OPT Clinical Exercise Physiologist Jobs
Clinical Exercise Physiologist jobs on OPT are available at hospitals, cardiac rehab centers, and university wellness programs. Most roles require ACSM-CEP or RCEP certification alongside your exercise science degree. With 12 months of OPT authorization, and up to 36 months on STEM OPT, you have real runway to build clinical experience and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsClinical Exercise Physiologist
Join a team that delivers excellence.
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is home to nearly 23,000 colleagues who make up our talented, vibrant and diverse workforce.
Join our team and experience firsthand what it's like to be part of a healthcare organization that's nationally recognized, forward-thinking and offers plenty of opportunity to do great work.
Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks.
Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.
LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.
Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Summary
Supervises and oversees the performance of inpatient and/or outpatient stress testing or exercise and physical fitness testing in lieu of physician presence. Assesses the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of exercise on the cardiac and/or high-risk patient population. Collaborates with physicians and other health care team members to deliver a high-quality diagnostic test/intervention.
Job Duties
- Determines appropriate stress exercise protocol for patient based on medical history, patient evaluation, resting EKG, and indication for test/intervention.
- Recognizes indications and contraindications for stress testing/intervention.
- Communicates with Physician if questions or discussion regarding stress type ordered, intervention appropriateness or changes in patient condition warrants.
- Prepares patient for testing/intervention, including explanation and proof of patient understanding and proper lead placement.
- Supervises patient during inpatient and/or outpatient stress testing/intervention (Treadmill Exercise Stress, Nuclear Exercise, Nuclear Pharmacological, Stress Echocardiography, and/or Graded-progressive cardio-pulm exercise) using critical judgment skills and monitor patient for inappropriate responses based on indications for and limitations to stress testing/intervention to achieve a high-quality outcome.
- Evaluates patient’s anatomy and physiology, hemodynamic, and vital sign response during testing/intervention and detects any abnormal responses including BP and arrhythmia response.
- Recognizes end-points for testing and/or end-point for treatment session.
- Integrates exercise testing data into documentation for final report interpretation by Physician.
- Recognizes appropriateness for physician presence during stress testing/intervention.
- Performs holter monitor scan analysis, as needed.
- Participates and supports the supervision and onboarding of new employees and student interns.
- Provides education on exercise, health and lifestyle modification, as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology
- Strong knowledge of cardiac A&P and hemodynamic response to exercise with understanding of end points for testing/intervention
- Strong knowledge base of cardiac exercise protocols and ability to select most appropriate for patient stress testing/intervention.
- Strong knowledge of cardiac rhythms and arrhythmia recognition.
- Critical thinking and judgment skills with the ability to evaluate patient response to exercise during testing/intervention.
- Ability to multitask and work well under stress and in an emergency situation.
- Ability to work interdependently.
- Ability to use pc software programs.
- Ability to develop an individualized exercise prescription for cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular patients based on clinical results of assessment and/or exercise stress test.
- Ability to evaluate the patient’s responses to exercise conditioning.
- Demonstrates strong educational teaching abilities for patient education, both individual and group as indicated.
- Demonstrates strong knowledge of cardiac risk factors and lifestyle modifications.
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support - State of Pennsylvania.
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire.
- ACSM-Cert Tr-Exer Spec-Hlth-Fit Inst-Exer Phys - State of Pennsylvania within 1 Year or.
- CCRP-Cert Cardiac Rehab Professional AACPRPCC - State of Pennsylvania within 1 Year.
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical internship in diagnostic stress testing (diseased population).
- Basic and advanced ECG courses with the performance of a 12-lead ECG evaluation and dysrhythmia recognition.
- 1 year cardiovascular stress testing experience or.
- 1 year cardiopulmonary rehab experience.
Physical Demands
Lift and carry 25 lbs. frequent sitting/standing, frequent keyboard use, patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.
Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.
Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.
Location
Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest
1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd, 18103-6202, Allentown, United States
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Join a team that delivers excellence.
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is home to nearly 23,000 colleagues who make up our talented, vibrant and diverse workforce.
Join our team and experience firsthand what it's like to be part of a healthcare organization that's nationally recognized, forward-thinking and offers plenty of opportunity to do great work.
Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks.
Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.
LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.
Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Summary
Supervises and oversees the performance of inpatient and/or outpatient stress testing or exercise and physical fitness testing in lieu of physician presence. Assesses the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of exercise on the cardiac and/or high-risk patient population. Collaborates with physicians and other health care team members to deliver a high-quality diagnostic test/intervention.
Job Duties
- Determines appropriate stress exercise protocol for patient based on medical history, patient evaluation, resting EKG, and indication for test/intervention.
- Recognizes indications and contraindications for stress testing/intervention.
- Communicates with Physician if questions or discussion regarding stress type ordered, intervention appropriateness or changes in patient condition warrants.
- Prepares patient for testing/intervention, including explanation and proof of patient understanding and proper lead placement.
- Supervises patient during inpatient and/or outpatient stress testing/intervention (Treadmill Exercise Stress, Nuclear Exercise, Nuclear Pharmacological, Stress Echocardiography, and/or Graded-progressive cardio-pulm exercise) using critical judgment skills and monitor patient for inappropriate responses based on indications for and limitations to stress testing/intervention to achieve a high-quality outcome.
