The Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute Institute Stress Lab and Cardiac Rehab department offers an exciting setting for exercise physiologists. Performing over 12,000 stress tests, 8,000 inpatient cardiac rehab visits and 7,000 outpatient cardiac rehab visits each year. A wide array of patients, including healthy preventive testing to more complicated cases involving many types of cardiac and pulmonary diseases; provide a challenging and educational experience. Exercise physiologists are employed in both the Stress Testing area and the Section of Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation.

Exercise physiologists in the Stress Testing area perform a variety of exercise and pharmacologic stress tests.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Review and abstraction of patient medical records.
  • Exercise and pharmacologic stress test supervision and preliminary test interpretation.
  • Administration and interpretation of cardiopulmonary exercise tests.
  • Static and dynamic EKG monitoring and interpretation (12 lead and rhythm strips).
  • Patient ECG hook-up.
  • Rest and exercise blood pressure monitoring.
  • Equipment maintenance and calibration.
  • Research data collection.
  • Provision of technical support in emergency situations (BCLS).

Exercise physiologists in the Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation area work in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Review chart and interview patient to identify clinical, physiological, psychosocial and educational status as they pertain to cardiac rehabilitation.
  • Document patient history, clinical course and current status in medical records.
  • Supervise rehabilitation activity session including patient's vital signs, EKG strips, RPE, pain rating, and blood glucose before, during and after exercise.
  • Lead and participate in on-going education for patients and family members regarding cardiac risk and rehabilitation.
  • Counsel patients regarding lifestyle change issues to reduce future cardiovascular complications.
  • Prepare and discuss home going activity guidelines for post surgery patients.
  • Monitor and test exercise equipment for condition and accuracy.
  • Based on the results of exercise tests and/or clinical status calculate exercise prescription according to established guidelines.
  • Participate in independent and/or collaborative research projects in cardiac rehabilitation as directed.

Requirements Include:

  • Requires a Master's degree in exercise physiology, nursing or similar science-based allied health curriculum to include a three-six month clinical internship in stress testing or cardiac rehab.
  • Requires good communication and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to provide physical assistance to patients when needed.
  • Must be BCLS certified and have completed ACSM Clinical Exercise Specialist or Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification within one year of hire.
  • Candidates need to demonstrate 12 Lead EKG interpretation and arrhythmia recognition skills.
  • Previous work experience in stress testing or cardiac rehab is desirable.

For more information about opportunities for stress testing at the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, contact Gordon Blackburn at 216.444.8300, for cardiac rehab contact Michael Crawford at 216.444.1869.

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