Exercise Science
Field description
The cardiopulmonary exercise specialist collaborates with medical and allied health staff to provide various trainings; exercise and risk factor assessments; rehabilitation; and lifestyle coaching to individuals struggling with cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases. At many institutions, an exercise specialist's job responsibilities can include:
- Program facilitation
- Coordinating quality monitoring and improvement
- Assessing and developing new programs
- Directing and guiding work unit personnel
- Analyzing the work process to improve outcomes and services
- Understanding regulatory standards and reporting requirements
- Participating in orientation of new employees, interns and visiting employees
- Educating patients about health and disease management
- Supervising rehabilitation sessions and monitoring oxygen saturation and telemetry during exercise
- Delivering and titrating oxygen to patients in accordance with departmental policy and /or physician orders
- Staying up-to-date on cardiopulmonary rehabilitation reimbursement issues
- Planning and implementing an exercise prescription based on individual patient needs
- Functioning as part of a multidisciplinary team in delivering an individualized treatment plan
- Maintaining a safe exercise environment
- Performing various diagnostic/evaluative tests
- Functioning as an integral part of an emergency response team within the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation unit
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Career opportunities
Job opportunities for exercise specialists and exercise physiologists in the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation field are based on educational background, work experience and certifications.
Earning potential
Salaries are competitive with the market and commensurate with experience and educational background.
Professional organizations
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about the exercise science profession:
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