Welcome to our blog post, Factors That Determine Clinical Exercise Physiologist Salary
Exercise is a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle and can play an essential role in preventing and managing chronic diseases and disabilities.
Clinical exercise physiologists are experts in exercise science and physiology who work closely with medical professionals to develop personalized exercise plans for patients with medical conditions.
They help their patients improve their health and quality of life through exercise, and their services are in high demand in hospitals, medical centers, private practices, and fitness centers.
This blog will explore clinical exercise physiologist salary and the importance of education, experience, and certification.
If you are considering a career in clinical exercise physiology, this blog will provide valuable insights into the potential salary and career prospects.
What Is A Clinical Exercise Physiologist?
To know about what is clinical exercise physiologist salary, let us first understand what is a clinical exercise physiologist. A clinical exercise physiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in developing and implementing exercise programs for individuals with chronic conditions.
They work with patients who have heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and other chronic conditions to develop exercise plans tailored to the patient’s specific needs and limitations.
Clinical exercise physiologists use their knowledge of exercise science to help patients improve their cardiovascular fitness, increase their strength and endurance, and reduce the risk of complications associated with their chronic condition.
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Factors That Determines The Clinical Exercise Physiologist Salary
Several factors determine clinical exercise physiologist salary:
Salary Range
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for exercise physiologists, including clinical exercise physiologists, was $55,990 as of May 2020.
However, the salary range for clinical exercise physiologists can vary depending on factors such as education, experience, location, and employer.
In general, entry-level clinical exercise physiologists may start at the lower end of the salary range. At the same time, those with advanced degrees, certifications, and several years of experience may earn salaries at the higher end.
According to the same source, the lowest 10 percent of exercise physiologists earned less than $35,970, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $91,630. However, it’s important to note that these numbers can vary depending on the specific factors mentioned above.
Education and Certification
This is one of the important factor that determines clinical exercise physiologist salary. Education and certification are essential for clinical exercise physiologists to provide high-quality services and advance their careers. A bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field is required to become a clinical exercise physiologist. Some employers may require a master’s degree or higher, especially for advanced roles in research or academia.
In addition to formal education, clinical exercise physiologists can benefit from certifications from recognized organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These certifications can demonstrate a higher level of expertise and professionalism to employers and clients and provide opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.
The ACSM offers several certifications for clinical exercise physiologists, including the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) and the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) certifications. These certifications require passing an exam and meet education and experience requirements.
Similarly, the NSCA offers the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, which requires a bachelor’s degree, passing an exam, and meeting experience requirements. This certification is geared towards professionals working with athletes and active individuals but can also benefit clinical exercise physiologists working with patients with medical conditions.
Experience
Experience is another crucial factor that can affect the clinical exercise physiologist salary. Generally, clinical exercise physiologists with more experience can command higher salaries as they bring more knowledge, skills, and expertise to their work.
Experience can come in various forms, including working with diverse patients, working in different healthcare settings, and conducting research or publishing papers in the field. Clinical exercise physiologists with a proven track record of success in improving patient outcomes and working collaboratively with healthcare professionals may be in higher demand and able to negotiate higher salaries.
Moreover, experience in specialized areas of clinical exercise physiology can also be valuable. For instance, clinical exercise physiologists specializing in cardiac, pulmonary, or cancer rehabilitation may have unique skills and knowledge that are highly sought after and may command higher salaries.
It’s important to note that experience alone may not guarantee a higher salary. Clinical exercise physiologists must also demonstrate strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide the best care for their patients. Therefore, combining experience, skills, and expertise can help clinical exercise physiologists stand out in their field and earn higher salaries.
Location
Location is another important factor that can affect the clinical exercise physiologist salary. Salaries can vary significantly based on geographic region, state, and even city. This is because salaries are often influenced by factors such as the cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and the availability of qualified professionals.
Clinical exercise physiologists working in metropolitan areas or large cities may earn higher salaries due to higher demand and a larger population of potential clients. However, salaries may also be influenced by competition from other healthcare providers or the availability of qualified professionals in the area.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying states for exercise physiologists, including clinical exercise physiologists, as of May 2020, were:
- New Jersey – $80,820
- Maryland – $76,360
- Connecticut – $74,860
- Hawaii – $73,580
- Virginia – $70,590
However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary significantly within each state based on local demand, population, and the availability of qualified professionals.
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Employer
The employer is another factor that can influence the salary of clinical exercise physiologists. Clinical exercise physiologists can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical centers, private practices, and fitness centers.
Salaries can vary depending on the type of employer, the size of the organization, and the specific role and responsibilities of the clinical exercise physiologist.
Clinical exercise physiologists in hospitals or medical centers may earn higher salaries than those in private practices or fitness centers. This is because hospitals and medical centers often have higher budgets and may be able to offer more competitive salaries and benefits packages.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed clinical exercise physiologist salary. The salary of a clinical exercise physiologist can vary depending on several factors, such as education, experience, location, and employer. While the median annual salary for exercise physiologists as of May 2020 was $55,990, those with advanced degrees, certifications, and several years of experience may earn salaries at the higher end of the range.