What Is the Difference Between a Clinical Exercise Physiologist & an Exercise Physiologist?

by Megan Torrance
Exercise physiologists review patients' medical histories to help determine adequate workouts.


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Exercise physiology, a division of kinesiology, focuses on how the human body acclimates to continuous physical activity and its short-term biological response to any stress the activity may induce. Applied exercise physiologists create workout plans for clients who are in good health and less likely to require medical attention. Clinical exercise physiologists perform the same primary function, but they assist clients who have chronic diseases or other medical concerns that hinder their ability to be active.

Applied Exercise Physiologists

Applied exercise physiologists tend to work with adults who are eager to gain fitness or shed some weight. Many of their clients suffer from obesity and seek the ability to engage in recreational activities or achieve healthier lifestyles. Board-certified exercise physiologists have additional knowledge in determining adequate physical stress tests and implementing workouts. They’re attentive to metabolic and cardiovascular functions and determine exercise plans to increase fitness, endurance, strength and flexibility accordingly.

Clinical Exercise Physiologists

Clinical exercise physiologists provide exercise programs they supervise for clients with a range of chronic diseases. They determine helpful exercise regimens, most commonly for pulmonary and cardiac patients, that won’t increase medical risk. Clinical exercise physiologists usually have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and maintain an understanding of exercise prescription, activity testing, medications and pathophysiology for chronically ill patients.

How They're Different

Clinical exercise physiologists typically work for corporate wellness programs, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, or athletic centers within universities and colleges. Applied exercise physiologists without clinical training tend to work in community organizations or private fitness facilities. Certification is required in some states, but the two occupations have separate programs. Applied exercise physiologists can obtain certification from the American Society of Exercise Physiologists, but clinical exercise physiologists can earn their Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist certification from the American College of Sports Medicine.

How They're Similar

Applied and clinical exercise physiologists seek to improve their clients' overall health and teach them how to live active and productive lives. Both professionals perform the same routine tasks of measuring clients' body fat, oxygen usage, blood pressure and other health indicators to develop the best possible exercise plans. Both professions teach, motivate and assist clients in performing various exercises. They may also direct, advise, and oversee exercise physiology assistants or interns.

Employer and Regimen Preference

Applied exercise physiologists are more likely to work independently than clinical exercise physiologists, who tend to work under doctors' directions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 53 percent of exercise physiologists are employed in general medical and surgical hospitals, as of May 2012. Aspiring exercise physiologists who prefer to provide clients with scientifically proven techniques for functional or therapeutic benefit would excel as clinical exercise physiologists.

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