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0-5 years of experience
Provided nutrition and exercise education for patients to meet their health goals and objectives
- Performed Pulmonary function testing, metabolic testing, ECG’s, blood pressure monitoring and stress tests
- Supported groups to educate patients about Diabetes Mellitus, risk of other diseases, nutrition and exercise
- Provided patients with tools to help succeed with exercise and nutrition
- Worked collaboratively with Physicians, Surgeons, Nurses, and insurance companies
- Conducted pre-op and post-op meetings for new and future patients
- Educated potential clients about the Lap-band
6-10 years of experience
Leveraged subject matter expertise (SME) along with comprehensive knowledge of wellness education techniques to devise new and advance established health promotion programs. Organized and delivered health, fitness, disease/diabetes prevention, and lifestyle management consultation and education initiatives to sustain, protect, and enhance physical, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual wellbeing. Planned program curriculum and training seminars. Developed training and support materials. Outlined and conducted workshops for diverse population, including patients, community and family members, healthcare practitioners, and hospital staff. Monitored program budget/expenses. Maintained accurate and current notes and medical records. Compiled treatment, progress, and program evaluation reports.
- Proactively identified community needs prior to planning and implementing programs by methodically collecting and analyzing baseline data.
- Successfully addressed priority health issues, such as alcohol abuse, tobacco cessation, and stress management issues, by utilizing public health promotion, evidence-informed practices, and environmental management prevention strategies.
- Formulated personalized patient exercise programs by consulting directly with primary care providers; regularly educated on injury prevention, risk management, and nutritional supports.
- Inspired program participation and elevated retention levels by nurturing a supportive environment that encouraged a healthy lifestyle, as well as by initiating incentive programs.
- Upheld industry accreditation standards by assembling data and coordinating inspections.
- Offered insights, input, and recommendations to senior management on policy development based on research and interpretation of regulatory guidelines.
0-5 years of experience
Assisted patients in their rehabilitation as well as aided in the development of programs designed to help each individual meet their particular goals.
- Identified client’s need, provided exercise testing and prescription
- Developed specific training programs and monitored adherence
- Advised patients on health education matters
- Conducted seminars for the participating hospital employees
- Performed a vast number of V02 max testing, functional movement assessments, cardiovascular and resistance training program design
0-5 years of experience
Health coached members with a variety of chronic conditions including CAD, CHF, Diabetes, COPD, Asthma, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Low Back Pain, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Cancer, Fibromyalgia, MS, and Depression.
- Advocated strategies on health behavior change using American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines, Healthwise teaching topics, VHI toolkit exercise illustrations, and accredited websites.
- Consulted with physicians to ensure member’s exercise prescription were in conjunction with their plan of care.
- Trained other Exercise Physiologist during their initial orientation.
- Facilitated Exercise Physiologist trainings to nurses, registered dieticians, pharmacists, social workers, and respiratory therapists.
0-5 years of experience
Monitored prescribed cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitative exercises and therapies.
- Provided cardiovascular exercise education to patients and their families on an individualized basis.
- Devised and implemented resistance training programs specific to the needs of each patient to enhance physical fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility.
- Scheduled and maintained patient appointment book.
- Maintained records of individual patient exercise sessions.
0-5 years of experience
Assisted with VO2 max tests, resting metabolic (RMR) tests, and BODPOD body scans.
- Designed databases using Microsoft Excel for research studies.
- Calibrated VO2 max gas analyzer and BODPOD.
- Retrieved and programmed data from Sensewear units.
- Managed databases for research studies and Sensewear tracking.
- Trained and supervised new interns.
- Contacted subjects about study enrollment.
0-5 years of experience
Investigated cardiovascular disease development in a large cohort of adults (CARDIA Study)
- Performed detailed interviews and exercise stress tests
- Evaluated aerobic capacity, interpreted resting and exercise 12 lead EKGs
- Worked closely with principle investigators to manage participant care, follow up, retention, and all other administrative duties
0-5 years of experience
Assessed fitness level of new clientele by gathering biometric and subjective data to develop a baseline fitness profile
- Prescribed progressive, individualized strength training programs to meet personal strength and conditioning objectives
- Tuned rehabilitation regimens to accommodate clients with injuries or medical histories of systemic and/or orthopedic disorders
- Designed and implemented programs to track clients’ attendance and development through exercise and nutrition programs
- Corresponded Wellness Center schedules to optimize customer to Physiologist interaction in a fast-paced environment
0-5 years of experience
Completed 200 hour assistantship
- Conducted research related to endocrine functioning, particularly in response to resistance training.
- Actively participated and demonstrated Olympic weight lifting and activation mobilization of muscles
- Responsible for maximum and sub maximum treadmill and cycle cardiac stress tests on subjects
- Efficiently learned techniques to effectively perform physical examinations and EKG readings
6-10 years of experience
- Interpreted patient’s exercise stress test to determine appropriate exercise level.
- Interpreted EKG strips and report any dysrhythmias accordingly to the physicians
- Conducted six-minute walk test on the pulmonary patient to determine their exercise tolerance.
- Reviewed patients’ exercise progress results to share with the physicians
- Educated patients in healthy lifestyle changes and proper, exercise techniques.
- Provided guidance and motivation to patients and assisted in discharge planning.
0-5 years of experience
- Built measurable value by creating efficient and cost-effective training rehabilitation programs to suit individual patient needs
- Established synergistic relationships and sustainable rapport via exceptional communications to achieve trusted advisor status with patients and colleagues
- Supervised and trained Sacred Heart University exercise and physiology students on cardiac rehabilitation principles and practices
- Enhanced hospital revenue by coaching clients to remain motivated and committed to their recovery programs ultimately increasing the quality and duration of their therapies
- Worked in conjunction with management to conceptualize and launch new strength training programs for heart patients that brought a 75% to 80% increase in patient population to the facility
- Created all statistical data that resulted in program accreditation and helped the hospital to achieve national certification
- Managed numerous community outreach PR programs and gave presentations that greatly improved awareness in the areas of diabetes, exercise, youth fitness, and heart health
- Developed a $75K budget to improve exercise facility and increase visibility for the facility by connecting with various fitness equipment vendors and establishing strategic relationships
- Increased maintenance program productivity by educating patients and improving their heart health knowledge which led to additional profits for the hospital
0-5 years of experience
Developed and implemented the Policies and Procedures for the company’s Exercise Physiology department and ensured adherence.
- Performed diagnostic and medically-necessary stress tests on both normal and diseased populations.
- Conducted fitness assessments, as well as interpret the data and communicate results.
- Independently developed, implemented and progressed exercise prescriptions based on results from fitness analyses and the limitations provided by each patient’s Primary Care Provider.
- Discussed, educated and counseled patients extensively on the various components of a health-centered lifestyle.
- Guide aerobic/resistance classes and health-related seminars to companies/employees.
- OSHA Compliance Officer.
0-5 years of experience
Developed & coordinated fitness & wellness programs (weight training, nutritional and cardiovascular) for gym members and company employees.
- Assisted in providing Semi-Stress Testing, Fitness Assessments and Complimentary Training sessions to all Chase Fitness Center members.
- Responded to and resolved customer complaints, questions and suggestions related to Chase Fitness Center.
- Developed implemented, evaluated Fitness programs and services.
- Maintained daily cleaning duties on assigned fitness equipment in facility.
- Instructed group fitness classes weekly.
0-5 years of experience
Assisted RN with ECG monitoring, provide knowledge about cardiac rehabilitation to inpatients
- Assisted therapists in pre-screening class before starting cardiac rehabilitation
- Educated patients about medication, diabetes, obesity, stress management, and yoga
- Performed biometric tests & check glucose level, help patients using exercise equipments
- Observed catheterization lab, stress test, EKG testing, open heart surgery
- Worked independently with patients
0-5 years of experience
Intern for over 200 hours. Shadowed staff and assisted as needed. Developed good relationships with many clients.
- Promoted to Exercise Physiologist full time after 3-month internship.
- Execute exercise programs designed by physical therapists for post op patients.
- Write exercise programs for fitness clients and monitor progress.
- Motivate and instruct clients to ensure goals are met and to expedite the healing process.
6-10 years of experience
- Conducted wellness exams and pre-employment testing including treadmill stress tests, body fat analysis, vision and hearing on Fire, Police, and municipal executives of various contracted agencies.
- Attended to day-to-day office duties and patient care from start to finish: scheduling, file preparation, patient care and follow-up, chart processing for time-sensitive contract requirements.
- Managed multiple job protocols for 18 contracts such as the various Departments of Los Angeles County, Cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, El Segundo, and Boeing.
- Trained 5 physiologists to manage office efficiency and a 30% increase in patient volume in the past 6 months.
0-5 years of experience
- Recognized by ownership with outstanding yearly performance appraisals.
- Established in and out facility challenges to build a community at [company name].
- Designed individual and small group training regimens that promote periodization with macrocycle and microcycle training principles.
- Advised on nutritional tactics to help with performance and utilization of energy sources.
- Created outreach program for clients to help with accountability and performance in session.
- Grew facility Gross Revenue over 327% in a 4 year period.
- Established yearly marketing tactics which were applied monthly to increase client session productivity and facility growth.
- Redesigned facility after new program was released within franchise.
10+ years of experience
Lead personal trainer responsible for oversight and management of personal training program
- Assessed, designed and implemented fitness testing and exercise prescription for variety of populations
- Responsible for management of chronic pain program
- Clientele included cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neurological, musculoskeletal, athletic and healthy-well conditions
0-5 years of experience
- Conducted fitness assessments and developed exercise programs and recording medical history
- Recorded all attendance and patient data into Medi-tech
- Instructed arthritis aquatic classes and land exercise classes
- Maintained records and set schedules and recruited patients for all cancer and arthritis and weight management programs
- Record ECG testing along with blood pressures, O2 levels, skin caliper, and circumferences
- Worked PRN in Cardiac Rehab, also work with phase 4 patients
0-5 years of experience
Oversaw nuclear exercise stress tests
- Administered pharmacological stress tests
- Obtained patient vitals and completed telephone pacemaker checks
- Created and implemented an internship program
- Read holter monitor studies and reported findings to the physicians
- Lead monthly QI meetings
- Generated laboratory and call schedules
0-5 years of experience
- Supervised and interpreted sub-maximal graded exercise treadmill tests
- Monitored patient responsiveness to the exercise and interpreted the clinical data
- Interpreted resting and exercise ECGs
- Conducted patient fitness assessments
- Provided patient education and exercise prescription
0-5 years of experience
Developed personalized exercise prescriptions ranging from individuals with multiple chronic conditions up to the triathlete client.
- Administered health risk assessments by providing blood pressures, weights, measurements, and registration for multiple corporate clients.
- Managed Yoga and Massage Studios
- Provided wellness coaching in individual and group settings
- Oversaw system wide blood pressure training to ensure continuity of care
- Designed and published Wellness Registration, Wellness History, and other Wellness forms
- Designed and published all promotional items for fitness, yoga, and massage studios.
- Redesigned handouts for the Wellness department.
- Developed Marketing and provided research assistance for wellness initiatives for client organization.
- Achieved Platinum level Fit Friendly Workplace
- Authored fitness blogs and developed exercise binders for physical therapy and wellness departments.
10+ years of experience
Performed hundreds of clinical and fitness related stress tests with ECG interpretation
- Reviewed medical records and prepared exercise prescriptions for rehabilitation patients and wellness members. Case manager for approximately 10-20 rehabilitation patients
- Supervised exercise for rehabilitation patients (phases I-III cardiac rehab, pulmonary rehab and special needs) and wellness members
- Provided numerous educational lectures to patients, diabetes center, staff, and the community on various clinical and wellness related topics, including local television news segment “Ask The Expert”
0-5 years of experience
Established a new cardiac rehabilitation program from scratch that focuses on best practices and patient satisfaction in order to restore and maintain optimal health while helping patients cope and reduce the risk of future heart problems
- Manage day to day schedule and operations that includes 12 outpatient rehab classes a week
- Consult daily with staff and medical director regarding patients and program processes
- Developed policies and procedures based on hospital and program guidelines
- Lead and facilitate program updates within the hospital system and community; this includes monthly presentations to Executive team
- Partnered with non-profit organizations in community to provide heart healthy focused education
- Key accomplishments: Press Ganey Survey patient satisfaction score consistently in the 99th percentile; Received “Above and Beyond” Award
10+ years of experience
Performed patient evaluations and created effective individualized treatment plans.
- Mentored exercise specialist staff and interns.
- Developed, reviewed, and updated policies and processes related to exercise.
- Evaluated, tracked and reported program outcomes data for AACVPR certification.
6-10 years of experience
Create and implement programs for spinal cord injury clients and research participants
- Prepare and lead patients through treatment, program activities, and locomotor training
- Actively involved in patient research and analysis during subject recruitment, data collection, data analyses, and completion of experiment sessions
- Performs assessments on new and returning clients on a regular basis
- Developed therapy plans for clients using the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bike
- Assisted in development of protocols for operations manual and ITW website
- Facility on-site Data Manager
0-5 years of experience
Performed resting twelve lead EKGs for an three outpatient facilities
- Completed five Holter monitor scans weekly
- Created exercise prescriptions for diabetic patients
- Responsible for daily billing for cardiac tests performed
- Performed stress portion of cardiac testing including nuclear medicine and stress echocardiology
0-5 years of experience
- Completed 270 hour university endorsed internship during May, June, and July 2012.
- Conducted exercise consultations and tolerance tests, resting metabolic rate tests, personal training sessions, and biomechanical efficiency exercise follow-ups.
- Led group cardiovascular, core and stretch, and free weight exercise classes.
10+ years of experience
Responsible for program management and exercise prescription for all patients in the Phase II Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation program with the goal of improving health and reducing the risk of future heart problems, including heart attack.
- Deliver classroom instruction to include heart anatomy, exercise, risk factors, diet, stress and emotional aspects of Heart Disease.
- Communicate regularly with patients’ primary care doctors or cardiologist.
- Work in conjunction with Respiratory Therapist to improve quality of life and enhance activities of daily living for patients with obstructive and restrictive Pulmonary Disease.
- Developed a new exercise program for obese and morbidly obese populations with health related limitations thus creating a new revenue stream for Unity Health System’s Cardiac Rehabilitation.
- Lead instructor and proctor for Diabetes, Diabetes prevention and hypertension patients.
- Senior Advisor and instructor for Healthways SilverSneakers
- Coordinator of the intern (volunteer) program for Cardiac Rehabilitation while working hand-in-hand with the State University of NY at Brockport department of Physical Education.
0-5 years of experience
Developed and implemented exercise programs for patients entering cardiac rehabilitation
- Explained rehab program and procedures to patients
- Obtained vitals, medical history, and records of patients through individual consults
- Monitored low to high-risk patients during rehabilitation
- Interpreted and recorded patients’ heart rhythms using telemetry units
- Maintained timely records and charts of patients
- Lead orientation and educational lectures
0-5 years of experience
Part of multidisciplinary team who successfully helped clients decrease BMI by 2 or more points in a 3 month period
- Provide a fitness assessment, exercise prescription, and program implementation for pediatric clientele as a part of a multidisciplinary team approach to obesity intervention
- Create heart rate monitored physical activity program that is age appropriate
- Maintain records for resting, exercise, and post exercise heart rates
- Collaborate with team on treatment ideas
- Maintain contact with primary care physicians to communicate treatment plan, progress, and any plan changes
0-5 years of experience
Assessed strength, mobility, and balance of Assisted Living Facility residents
- Developed Fox Cardiac Wellness Program
- Instructed Strength, Mobility, and Balance group exercise class
- Developed exercise programs for patients lacking strength, mobility, or balance
- Referred patients to Physical Therapy or Occupational accordingly
- Documented falls and management of falls of Assisted Living Facility residents
0-5 years of experience
Specialized in training and assisting healthy and mature members with different needs and fitness levels
- Conducted orientations for members including measurements, cholesterol, Bruce Treadmill test, skinfold caliber tests, and 3 minute step test
- Promoted club programs, products and services to participants
- Promoted and taught clinics and seminars for the hospital and community
- Created a community Arthritis program which included monthly meetings, exercise classes, and individual exercise plans for members with many physical limitations
- Taught classes including spin, boot camps, muscle toning, and silver sneakers
- Water specialist including post physical therapy clients, aquatics classes, and swim lessons
6-10 years of experience
- Promoted into dual role as Physical Activity Program Coordinator and Exercise Physiologist in 2006. Previously acted solely as Exercise Physiologist.
