Duke University Job Description:
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST (1607)


Job Title: EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST 

Job Code: 1607 

FLSA:

Job Level: 11 

Revised Date: 03/18/2024  

Job Family: JF 17 

Occupational Summary

Develop, coordinate, and implement exercise-related programs including promotion, research, and internships. Provide exercise-related education and conduct physiological assessments for the community and low to high- risk patients, including special clinical populations. Responsible for all exercise science standards needed to meet regulatory and credentialing requirements.

Work Performed

Level I

Orient and instruct individuals in the proper use of exercise equipment and lead group exercise classes. Mentor and train others in this skill (e.g. interns).

Screen and identify individuals needing physician evaluation before participation in an exercise program.

Obtain medical histories and maintain records of patient progress.

Obtain vitals (i.e., heart rate, ECG rhythm strip, rest and exercise manual blood pressures).

Develop individualized exercise prescriptions and programs for low- to high-risk individuals and special populations (e.g., CHF, COPD, pregnancy).

Oversee individuals throughout training intervention to provide clinical care as needed and recognize the need for follow-up care with a licensed provider.

Supervise low- to high-risk individuals undergoing a structured exercise intervention and monitor each patients hemodynamic response to exercise.

Identify signs and symptoms of abnormal response to exercise and intervene to initiate First Responder care and activate appropriate medical response and processes.

Direct responsibility for ensuring compliance with all exercise requirements as indicated in state, national, and organizational safety requirements (e.g. ACSM national guidelines).

Assist with research operations (equipment, supplies, scheduling needs) as directed.

Knowledge of test indications, contraindications, and reasons for test termination as established by ACC/ACSM guidelines.

Responsible for independently explaining and conducting clinical assessments used for patient evaluation (i.e., ETT, CPX, PFT), including high risk patients (i.e., heart failure).

Knowledge of clinical test indications (e.g. ETT, CPX), contraindications and reasons for test termination as established by ACC/ACSM guidelines.

Assist with research operations (equipment, supplies, scheduling needs) as directed.

Review physiological test data to determine preliminary interpretation.

Level II

Recognize anomalies in test data that may be due to equipment issues and troubleshoot resolution to provide quality assurance and data integrity.

Independently develop laboratory SOPs, manage staff adherence to laboratory standards, and maintain documentation of staff competency training records.

May train other exercise physiologists.

Demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in leading several areas of exercise programming, diagnostic testing, and research operations to serve as master trainer to others.

Understanding of exercise physiology with ability to instruct learners from areas outside of the exercise physiology discipline (e.g. medical students, medical housestaff).

Present exercise knowledge and/or related clinical research findings at national or regional conferences.

required of personnel so classified.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training:

Master degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, related field

 

Experience:

Level I: No experience is required at this level, Prefer one year of experience. BLS certification required.

Level II: Minimum 2 years applicable clinical experience, 3 years preferred. ACLS required; ACSM certification as Clinical Exercise Physiologist required.

 

Skills:

Stay current with certifications and attend continuing education events.

Review current research and update materials as needed.

A high level of professionalism and knowledge of clinical exercise programming is required.

 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.