sign measurements, conducting patient EKG preparation, performing pulmonary function testing (PFT), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), body composition analysis and point of care collection such as urinalysis & blood draws. The position assists in processing data & preparing written reports; works closely with physicians to provide direct patient care in the HPL. The Exercise Specialist is a critical part of the HPL team and assists members, including research staff, with site regulatory compliance/safety, supplies ordering & coordination, as well as equipment use, training & maintenance.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Testing and assessment. Tests participant for fitness level, conditioning and/or injuries. Takes and records vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate and temperature. Provides on-going monitoring and follow-up including data collection.
  • Includes: Conduct CPET, PFT, RMR, body comp, and other testing. Performing medical assessments of vital signs, phlebotomy and urine specimen collection and analysis. Assist with data base management of patient outcomes and writing summary data for fire and police organizations.
  • Design/prescribe/implement programs. Creates, designs and implements facility-based and home fitness programs. Develops exercise prescriptions and programs for participants. Prescribes flexibility, cardiovascular and strength training exercises. May provide group or individual exercise sessions, starting with fitness/goal assessment.
  • Instruct/Educate. Provides fitness floor supervision and basic exercise instruction. Evaluates, corrects form, and instructs participant on proper exercise techniques, form and gait training. May provide patient education on home care, activities of daily living, pain management, mobility and rehabilitative exercises. Assists in the planning, coordination, and promotions of programs/events. Builds relationship with clients to encourage healthy lifestyles.
  • Miscellaneous. Maintains a safe, clean environment (this includes Sentact surveys and other regulatory/compliance activities). Monitors, orders and stocks exercise equipment and supplies. Participate in continuous professional development in the field of exercise science.
Required Qualifications
  • A minimum of Bachelor degree in exercise science or related field health & wellness field; AND
  • One year of related experience including good communication skills for teaching; AND
  • May require Automatic External Defibrillator, First Aid and CPR certified; AND
  • Some positions may require additional certifications such as American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM), Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) by the National Athletic trainer Association Board of Certification (NATABOC), CSCS Certified Strengthening & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Condition Association; American College on Exercise (ACE), AFAA, and First Aid; OR
  • An equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
  • Positions within person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first
Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated excellent customer service skills both on the phone and in person.
  • Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships.
  • Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal.
  • Must be proficient with computers running Windows and PC applications e.g. MS Excel, Oracle, Access, Word and PowerPoint).
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
  • ACLS at start or within 6 months of hire
Additional Details
  • Weekly work schedule to complete weekly job assignments for a part-time position. Onsite weekdays. Schedule is 30 hours per week (3 10-hr days). Will have potential exposure to human tissues/fluids.
  • Ability to carry and lift up to 50 lbs, moving and carrying equipment and supplies. Must have reliable transportation.
Why Apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu


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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887