- Provided training and supervision of Personal Fitness Trainers and support staff.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community resources; including: community members, government, schools and clinics; to implement programs.
- Supervised and evaluated community and fitness center wellness programming.
- Soaring Eagle Award recognizing my efforts in development of weight management program and increasing participation in wellness programs.
- Instrumental in developing additional fitness centers, wellness programs and marketing methods.
- Increased Physical Activity Program participation throughout community and fitness center programs, resulting in a greater than 50% increase in Fitness Center participation during first year.
- Provided appropriate education to individuals with chronic and acute health conditions.
- Member of Employee Health Leadership Team; tasked with assisting in employee health initiatives.
- Collaborated and coordinated with clinical and community professionals and departments.
6-10 years of experience
Provide training and oversight for Air Force fitness, trainers, testers, and evaluators.
- Develop and implement wellness programming for active duty military, retirees,
- Develop and implement exercise prescriptions for injured military personnel.
- Collaborate with Air Force medical providers to provide optimum care for injured military
- Provide briefings to military personnel on fitness, health, and nutrition.
- Served as Health and Wellness Flight Commander.
- Developed medical profiles for injured active duty Air Force personnel.
- Supervised staff of four.
0-5 years of experience
- Prepared patients for imaging/stress testing procedures to include patient interviews, patient consent and signatures, and conducting patient education regarding imaging procedures
- Established peripheral intravenous access and drew appropriate labs as needed
- Set up and monitored patients through 12 lead ECG stress testing
- Responsible for administering intravenous medications for pharmacological stress testing such as Adenosine, Lexiscan, and Dobutamine
- Performed nuclear stress testing and stress echocardiography testing for cardiac patients
- Trained and supervised extern in ECG preparation and recognition
- Patient health education and assistance in exercise programs/weight loss
0-5 years of experience
- Created, designed and markets company website
- Personally trained all clients using a science-based approach including pro-athletes
- Prescribed all fitness diverse exercises as well as focus on specific tribulations
- Designed nutritional health plans and performed health fitness evaluations
- Three locations within San Diego; Victory MMA & Fitness and Science Fitness
0-5 years of experience
Performed new patient’s program orientation and equipment orientation, fitness evaluation, and EKG screening
- Attended diabetes education classes instructed by a CDE
- Developed an individualized exercise program for each patient based on Physician’s orders, fitness evaluation, medical history, and patient goals
- Supervised and advise patrons on proper biomechanics of exercise
- Supervised and monitor EKG, blood pressure, and heart rate of cardiac and pulmonary phase II, III, and IV rehabilitation classes
0-5 years of experience
Provided exercise and fitness services to clientele.
- Increased active client sessions 40% in one month.
- Maintained a 90% active client retention rate.
- Increased clientele 60% from 2010-2011.
6-10 years of experience
Assessed patients medical history, medications and preformed procedure consent
- Preformed EKG preparation, and interpretation
- Wrote patient test reports results for the Attending Cardiologist review
- Performed Exercise Tolerance Tests, Exercise Stress Echo, Dobutamine Stress Echo,
- Assisted in Cardiac Rehab
- Certified in BLS and ACLS
- Trained new staff and students in stress testing policies and procedures
10+ years of experience
Successfully manage and supervise CancerFit Program for Foothills, Lakewood, & South Suburban Recreation Centers
- Head of marketing and sales of program
- Source of motivation and support for all 700 plus participants that have gone through program
- Generated over […] in revenue for program
0-5 years of experience
Monitored and observed diabetes, cardiac, and pulmonary patient exercise sessions
- Assessed blood glucose
- Assessed blood pressure
- Assisted with education sessions
- Monitored patients on telemetry monitoring system
- Developed exercise prescriptions
0-5 years of experience
- Developed, organized, and executed medically relevant programs in Cardiopulmonary and Oncology Rehabilitation
- Consulted with and prepared exercise prescriptions for a variety of populations
- Initiated physician contact for outpatient rehabilitation services throughout Beaufort County, South Carolina
0-5 years of experience
Perform graded exercise, Dobutamine, Persantine, and Lexiscan stress tests under physician supervision
- Monitor patient 12-lead electrocardiogram and hemodynamic responses during testing
- Perform Holter monitoring along with scanning and interpretation for physician review
- Perform in-house 12-lead electrocardiograms as requested by physician
- Work in conjunction with nurses, cardiologists, and other medical personnel to ensure quality of care
0-5 years of experience
Implementing exercise prescriptions for cardiovascular endurance and resistance training
- Monitoring of Phase II and III cardiac rehab patients via Scottcare telemetry system (Advantage/Telerehab program)
- Working one on one with phase II, phase III cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation patients as well as adult physical fitness clients
- Observing echocardiography, stress testing, cardiac catheterizations
- Providing exercise education classes and strength training clinics to patients/clients
- Served as Clinical Internist/Graduate Clinical Exercise Physiology student […]
6-10 years of experience
Internship Coordinator- (Interview, Selection, Midpoint Evaluations, Final Evaluations)
- CHI BSLMC – MARC Committee member (Manuscript/Abstract Review Committee)
- Initiate Department participation in AACVPR National Cardiac Rehabilitation Registry
- Presented clinical abstracts at national AACVPR (2007, 11′, 12′, 14′, 15′) and ACSM (2008) conferences
- Facilitate RN acceptance and presentation at 2014 ITNS conference
- Facilitate nurse participation in St. Luke’s Annual Nursing Research Presentation Day
- Create department specific pamphlets/brochures to increase service awareness
6-10 years of experience
[company name] Star recipient on two occasions in recognition of exemplary performance.
- Develop departmental policies and procedures towards new hospital opening.
- Program development regarding patient education criteria.
- Train staff on inpatient activity assessment/progression.
- Create charting documentation on Plan of Care/Treatment Plan for Cardiac Rehabilitation patients.
- Exercise orientation and prescription. Monitor patient vitals.
10+ years of experience
Played an integral part in our sister hospital, STH-R, AACVPR certification process
- Reviewed and revised all of our departments policies and procedures and currently assisting other team members on new policy revisions
- Previously involved in the NIH/ Duke HF Action study by collecting data from those in the exercise arm at our facility
- Volunteer and participate yearly with the AHA Nashville heart walk
- Annual speaker at Hillwood Highschool’s medical therapies class to discuss exercise science, cardiac diagnostics and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
- Achieved the clinical ladder excellence award Level III two times and Level IV three times
- Presented Phase I quality improvements to the hospital’s quality council
0-5 years of experience
Cardiac Rehabilitation/Adult Fitness and Lifestyle Center February 2014-June 2015
- Developed individualized exercise prescriptions for cardiac patients based upon prior health/cardiac history.
- Assessed/ambulated inpatient cardiac patients who have had any chronic cardiac problems, i.e. Congestive Heart Failure, Chest Pain, previous or current Coronary Bypass or Coronary Stent.
- Sold fitness center memberships to new and current members.
- Maintained daily/monthly revenue reconciliations for current cardiac rehabilitation patients.
- Kept daily/monthly logs of payments for memberships received.
- Managed quarterly, semi-annual, and annual billing as well as monthly electronic funds transfers for current clients using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Lotus Approach.
- Developed educational programs for members/patients on cardiovascular health and importance of exercise and nutrition.
0-5 years of experience
Administer sub-maximal cycle ergometer stress tests with 12-Leads EKG interpretation
- Administer pulmonary function tests with interpretation
- Body composition analysis utilizing skin-fold technique
- Health-risk assessment and cardiovascular disease risk stratification
- Manage and facilitate the logistics for 27 accounts who utilize our services
Exercise Physiologist Duties and Responsibilities
Most exercise physiologists practice in a clinical setting focused on rehabilitation or in a nonclinical setting focused on improving health and wellness; their day-to-day duties will vary accordingly. Some typical duties and responsibilities include the following:
Develop Exercise Programs Regardless of setting, exercise physiologists work with their patients or clients to develop customized fitness and exercise programs. In the rehabilitation setting, the goal may be to address chronic medical conditions through supervised and guided exercise prescriptions. When working with a healthier population, exercise physiologists may develop a fitness program that can be sustained over time for a client’s overall improved health.
Evaluate Cardiovascular Function Exercise physiologists regularly evaluate a patient or client’s cardiac fitness. These evaluations may take place while developing an exercise program, during targeted rehab work on a patient suffering from heart disease, or in an academic or research setting.
Improve Overall Patient Health Exercise physiologists are often tasked with improving a patient’s overall health. This can happen across numerous settings and industries, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and corporate programs.
Administer Cardiac Stress Tests Stress tests are a routine part of an exercise physiologist’s cardiac fitness evaluation. They administer the entire test (from attaching leads to assisting during an adverse event), record and analyze the data generated, and explain the test procedure and details to the patient.
Fitness Education Exercise physiologists often educate patients and peers on fitness and cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise physiologists are therefore expected to stay current on trends and developments in their field.
Exercise Physiologist Skills and Qualifications
Exercise physiologists work directly with patients and clients on a daily basis, so they’re personable, responsive, relatable, and socially alert. Armed with at least a bachelor’s degree plus relevant certifications, exercise physiologists also need the following skill set to be successful, regardless of the industry or employer:
- Knowledgeable in fitness medicine – exercise physiologists, in their varying roles, should be knowledgeable in medical terminology, cardiac fitness, diagnostic testing, and relevant physiology and anatomy
- Medical response – during any patient or client interaction, exercise physiologists must be attuned to their subject’s response to the program or test being administered. If a patient or client experiences an adverse event, the exercise physiologist needs to properly respond and, if necessary, provide or secure appropriate medical care
- Technically agile – given the number of tests and medical machines routinely involved with an exercise physiologist’s work, they need to be comfortable handling and troubleshooting complicated diagnostic equipment
- Critical thinking – exercise physiologists often need to interpret data in real time to develop solutions to a patient’s health problem or achieve a client’s wellness goal. Because each patient is unique and presents different challenges, exercise physiologists need to process quickly and think critically and creatively to design the best program for each patient
- Interpersonal skills – exercise physiologists develop relationships with their subjects, sometimes lasting weeks or months. It is therefore critical that exercise physiologists develop a rapport with their patients, making each one feel comfortable, safe, and secure during testing or treatment
Exercise Physiologist Salary and Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the 2016 median annual salary for exercise physiologists at $47,340. Exercise physiologists in the lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,290 a year, while the highest 10 percent made over $74,000 a year. Government was the top-paying industry, and exercise physiologists working as health diagnosing and treating practitioners had a median annual salary of almost $78,000. Exercise physiologist employment is projected to grow 13 percent by 2026, a rate the BLS describes as faster than average for all occupations. As preventative health continues to grow, so should the demand for exercise physiologists.
Exercise Physiologist Helpful Resources
The following resources may be helpful to anyone exploring the field of exercise physiology:
American Society of Exercise Physiologists – the ASEP is a nonprofit professional association focused on advancing the field of exercise physiology
Journal of Exercise Physiology – this open access, internet-based journal is published by ASEP
The Business of Exercise Physiology – Dr. Thomas Boone, the first president of ASEP, wrote this guide to starting your own business as an exercise physiologist
Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance – the 10th edition of Scott K. Powers and? Edward T. Howley’s book gives exercise physiology students “an up-to-date understanding of the physiology of exercise” and includes clinical examples