Exercise Specialist

Join St. Francis–Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women’s care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.

Job Summary

The Exercise Leader / Specialist provides individualized and group fitness instruction based on clinical assessments and established exercise protocols. This role supports patient wellness, recovery, and risk reduction through safe and evidence-based exercise programming. The Specialist also facilitates cardiac rehabilitation sessions and works closely with patients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams to promote healthy outcomes and functional improvement.

Essential Functions

• Conducts fitness and health assessments to determine exercise readiness and prescribe appropriate exercise regimens.
• Leads safe and effective group exercise sessions, including cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and conditioning formats.
• Performs patient evaluations, orientation, and education at intake and throughout the program.
• Monitors participant progress, adjusts prescriptions, and supports goal achievement.
• Provides exercise and risk factor education for patients, families, and caregivers.
• Assists in maintaining equipment, reporting repairs, and ensuring a clean, safe exercise environment.
• Documents patient participation, vital signs, and program progress accurately and timely.
• Supports telemetry monitoring and emergency response as needed during exercise sessions.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to support care continuity and quality outcomes.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Knowledge of exercise physiology principles, fitness assessment, and patient-centered exercise prescription.
• Strong communication, motivational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in vital sign monitoring and exercise equipment operation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
• Competence in basic computer documentation and Microsoft Office.
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting (up to 75 lbs), and demonstrating physical exercises.
• Requires manual dexterity, visual acuity, and auditory ability to monitor and assist patients.
• Clinical fitness or cardiac rehab environment within a healthcare setting.
• Potential exposure to bodily fluids, cleaning agents, and exercise-related injuries.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field required.
• Completion of an accredited Exercise Physiology or Cardiac Rehabilitation program preferred.

Licenses/Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Telemetry certification required within one (1) year of hire.
• Nationally recognized fitness or clinical exercise certification required within one (1) year of hire (e.g., ACSM, NSCA, ACE).

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in clinical or fitness-based exercise instruction required.
• Experience in cardiac rehabilitation or hospital-based wellness programs preferred.