Our fearless leader Barb! Dr. Barbekka Hurtt - Teaching Professor; Faculty Director of Signature. Ph.D.,Neuroscience. BA, Environmental, Population and Organismic Biology. BS, Kinesiology.
In Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP), exercise is used to help patients manage or reduce their risk of chronic disease. Clinical exercise physiologists develop exercise recommendations, administer diagnostics tests and provide guidance that promotes healthy lifestyles. Our master’s degree program provides knowledge and experiences in preventive and rehabilitative practices for patients at-risk of or challenged by chronic diseases, as well as healthy and low risk populations. The curriculum provides the knowledge, experience, and skills needed by individuals preparing for completion of the ACSM clinical exercise physiologist certification exam.
How does a CEP differ from a physical therapist or a personal trainer?
CEPs have the broad focus of improving aerobic endurance, whole body strength, flexibility and balance
to enable those with, or at risk for, a chronic disease to adopt a healthy lifestyle and effectively manage
their disease. In contrast, physical therapists treat patients who have acute pain due to injury or disability
(an example is rehabilitation after knee or shoulder surgery). Personal trainers are typically trained to
work with individuals who are apparently healthy. The minimum educational level for certification as a
personal trainer is a high school diploma.
CEPs translate testing into treatment: Whether from a stress test, a 6MWT, or simply from watching a warmup, CEPs turn numbers and symptoms into personalized, functional plans that meet patients exactly where they are.
Working with our clinical partners at National Jewish. 🏔️ Where do CEPs work? 🏔️
The CEP works individually, under physician supervision, or as part of an interdisciplinary team in a
clinical, community, or public health setting. Common settings include:
- Hospitals/medical centers: Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiac diagnostic laboratories,
cancer rehabilitation, bariatric or diabetes clinics, hospital-based wellness facilities.
- Outpatient clinics and physician offices.
- University exercise science laboratories or wellness centers.
- Hospital-based research facilities.
How does a CEP differ from a physical therapist or a personal trainer?
CEPs have the broad focus of improving aerobic endurance, whole body strength, flexibility and balance
to enable those with, or at risk for, a chronic disease to adopt a healthy lifestyle and effectively manage
their disease. In contrast, physical therapists treat patients who have acute pain due to injury or disability
(an example is rehabilitation after knee or shoulder surgery). Personal trainers are typically trained to
work with individuals who are apparently healthy. The minimum educational level for certification as a
personal trainer is a high school diploma.
