Exercise Physiologist onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: treadmills and cycle ergometers; ECG monitors; blood pressure equipment; metabolic carts
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Exercise Physiologist training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Screen for contraindications
Know emergency procedures and AED use
Monitor vitals and symptoms
Work within physician orders
Shadow an experienced exercise physiologist through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: write an exercise prescription
Supervised practice: monitor a cardiac rehab session
Supervised practice: run a graded exercise test
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Conduct fitness and stress tests: independently
Analyze patient health data: independently
Design exercise programs for medical conditions: independently
Monitor patients during exercise: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP))
Discuss the career path: Exercise Specialist → Exercise Physiologist → Clinical Exercise Physiologist
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Write an Exercise Prescription
Monitor a Cardiac Rehab Session
Run a Graded Exercise Test
Exercise testing
ECG monitoring
Exercise prescription
Physiology

How to measure onboarding success

Rebooking and retention rates
Revenue or sessions per week
Client reviews and complaints
90-day retention

How Exercise Physiologist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Exercise Physiologist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Exercise Physiologist Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Exercise Physiologist Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Exercise Physiologist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)