Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiologist

Position Summary / Career Interest:

The position of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiologist utilizes advanced training and expertise in exercise physiology in performing clinical exercise assessment, advanced clinical exercise testing, and preliminary interpretation of results for patients with various disease processes. The position is responsible for the supervision of exercise testing, facilitating education and competencies for department staff, managing exercise testing equipment and implementing emergency protocols and training for the department. The position facilitates program development and quality assurance in concert with department manager.


Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Performs cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in accordance with established standards, ACSM guidelines, and department policies.
• Evaluates patients for appropriateness of testing, patient safety, and selection of appropriate protocol based on patient clinical presentation and obtain patient consent.
• Performs ongoing clinical assessment throughout the testing by monitoring cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters including symptoms, appearance, heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram.
• Assesses CPET results for accuracy, performs analysis of results, and provides preliminary interpretation of results.
• Consults with referring care provider as appropriate to insure optimal patient outcomes based on cardiopulmonary testing results.
• Performs other pulmonary function testing as appropriate in the performance of CPET testing.
• Responds to medical emergencies in the cardiopulmonary exercise lab according to established department and hospital polices.
• Thorough knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and able to identify and respond to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias to ensure patient safety during cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
• Supervises Pulmonary Function Techs assisting with testing to ensure proper testing setup and patient safety.
• Responsible for the development and performance of quality improvement projects related to cardiopulmonary exercise testing per hospital policies and national standards.
• Performs quarterly medical emergency mock drills, assesses results and institutes needed changes in policy and training.
• Assist director in development of partnerships and the coordination of patient referrals to cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
• Assist with day-to-day operations of the Pulmonary Function department in absence of department manager.
• Develop and implement new/revised exercise testing procedures for unique patient populations that provide appropriate assessment of their physiologic limitations.
• Manage cardiopulmonary exercise testing equipment including quality control, troubleshooting errors and ensuring routine maintenance is completed.
• Provides education and instruction to hospital personnel, physicians, and students in methods and theories of CPET testing.
• Maintains current knowledge in exercise testing, cardiac arrhythmias, and relevant medications.
• Follows appropriate infection control procedures based on testing standards and hospital policies.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide testing appropriate to the age groups of children, adults and elderly.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Master's Degree Exercise Physiology
• 2 or more years Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Experience

Required Licensure and Certification

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) upon Hire
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) upon Hire

Preferred Licensure and Certification

• Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) - American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Required Language Skills

• Fluent English - Read, write and speak English fluently

Knowledge Requirements

• Proficiency in computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.