Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Designs, Implements, supervises, and evaluates exercise therapy given to rehabilitating patients and/or other apparently healthy populations in order to restore proper physical functioning, and facilitate patient independence. The incumbent works under the supervision of a licensed physician and cooperates with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, dieticians, and other hospital staff to ensure quality patient care.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise and Sports Science, a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. A current Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card through American Heart Association or obtain within one month of hire.

Certification as an Exercise Specialist and one year of rehabilitation and exercise testing preferred.  ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification may be required by some departments. 

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Assesses the extent of patients’ abilities and limitations by reviewing medical records and physicians’ notes.
2. Administers pre-exercise testing interview and test preparation.
3. Uses testing equipment, protocol selection, indications, contraindications, and termination criteria for graded exercise testing.
4. Records, analyzes, and interprets results of tests and prepares appropriate exercise prescriptions.
5. Administers therapeutic exercises and other techniques designed to provide improved functional capacity, exercise tolerance, exercise endurance, muscle strength and endurance, and coordination to rehabilitating patient populations.
6. Evaluates patients’ hemodynamic, electrocardiographic, and symptomatic response to exercise, and assesses appropriateness of responses as they relate to exercise intensity and endurance.
7. In conjunction with multi-disciplinary team members, designs, implements, supervises, and evaluates outcomes for exercise services.
8. Assists in developing and providing educational materials and programs for staff and patients.
9. Collaborates with the department manager and medical staff in data collection, statistical analysis, development and implementation of research projects.
10. Assists in establishing new and maintaining current referral patterns, both within the University of Utah Hospital and Health Centers and other Salt Lake and regional hospitals.
11. Assists in coordinating the daily operations of the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program as well as planning for long-term growth.
12. Assists in arranging for patient follow-up and maintains correspondence with patients and referring physicians during rehabilitation course and after discharge.
13. May assist in program development for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, employee fitness/health, facility utilization, etc.

Problem Solving

This position has authority to assess and develop the proper exercise prescription and program in conjunction with the case manager, exercise physiologist and other multi-disciplinary team members. This position also has the authority to supervise the clinical activities of other exercise therapy staff and students.

Representative challenges incumbents may face include the compromising health of patients during exercise testing such as cardiac dysrhythmia, hypo/hypertension, angina, oxygen desaturation, musculoskeletal soreness/pain. In these instances, the incumbents must determine whether to terminate the exercise, call the physician, administer ACLS/BCLS, etc. Incumbents are also faced with patient scheduling problems, communication deficits, and problems that may occur with equipment operations and supplies.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Seldom: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.