麻豆破解

Clinical Exercise Physiology students in lab

Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology

Earn your Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology at 麻豆破解 and prepare for ACSM-CEP certification. Our CAAHEP-accredited clinical exercise physiology program is one of only 19 accredited clinical programs in the country. You鈥檒l complete seven-week online courses plus three on-campus residency weekends in Annville, Pennsylvania, finish coursework in about one year, then move into a 600-hour clinical internship.

You鈥檒l graduate prepared to help patients overcome cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular, and other challenges through safe, personalized exercise plans.

Next start date: August 2026 (Fall 1 term)

The Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology is accredited by the聽聽upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775 727-210-2350

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The LVC Clinical Exercise Physiology Master鈥檚 at a Glance

麻豆破解鈥檚 Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology is a 33-credit, graduate degree that prepares you for . The program runs online in seven-week terms with three on-campus residency weekends in Annville, PA, takes about one year of coursework, and includes a 600-hour clinical internship in a cardiopulmonary or rehabilitation setting. Tuition is $789 per credit for 2026鈥�27. 100% of recent cohorts have secured employment within one year.

33
credits
$789
2026鈥�27 cost per credit hour
Online
format with 3 residency weekends
1 year
time to completion + 600-hour internship
M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology vs. M.S. in Exercise Physiology

Both degrees study how the body responds to exercise, but they lead to different careers. An M.S. in Exercise Physiology is broader, often geared toward performance, fitness, and research. An M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology, like LVC鈥檚, is a clinical degree: it prepares you to work with patients who have diagnosed conditions such as heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and cancer, and prepares you to earn the ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) certification. If your goal is clinical or cardiopulmonary rehabilitation work in a healthcare setting, the clinical degree is the direct path.

How to Become an ACSM-CEP Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist

The American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) designation is the field鈥檚 standard clinical certification. To earn it, you generally need to:

  • Earn a qualifying master鈥檚 degree.

    Earn a qualifying master鈥檚 degree in clinical exercise physiology or a closely related field. LVC鈥檚 CAAHEP-accredited program meets this requirement.

  • Complete 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience.

    LVC鈥檚 program includes a 600-hour internship in a cardiopulmonary or rehabilitation exercise program for special populations.

  • Pass the ACSM-CEP certification exam.

    LVC鈥檚 one-year curriculum, on-campus residency weekends, and 600-hour internship prepare students to pass the exam.

Health and Physical Education student performs step-training exercise in a fitness training exercise in Arnold Sports Center Arena

What You’ll Study

The 33-credit curriculum is designed to enhance knowledge in all aspects of clinical exercise physiology including patient intake and assessment, administering/interpreting exercise tests, exercise programming, exercise training and leadership, patient education and behavior change, as well as legal and professional responsibilities in clinical exercise physiology. The curriculum culminates in a 600-hour clinical internship.

Featured Courses

  • EXSC 714 Client and Patient Assessment: This course provides the basic knowledge and skills to perform a detailed client/patient assessment including physical, behavioral, and psychological criteria.
  • EXSC 715 Clinical Exercise Physiology: Students will explore the concept of clinical exercise physiology across various clinical populations.
  • EXSC 717 Applied Methods in Human Performance and Clinical Exercise Physiology: This course explores advanced sport and clinical exercise performance testing methods.
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Clinical Exercise Physiologist Careers, Salary, and Job Outlook

Clinical exercise physiologists design and deliver exercise programs for patients managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and cancer. Day-to-day, that can mean conducting fitness and stress-test assessments, interpreting results, building individualized rehabilitation programs, and working alongside physicians and nurses in clinical settings.

Where clinical exercise physiologists work: Bariatric and diabetes clinics, cancer rehabilitation clinics, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation clinics, physician offices, research centers, and wellness centers.

Common roles: Clinical exercise physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, pulmonary rehabilitation specialist, wellness coordinator or health coach, and exercise science researcher.

Salary and outlook: The median salary for clinical exercise physiologist roles is , with some positions offering $118,000 per year, and the is growing much faster than average.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist vs. Related Roles

A clinical exercise physiologist uses exercise as clinical treatment for patients with diagnosed conditions, usually under physician referral. That differs from a personal trainer, who works on general fitness with no clinical scope, and from a physical therapist, who rehabilitates injury and movement under a separate license.

LVC exercise science students and faculty demonstrate equipment

Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology Experience

Hands-On Experience

You will complement your clinical exercise physiology classes with three intensive on-campus weekends where you will practice skills for your internship. You鈥檒l perform client assessments, run stress tests, learn to identify normal vs. abnormal heart rhythms, and develop comprehensive rehab programs.

