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Clinical exercise physiologist vs rehabilitation technician

The differences between clinical exercise physiologists and rehabilitation technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a clinical exercise physiologist has an average salary of $53,276, which is higher than the $29,533 average annual salary of a rehabilitation technician.

The top three skills for a clinical exercise physiologist include patients, rehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation. The most important skills for a rehabilitation technician are patients, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.

Clinical exercise physiologist vs rehabilitation technician overview

Clinical Exercise PhysiologistRehabilitation Technician
Yearly salary$53,276$29,533
Hourly rate$25.61$14.20
Growth rate9%24%
Number of jobs108,09931,196
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age3843
Years of experience2-

What does a clinical exercise physiologist do?

Clinical exercise physiologists, or CEP, are health professionals who utilize scientific rationale for designing, enforcing, and supervising exercise programming. The physiologists set exercise programs for people with conditions, diseases, and/or physical issues. They analyze the fitness of their patients to improve or main their health. Their job includes the assessment of patients' needs and making sure that they are following the safe exercise practices set for them. In addition, CEP may work with patients who have been recovering from any medical emergency or those who need to regain their physical strength.

What does a rehabilitation technician do?

A rehabilitation technician is responsible for assisting therapists and other medical personnel on supporting the patients in their daily activities and physical therapy sessions. Rehabilitation technicians provide high-quality care services for the patients by administering medications, accompanying them on medical appointments, and ensuring the cleanliness and orderliness of all equipment and facilities to prevent hazards within the premises. They may also perform administrative and clerical duties such as updating patients' information on the database, writing reports, processing payments for medical procedures, and maintaining medical charts for reference.

Clinical exercise physiologist vs rehabilitation technician salary

Clinical exercise physiologists and rehabilitation technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Clinical Exercise PhysiologistRehabilitation Technician
Average salary$53,276$29,533
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $95,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityBakersfield, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyWashington
Best paying companyBoston Medical CenterLawrence General Hospital
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between clinical exercise physiologist and rehabilitation technician education

There are a few differences between a clinical exercise physiologist and a rehabilitation technician in terms of educational background:

Clinical Exercise PhysiologistRehabilitation Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorKinesiologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Clinical exercise physiologist vs rehabilitation technician demographics

Here are the differences between clinical exercise physiologists' and rehabilitation technicians' demographics:

Clinical Exercise PhysiologistRehabilitation Technician
Average age3843
Gender ratioMale, 48.3% Female, 51.7%Male, 31.0% Female, 69.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 5.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 9.5% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage13%8%

Differences between clinical exercise physiologist and rehabilitation technician duties and responsibilities

Clinical exercise physiologist example responsibilities.

  • Interpret ECG test results and work with the cardiologist to diagnose specific cardiac conditions.
  • Perform pulmonary function testing, ECG's, and BP monitoring.
  • Assist physicians with ACLS/BLS procedures, chest tube insertions and catheter angiogramsite management.
  • Utilize the components of the nursing process and the applications of nursing diagnosis in the client setting.
  • Assess new-starts, monitor vitals, adjust workload intensities, and interpret EKG responses to varying exercise intensities.
  • Trouble shooting device issues and arrhythmia problems, aiding the physician in adjusting treatment plans tailor to patient specific needs.
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Rehabilitation technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage organization and cleanliness of therapy room and equipment.
  • Record vital signs and assist patients in performing their ADL's as directed by medical or nursing staff.
  • Assist patients with neurological conditions with different mobility training, ADL training, and strengthening exercises.
  • Assist with the modification of therapy plans, assist with manual stretching and traction of patients.
  • Prepare patients for electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, and ultrasounds.
  • Assist in operating a physical therapy facility by helping patients improve their movement, stamina, coordination, and intellectual capacity.
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Clinical exercise physiologist vs rehabilitation technician skills

Common clinical exercise physiologist skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • Rehabilitation, 13%
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation, 8%
  • Acls, 6%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • EKG, 5%
Common rehabilitation technician skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Rehabilitation, 18%
  • Physical Therapy, 12%
  • CPR, 9%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Occupational Therapy, 4%

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