What is a clinical exercise physiologist?

Clinical exercise physiologists are rising health care professionals who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and 1,200 hours of practical experience OR a master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology and 600 hours of practical experience. The ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP^®) certification enables these professionals to use evidence-based practice to design, implement and supervise exercise programming for those with chronic diseases, conditions or physical limitations.

ACSM-CEPs perform many critical tasks, including:

• Conduct exercise assessments (including cardiac stress testing) and training.
• Identify risk factors.
• Use behavioral health strategies to help patients make lifestyle changes to improve their physical wellbeing.
• Perform clinical assessments.
• Perform tasks related to education and behavior change.
• Administer exercise programming.

Clinical exercise physiologists work in a number of settings, including hospitals/clinics, rehabilitation facilities, physician’s offices, research-based clinics, universities or corporate settings.