The residency experience takes place in our state-of-the-art Lewis Human Performance and Exercise Physiology labs. Located in the Jeanne and Edward H. Arnold Health Professions Pavilion, our facilities and biomechanical equipment rival what is offered at large research institutions.

Real-World Training

Before you graduate, you鈥檒l complete a 600-hour internship in a cardiopulmonary or rehabilitation exercise program for special populations. Our faculty and career coaches can connect you with one of several regional healthcare networks or research institutions that meet your career goals.

The clinical exercise physiology internship allows you to gain valuable work experience and engage in human performance assessment, protocol or equipment development, and/or research activities with faculty.

Program Outcomes

LVC鈥檚 clinical exercise physiology students complete the program and move into the field at consistently high rates:

  • 100% internship completion every year, 2020 to 2025
  • 100% graduate rate across 2020-2025 cohorts
  • 100% of graduates of recent cohorts employed within one year

Learn More About the Clinical Exercise Physiology Masters

Our clinical exercise physiology graduate program will prepare you for certification, a designation that enhances job opportunities, ensures adherence to industry standards, and boosts credibility.

We offer seven-week, accelerated clinical exercise physiology courses online and three immersive residency weekends. Classes can be completed in one year; then you will begin real-world training in your 600-hour internship.

 

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In Their Words

Collaboration
The most rewarding part of the program was being able to collaborate with students during residency weekends. We were able to run stress tests, perform resting EKGs, and practice taking BPs. I found this opportunity to be very rewarding and helpful towards my career.
Timothy McCauley 惭鈥�25, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Progressive Health of Delaware
Support
[Dr. Gilbertson’s] guidance and encouragement made it possible for me to successfully complete the program while also supporting my growing family. Even though I completed the program remotely from my home in Utah, I always felt supported and connected to the LVC community. Annville will always hold a special place in my heart.
Bailey Proulx 惭鈥�25
Preparation
I was hired prior to graduating from the program, and I was able to pass my ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) exam on the first try!
Kyla Wise 惭鈥�25
The most rewarding part of the program was being able to collaborate with students during residency weekends. We were able to run stress tests, perform resting EKGs, and practice taking BPs. I found this opportunity to be very rewarding and helpful towards my career.
Timothy McCauley 惭鈥�25, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Progressive Health of Delaware
[Dr. Gilbertson’s] guidance and encouragement made it possible for me to successfully complete the program while also supporting my growing family. Even though I completed the program remotely from my home in Utah, I always felt supported and connected to the LVC community. Annville will always hold a special place in my heart.
Bailey Proulx 惭鈥�25
I was hired prior to graduating from the program, and I was able to pass my ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) exam on the first try!
Kyla Wise 惭鈥�25

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The program is accredited by the and is one of only 19 accredited clinical programs nationwide.

Earn a qualifying master鈥檚 degree in clinical exercise physiology or a closely related field, complete 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience, and pass the ACSM-CEP exam.

One year of coursework in seven-week terms, plus a 600-hour clinical internship.

Yes. Courses are online, with three required on-campus residency weekends in Annville, PA for hands-on clinical skills. Your internship takes place in person at approved sites.

$789 per credit for 2026鈥�27, about $26,037 for the 33-credit degree before aid or discounts.

You鈥檒l gain the skills needed to help patients with complex medical conditions improve their quality of life through fitness. Common roles include clinical exercise physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, pulmonary rehabilitation specialist, wellness coordinator or health coach, and exercise science researcher.

No, GRE scores are not required. LVC reviews applications on a rolling basis and admitted students begin the program in August. Submit the online graduate application, an official transcript showing at least a 3.0 GPA and completed pre-requisite courses, a 500-word personal statement or an admission interview, a current resume, and two professional or academic references who complete an online form. See all admission requirements.

Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology Resources

Graduate Scholarships
Graduate Tuition & Costs
7-week Term Calendar

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Visit Our Campus

Find out more about the M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology program, tour the campus, and see our state-of-the-art health science facilities during a personalized campus visit. Contact Graduate & Professional Studies to schedule your visit.

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Featured News & Stories

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LVC exercise science students and faculty demonstrate equipment
Why Choose LVC for Your Master鈥檚 in Clinical Exercise Physiology?
Molly Herigan in the gym as a clinical exercise physiologist
Master鈥檚 Student Set to Help Patients on Their Healthcare Journey
Ramon Garcia at his clinical placement
The Heart of the Matter
LVC exercise science students and faculty demonstrate equipment
Why Choose LVC for Your Master鈥檚 in Clinical Exercise Physiology?
Molly Herigan in the gym as a clinical exercise physiologist
Master鈥檚 Student Set to Help Patients on Their Healthcare Journey
Ramon Garcia at his clinical placement
The Heart of the Matter
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