Exercise Specialist

ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                      Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist        

REPORTS TO POSITION:      Supervisor, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and EKG

DEPARTMENT:                        Cardiovascular Services

DATE LAST REVIEWED:         May 2025

OUR VISION:                            Creating America’s healthiest community, together

OUR MISSION:                         In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES:                          Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Team provides services for patients who have had a heart attack, heart surgery or other cardiac event recover and reduce their risk of further heart problems. Cardiac rehabilitation includes a combination of exercise, education and support. 

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist provides patient focused care to cardiac rehabilitation patients in a clinical setting as part of the health care team in accordance with St. Charles Health System policies and the medically prescribed Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. The Exercise Specialist coordinates, evaluates, educates, assesses, and monitors patients through the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program and reports progress and abnormal findings to a physician. This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Provides clinical support to the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program to include assessment, monitoring, intervention, multi-disciplinary education and coordination of the cardiopulmonary rehab patient’s care.

Provides both Phase 1 and 2 Cardiac Rehab.

Safely ambulates inpatients and provides education and resources regarding Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab.

Facilitates a multidisciplinary education program for the Cardiac Rehab Phase 2 patient through creation of educational materials and sessions for patients.

Facilitates timely program admittance and participation for the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation patient in accordance with the goals of the physician and the St. Charles Health System cardiopulmonary program care mission.

Monitors patient rhythms during exercise, identifies abnormal findings and performs appropriate interventions.

Accurately obtains vitals, including SpO2 at rest and during exercise. Determines when additional assessment is needed on a patient.

Accurately performs blood glucose monitoring and responds appropriately to results. Properly maintains the blood glucose monitoring machine. 

Remains knowledgeable of all aspects of the Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) to include proper monthly documentation and adherence to AACVPR and CMS guidelines.

Demonstrates knowledge of all cardiac rehab exercise equipment, its proper use and care, and effectively instructs patients in use of the equipment in a safe and effective manner.

Leads warm-up and cool-down sessions which incorporate strength, balance and relaxation.

Completes all patient documentation, assessments and physician notifications according to department policies and procedures.

Assists in maintaining and adhering to all requirements for ACCVPR accreditation, Joint Commission and CMS requirements.

Assists in following the clinical guidelines set by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association for Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs.

Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate. 

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION:             

Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, a health-related field OR equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that will enable performance of the full scope of the position.

Preferred: Exercise Physiologist with specialized training in Cardiac Rehabilitation.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

Required: AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.
Preferred: Current ACSM Licensure. Active status in the AACVPR.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Thorough knowledge/skills in the concepts of cardiovascular care and exercise physiology. Completion of 12 Lead EKG Training Course upon hire.

Preferred: Two (2) years’ experience in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation Phase II care or equivalent. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Continually (75% or more): Standing and walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.

Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-25 pounds.

Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, reaching overhead, grasping/squeezing, ability to hear whispered speech level.

Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs.

Never (0%):  Climbing ladder/step-stool, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, operation of a motor vehicle.

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area, chemical solution.

Never (0%):  Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

Schedule Weekly Hours:

Caregiver Type:

Shift:

Is Exempt Position?

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Salary : $27 - $41