Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Assistant

The University of Kansas Health System • Kansas City, KS

4d

About The Position

The Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Assistant supports the Exercise Physiologist in preparing patients for and performing cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The role helps ensure efficient patient flow and provides culturally sensitive care and exceptional customer service. Duties include preparing patients for tests, maintaining patient records, organizing testing rooms, managing supply and equipment inventory, and assisting exercise physiologists, Pulmonary Function Technicians, and support staff. The position also serves as backup for certain pulmonary function tests, such as bedside spirometry.

The assistant prepares patient charts and collects clinical history and data forms, calibrates equipment, helps conduct exercise tests, and monitors patients during rest, exercise, and recovery according to department policy. The role also assists with interpreting test results under the supervision of a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiologist, ensures proper patient setup and sensor adjustment, maintains a clean testing lab, and performs bedside spirometry while maintaining equipment to manufacturer and department standards. Required competencies in cardiopulmonary exercise testing patient preparation and bedside spirometry must be achieved within six months of hire.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• Basic Life Support Heartsaver (BLS HS), Non-Clinical, from the American Heart Association, required within 30 days.
• Fluent English skills, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Proficiency with computer skills, with emphasis on Microsoft Office.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical, and/or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• Complete competencies in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Patient Preparation and Bedside Spirometry within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Exercise Physiology.
• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science.
• Experience in cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
• Proficiency with stress and metabolic testing software.
• Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) certification from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patient charts for testing, including clinical history and data collection forms.
• Calibrate equipment before testing to ensure accurate data collection.
• Assist with exercise tests and monitor heart rates, ECG rhythm, blood pressure, perceived exertion, and patient signs and symptoms during rest, exercise, and recovery, in accordance with department policy.
• Assist with interpretation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing results under the supervision of a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiologist.
• Ensure proper patient setup and adjust sensors as needed throughout testing.
• Maintain a clean testing lab and exercise and testing equipment.
• Perform bedside spirometry pulmonary function tests and calibrate and maintain equipment to manufacturer and department standards.
• Assist with patient preparation, patient records, testing-room organization, supply and equipment inventory, and support for exercise physiologists, Pulmonary Function Technicians, and other staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED