Exercise Physiologist

Department Overview

The Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist works collaboratively with physicians, mid-level providers, and allied health staff to provide direct and indirect patient care to patients participating in all phases of cardiac rehabilitation. Assists in planning, coordinating, and implementing a rehabilitation and education program which limits the adverse physiological and psychological effects of cardiac illness. The exercise physiologist assists in maintaining the practice environment in a clean, orderly condition including cleaning and preparation of treatment areas, stocking of linen, supplies and other duties.

Function/Duties of Position

• Provides direct and indirect care to patients in all phases of cardiac rehabilitation.
  • a. Demonstrates proficiency in clinical skills/knowledge specific to specialty area and follows established protocols
  • b. Maintains knowledge base essential to role
  • c. Protects patient privacy and maintains confidentiality
  • d. Coordinates with team to develop, implement, evaluate and revise patient treatment plan
  • e. Leads exercise sessions, including warm up and cool down
  • f. Performs assessments and reassessments during exercise sessions.  Communicates concerns regarding symptoms, vital signs, or clinical observations to the coordinator and/or physician.  
  • g. Responds to urgent or emergent situations
  • h. Provides encouragement and utilizes motivational techniques to patients adhering to a healthy lifestyle
  • i. Formulates teaching plan, based on identified learning needs, that includes prevention, disease process, medication compliance, smoking cessation, dietary practices, physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors, and other identified needs 
  • j. Prepares and presents both individual and group education based on needs of patients and their families
  • k. Evaluates learning effectiveness
  • l. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of the patient and family
  • m. Reinforces concept of healthy lifestyle by words and actions.  
  • n. Documents according to established policies and procedures
  • o. Performs patient care in a timely manner
  • p. Participates in community education and activities
  • q. Ensures emergency equipment is working properly and maintained 
  • r. Assists in ordering supplies and ensure department is stocked
  • s. Coordinates maintenance of equipment and building
  • t. Performs routine cleaning and reports mechanical failure of equipment as needed 
  • u. Productively utilizes unassigned time 
• Provides leadership and participates in the assessment and development of department and hospital related projects
  • a. Maintains a leadership style that promotes service excellence and placing patients first
  • b. Demonstrates practice consistent with current research/standards/policies
  • c. Participates in orientation of new employees
  • d. Serves as a resource for staff members, students, residents, and fellows
  • e. Presents and coordinates educational opportunities for department staff
  • f. Serves on hospital committees as needed
  • g. Demonstrates fiscally responsible resource utilization and promotes cost containment, as appropriate
  • h. Follows research protocols, as appropriate
  • i. Ensures compliance with hospital policy, AACVPR guidelines, and OSHA regulations
• Prioritizes and coordinates care and/or services with team members
  • a. Schedules patients via phone or written physician request
  • b. Participates in patient recruitment and maintains contact with referring physicians to promote referrals 
• Assists with outcome measurement and data needs for reporting and process improvement
• Prepares patient treatment areas and cleans following visits. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science (or equivalent). 

• One year related experience or equivalent. 

• Knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular disease, treatment, and counseling techniques.  

• Ability to recognize changes, symptoms, and other problems related to a participants condition and determine the appropriate intervention.

• Basic electrocardiography interpretation

• Must be able to effectively utilize oral and written communication skills with the staff and public

• Fluency in oral and written English

• Proficiency in computer skills including word processing and spreadsheets

• Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks

• Flexibility

• Strong customer service skill