Exercise Physiologist - Cardiopulmonary Rehab - St. Rita's Medical Center

Mercy Health • Lima, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Exercise Physiologist works in collaboration with the cardiopulmonary team to develop, implement, and evaluate the exercise component of the program. The role reviews patient histories, presents lectures, develops exercise prescriptions, monitors patient responses to therapy, and recommends changes or modifications based on assessment. The Exercise Physiologist also serves as a preceptor to new team members and acts as site supervisor for the clinic student university internship program.

Responsibilities include reviewing medical, nursing intake, and exercise histories and exercise tolerance test results before goal-setting sessions; becoming familiar with patient profiles, particularly musculoskeletal function and cardiovascular histories; and calculating target heart-rate ranges and risk-stratification classes when appropriate before six-minute walk tests. The role educates patients about self-monitoring target heart rate and rate of perceived exertion, prescribes clinic exercise based on results, and documents patients’ responses to exercise, heart rate, ECG rhythm, and signs or symptoms.

The Exercise Physiologist performs and documents six-minute walk tests or submaximal exercise tolerance tests during initial evaluations and at discharge, provides patients with home exercise guidelines, and updates the patient’s Individualized Treatment Plan every 30 days. ITP documentation includes reassessment of exercise goals, responses to exercise, discharge planning, and ongoing patient education.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology.
• BLS Basic Life Support, and ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support or PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support. These certifications are preferred at hire and must be obtained from an approved source before direct patient care; ACLS or PALS is required depending on specialty assignment.
• Critical thinking, effective communication, active listening, collaboration, patient care, and physiologic data acquisition skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology.
• Clinical specialty certification from an accredited organization, such as ACSM Certification or ASEP Certification.
• At least 2 years of previous experience in adult fitness and/or cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Responsibilities

• Review medical history, nursing intake, exercise history, and exercise tolerance test results before goal-setting sessions.
• Become familiar with patient profiles, with particular attention to musculoskeletal function and cardiovascular histories.
• Calculate target heart-rate range and risk-stratification class when appropriate before six-minute walk tests.
• Educate patients on self-monitoring target heart rate and rate of perceived exertion.
• Write clinic exercise prescriptions based on results.
• Document patient responses to exercise, heart rate, ECG rhythm, and signs or symptoms.
• Perform and document six-minute walk tests or submaximal exercise tolerance tests during initial evaluations and discharge.
• Provide patients with guidelines for exercise at home.
• Document on the patient’s Individualized Treatment Plan every 30 days, including reassessment of exercise goals, response to exercise, discharge planning, and ongoing patient education.
• Serve as preceptor to new team members.
• Act as site supervisor for the clinic student university internship program.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate the exercise component of the program in collaboration with the cardiopulmonary team.
• Monitor patient responses to therapy and recommend changes or modifications based on assessment.
• Review patient history and present lectures.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and a 403(b) with employer contributions when eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; HSA/FSA options; life insurance; mental health resources; and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, and backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level