Clinical Exercise Physiology
Become an exercise physiologist
A Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) creates evidence-based exercise programs for patients with chronic diseases, using exercise as a therapeutic tool.
Join a growing field with a graduate degree in clinical exercise physiology. Clinical exercise physiologists develop individualized fitness and exercise programs for patients.
UWL offers an internationally-recognized Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology program, with hundreds of hours of clinical experience and opportunities to do independent research studies in a new, state-of-the-art human performance laboratory.
A Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) is a healthcare professional who develops evidence-based exercise programs for patients with chronic diseases where exercise training has been shown to be of therapeutic benefit. Patients include those with cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, cancer survivorship, metabolic and other chronic diseases.
A CEP works closely with patients and their medical providers during the rehabilitation process to develop individualized treatment plans using evidence-based practices. They then work to monitor and supervise patient progress on those plans.CEPs typically work in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, cancer rehabilitation, stress testing, health education, or wellness centers.
Career outlook
Why earn your exercise physiology degree at UWL?
The program aims to prepare students for the ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) examination, with La Crosse graduates boasting a first-time pass rate exceeding 90% over the past 30 years.
Graduate students conduct independent research in a state-of-the-art lab equipped with advanced tools for biochemistry, ultrasound, body composition analysis, cardiovascular assessment and more. The facility also includes workout equipment and an environmental chamber for temperature response studies.
Students gain approximately 300 clinical hours of experience through the La Crosse Exercise and Health Program and collaborations with Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices aligned with guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine and the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association.
Founded in 1978, UWL’s CEP program is the first in the nation focused on cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, renowned for its excellence and international standing. The program continuously adapts its curriculum to reflect the latest industry trends and advancements.
Featured courses
Important dates
Application deadline is April 15th, however, this program uses a rolling admission process. Application review starts on December 15th and continues as applications are submitted until the class is full (max of 15 students).
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Hear from an alum
Abigail Ahlskog
Since the first day of meeting the academic staff, I felt accepted. The small class size makes it feel like you are family between you and other students. Not only did the practical and clinical application play a significant role in my career, research opportunities helped me stand out to employers.
Hear from an alum
Nik Carpenter
The variety of equipment available in the Human Performance Laboratory has really allowed me to pursue my specific research interests ... Through this lab, I was exposed to so many different research methods and tools, which gave me a broad understanding of human physiology.