- Evaluates patient’s anatomy and physiology, hemodynamic, and vital sign response during testing/intervention and detects any abnormal responses including BP and arrhythmia response.
- Recognizes end-points for testing and/or end-point for treatment session.
- Integrates exercise testing data into documentation for final report interpretation by Physician.
- Recognizes appropriateness for physician presence during stress testing/intervention.
- Performs holter monitor scan analysis, as needed.
- Participates and supports the supervision and onboarding of new employees and student interns.
- Provides education on exercise, health and lifestyle modification, as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology
- Strong knowledge of cardiac A&P and hemodynamic response to exercise with understanding of end points for testing/intervention
- Strong knowledge base of cardiac exercise protocols and ability to select most appropriate for patient stress testing/intervention.
- Strong knowledge of cardiac rhythms and arrhythmia recognition.
- Critical thinking and judgment skills with the ability to evaluate patient response to exercise during testing/intervention.
- Ability to multitask and work well under stress and in an emergency situation.
- Ability to work interdependently.
- Ability to use pc software programs.
- Ability to develop an individualized exercise prescription for cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular patients based on clinical results of assessment and/or exercise stress test.
- Ability to evaluate the patient’s responses to exercise conditioning.
- Demonstrates strong educational teaching abilities for patient education, both individual and group as indicated.
- Demonstrates strong knowledge of cardiac risk factors and lifestyle modifications.
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support - State of Pennsylvania.
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire.
- ACSM-Cert Tr-Exer Spec-Hlth-Fit Inst-Exer Phys - State of Pennsylvania within 1 Year or.
- CCRP-Cert Cardiac Rehab Professional AACPRPCC - State of Pennsylvania within 1 Year.
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical internship in diagnostic stress testing (diseased population).
- Basic and advanced ECG courses with the performance of a 12-lead ECG evaluation and dysrhythmia recognition.
- 1 year cardiovascular stress testing experience or.
- 1 year cardiopulmonary rehab experience.
Physical Demands
Lift and carry 25 lbs. frequent sitting/standing, frequent keyboard use, patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.
Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.
Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.
Location
Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest
1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd, 18103-6202, Allentown, United States
See all 68+ OPT Clinical Exercise Physiologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Clinical Exercise Physiologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Target hospital systems and large health networks
Large hospital systems like academic medical centers and integrated health networks are more likely to have HR infrastructure for sponsoring work visas. Smaller outpatient clinics rarely have experience navigating H-1B visa petitions for allied health roles.
Get your ACSM-CEP certification before you graduate
The ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist credential signals clinical readiness and satisfies many job postings' licensure requirements. Employers are more willing to invest in sponsorship when you arrive credentialed, not when they have to wait for you to test.
Frame your OPT timeline clearly in interviews
Tell employers upfront how much OPT time you have remaining and whether you qualify for STEM OPT extension. Hiring managers in clinical settings appreciate transparency so they can plan sponsorship timelines around your authorization window.
Prioritize roles tied to a specific STEM CIP code
Exercise physiology and kinesiology programs frequently qualify for STEM OPT under approved CIP codes. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can confidently tell employers you're eligible for 24 additional months of work authorization.
Seek out roles in cardiac rehab and pulmonary programs
Cardiac and pulmonary rehab positions sit inside hospital billing structures, making H-1B sponsorship more straightforward than community wellness roles. These departments also have documented specialty occupation precedent, which strengthens your eventual H-1B petition.
Connect with exercise physiologists who navigated sponsorship
Professionals in your field who have gone through H-1B sponsorship can tell you which employers followed through and which ones stalled. Those firsthand accounts are more reliable than job postings and can save you from pursuing dead ends.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Exercise Physiologist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Clinical Exercise Physiologist positions generally qualify as specialty occupations because they typically require at minimum a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a closely related field. Roles embedded in hospital-based cardiac rehab or clinical research settings have the strongest precedent. Positions at general wellness centers may face more scrutiny, so the clinical setting matters when building your H-1B case.
Can I work as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist on OPT without ACSM certification?
You can begin applying on OPT without the ACSM-CEP, but most hospital and clinical employers list it as a required or preferred credential. Some employers will hire a candidate who is certification-eligible and set a target date, but that flexibility is less common at large health systems. Sitting for the exam before your job search puts you in a significantly stronger position.
Where can I find Clinical Exercise Physiologist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 students on OPT and filters roles by visa sponsorship compatibility, so you are not sorting through listings that will not consider work-authorized candidates. Browsing on Migrate Mate saves time and surfaces employers who have actively hired international candidates in clinical and exercise physiology roles before.
Does my exercise science degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on the specific CIP code your program was classified under at your institution. Exercise Physiology (CIP 31.0505) and Kinesiology (CIP 31.0505 and related codes) frequently appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, but you must verify with your DSO. If your degree qualifies, you can apply for a 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT authorization.
What happens to my OPT status if a clinical employer puts my start date on hold?
Your OPT clock runs from your authorized start date regardless of whether you are actively working. A delayed start does not pause your authorization period. If you are in a gap between positions, you are permitted up to 90 days of unemployment on standard OPT, or 150 days total if you have an approved STEM OPT extension. Contact your DSO immediately if a start date shifts significantly.