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 skills

• Proficiency in organizational skills, time management and creativity with scheduling patients

• Ability to work independently and autonomously, self motivated

• Ability to report to work regularly, on time, and prepared

• Ability to prioritize work demands

• Demonstrated leadership skills

• Familiarity with, and able to perform all duties and functions of the cardiac rehabilitation staff 

• Current American Heart Healthcare Provider BLS; American Heart ACLS (within 3 months of hire).

• American Heart ACLS Certification

• AACVPR Certified Cardiac Rehab Professional (required within 1 year of hire or for existing staff by 4.25.2023 (new requirement as of 4.25.2022)

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology (or equivalent)
• Two years experience working in cardiac rehabilitation

• Understanding of regulatory agency guidelines for cardiac rehabilitation

• Intermediate/Advanced electrocardiography interpretation

• American College of Medicine Exercise Specialist Certification

Additional Details

• Constant exposure to usual cardiac rehabilitation environmental conditions
• Possible exposure to body substances
• Ability to work a minimum of 8 hours a day and longer, according to organizational requirements
• Ability to work in a stressful, fast-paced work environment
• Ability to lift, bend, stoop, stand, walk throughout the shift
• Must be able to use all senses: seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and speaking
• Ability to stand for up to 30 min- 1 hour at a time

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or [email protected].