Cardiac Exercise Techinican (3395)

US Heart and Vascular needs a Cardiac Exercise Technician to join our team at Orion Medical in Houston, TX.

Position Summary
The Exercise Physiologist (EP) is a clinical professional responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating exercise interventions and patient care activities within the Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) program. The EP provides evidence-based exercise prescription, cardiovascular risk reduction counseling, patient education, and ongoing monitoring of physiologic responses to exercise.

The Exercise Physiologist collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized treatment plans that promote cardiovascular health, improve functional capacity, and support lifestyle modification. The EP is responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, and cost-effective care while ensuring compliance with organizational, regulatory, and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities & Duties:

Patient Assessment and Exercise Prescription

Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, including review of medical history, cardiac risk factors, exercise tolerance, functional capacity, medications, and physician referrals.
Develop, implement, and modify individualized exercise prescriptions in accordance with current ACSM, AACVPR, AHA, and program-specific guidelines.
Calculate and interpret target heart rate ranges, MET levels, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), blood pressure response, six-minute walk test results, and other exercise-related measurements.
Perform ongoing reassessments and adjust exercise prescriptions based on patient progress, symptoms, physician recommendations, and clinical findings.
Identify barriers to exercise participation and develop strategies to improve compliance and patient outcomes.
Recognize high-risk patients and implement appropriate monitoring and interventions.

Cardiac Monitoring and Clinical Management

Monitor telemetry-monitored exercise sessions and evaluate cardiac rhythm strips before, during, and after exercise.
Recognize, document, and appropriately respond to cardiac arrhythmias, ischemic changes, abnormal hemodynamic responses, and other clinical concerns.
Accurately document exercise sessions, patient progress, adverse events, and interventions in the electronic medical record.
Communicate significant clinical findings to the Medical Director, referring provider, and interdisciplinary team as appropriate.
Participate in emergency response activities within the cardiac rehabilitation setting and maintain competency in applicable emergency procedures.

Patient Education and Risk Factor Modification

Provide individual and group education related to cardiovascular disease management, exercise, nutrition, stress management, smoking cessation, weight management, diabetes management, hypertension, lipid management, and other cardiovascular risk reduction strategies.
Utilize motivational interviewing and behavior change techniques to support adherence to treatment plans and healthy lifestyle modifications.
Assist patients in establishing realistic goals and self-management strategies.

Program Operations and Quality Improvement

Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and patient case reviews.
Assist in data collection, outcomes reporting, performance improvement initiatives, and accreditation readiness activities.
Support program compliance with CMS, AACVPR, Joint Commission, and organizational requirements as applicable.
Participate in staff education, competency validation activities, and community outreach programs.
Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based cardiac rehabilitation and preventive cardiology practices.

Equipment and Safety

Maintain proficiency in the safe operation and troubleshooting of exercise equipment, telemetry systems, and monitoring devices.
Perform routine equipment inspections and cleaning according to department protocols.
Report equipment malfunctions and safety concerns promptly.
Identify and mitigate patient and environmental safety hazards.

Point-of-Care Testing

Perform approved Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) within the scope of training and competency validation.
Follow established policies, procedures, quality control requirements, and documentation standards.
Limit testing to procedures for which competency has been assessed and documented.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related health science field.
Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience in cardiac rehabilitation, intensive cardiac rehabilitation, preventive cardiology, or closely related cardiovascular services.
Maintain active ACLS certification through the American Heart Association within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or related field.
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) or ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) or Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP).
ACLS certification.
Experience with AACVPR-accredited cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Experience with CMS Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation programs.

Why Choose Us?

Comprehensive benefits package
Monday-Friday Schedule
CME allowance

Houston, TX:
Houston is a diverse city with a booming job market in energy, healthcare, and tech. It has no state income tax, an affordable cost of living, and world-class dining and entertainment. Green spaces, museums, and pro sports teams add to its appeal. Whether for career growth or culture, Houston has it all.