Exercise Physiologist - USFTGP Cardiovascular

The Exercise Physiologist performs exercise stress treadmill tests and assists with nuclear stress tests and stress echocardiograms under the direct supervision of the Supervising Cardiologist. This role follows established departmental and physician protocols to ensure safe and accurate stress testing procedures. Responsibilities include screening patients for appropriate indications and contraindications, obtaining baseline assessments, monitoring ECG and vital signs throughout testing, and reporting any changes in patient condition to the Supervising Cardiologist. The Exercise Physiologist provides continuous monitoring during the procedure and recovery phase and supports the Nuclear Medicine Program by assisting with exercise, pharmacologic, and standard cardiac stress tests. This role ensures patient safety, proper test documentation, and high-quality cardiac diagnostic support while maintaining compliance with clinical standards and policies.

Essential Functions

• Performs exercise stress treadmill tests and assists with nuclear stress tests and stress echocardiograms under direct supervision of the Supervising Cardiologist.
• Follows departmental and physician-approved protocols to ensure safe and accurate execution of all stress testing procedures.
• Supports the Nuclear Medicine program by monitoring nuclear, routine, and pharmacologic stress tests as needed.
• Confirms that the stress test is properly ordered and screens patients for appropriate indications and contraindications before testing.
• Conducts baseline assessments, including ECG evaluation, blood pressure measurement, and patient education regarding the stress test procedure.
• Monitors ECG, blood pressure, and patient symptoms continuously throughout the test and recovery period per supervising cardiologist protocol.
• Identifies abnormal findings or changes in patient condition and promptly notifies the Supervising Cardiologist.
• Ensures the Supervising Cardiologist is present in clinic prior to initiating any stress test.
• Documents vital signs, ECG responses, patient symptoms, and testing outcomes accurately within the clinical workflow.
• Ensures patient safety during all phases of testing and communicates completion of the exam to the supervising physician for interpretation prior to patient discharge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree - Exercise Physiology
• Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)
• Basic Life Support
• Automated External Defibrillator
• Class completion of reading, interpretation, and monitoring EKGs

Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of exercise physiology, cardiac function, ECG interpretation, hemodynamic responses, and stress testing contraindications and safety protocols.
• Ability to perform baseline assessments, obtain vital signs, evaluate ECG tracings, and monitor patient symptoms and physiologic response throughout testing.
• Skill in explaining procedures, addressing patient concerns, and providing clear instructions before, during, and after stress testing.
• Ability to operate treadmill systems, ECG monitoring equipment, and stress testing software in accordance with clinical protocols.
• Ability to recognize abnormal ECG changes, hemodynamic instability, or patient symptoms and promptly notify the supervising cardiologist.
• Ability to follow established protocols, document test results accurately, and ensure proper workflow and patient safety throughout the testing process.