Exercise Physiologist, Cardiovascular Services – Cardiac Testing – Full time

University of Missouri Health Care; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 63,039,000 - 99,545,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Retirement options

Job summary

MU Health Care is seeking a detail-oriented professional for the Cardiac Testing department. The role involves operating ECG, event monitoring, and stress testing while monitoring patient vitals and ensuring safety protocols.

The position supports cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs and requires strong patient education and teamwork. On-site work with a focus on quality care and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health or exercise-related field required.
• Experience with electrocardiograms and stress testing preferred.
• Ability to educate patients and support improvement in care.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment for ECGs, event and Holter monitoring, and exercise stress testing.
• Monitor telemetry and heart rate; notify physician of abnormal results.
• Deliver pre-test evaluations, document vitals and history, ensure proper protocol.
• Develop and manage rehabilitation education and exercise programs for Phase II/III patients.

Skills

ECG analysis

Telemetry monitoring

Patient education

Education

Bachelor’s degree in health or exercise-related field

Tools

Stress testing equipment

ECG machines

Job description

Shift: Monday through Friday days with no weekends or holidays. No call.

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Department: Cardiac Testing

Facility: University Hospital – 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO

Compensation:

• Base Pay Range: $22.00 - $34.74 per hour, based on experience

ABOUT THE JOB

MU Health Care is looking for a passionate and detail-oriented professional to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a keen eye for identifying critical health changes, and excels in patient education and support. We seek individuals who are not only skilled in operating advanced medical equipment but also dedicated to continuous learning and improvement. If you are a team player with a strong commitment to enhancing patient care and a proactive approach to problem-solving, we want you on our team. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients through innovative cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that’s largely a result of the incredible culture and team we’ve built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger — to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system — the only in mid-Missouri — is home to seven hospitals, including the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and region’s only Children’s Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions — with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care.

Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including ten holidays
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8%and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more
• See a comprehensive list of benefits here.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

• Operate equipment for performing electrocardiograms, event monitor and Holter monitor application, scanning, and analysis, and exercise stress testing. Identify unusual or dangerous arrhythmias, ischemic EKG changes, symptomatic patients, and positive stress test results and appropriately notify the physician. Obtain the patient’s vital signs and brief medical history. Perform and document brief physical assessment, i.e. heart and lung auscultation, edema evaluation, etc. As part of pre-test evaluation, screen patients, charts, and physician request forms to ensure proper test and protocol, utilizing established criteria to determine the level of physician supervision required to safely perform each test. Assist in training staff, medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians in the correct operation and use of technical equipment, testing protocols, and stress test reporting forms.
• Monitor inventory and maintain an adequate supply of materials for stress lab, crash cart, etc. Manage the stress test reporting system, both during testing and post-test calculations. Act as staff content expert for exercise and stress testing education for the fellows, residents, and medical students. Support clinical research efforts and integrate exercise science theories into clinical practice. Assist in the development and management of the aerobic and strength-training programs for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Assist in monitoring cardiac and pulmonary rehab Phase II patients, emphasizing patient education, risk factor and lifestyle modification, and development of aerobic and strength training programs. Utilize telemetry monitoring of EKG and heart rate, RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion), and dyspnea scales, and target heart rate ranges to maximize the efficacy of workouts.
• Prepare, schedule, and teach cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation education classes to improve patient awareness of exercise, muscular and cardiovascular adaptations, stress management, coronary artery disease, risk factor modification, smoking cessation, and diabetes control to improve overall knowledge and health status. Evaluate Phase I inpatients, including reviewing medical files, vitals, EKGs, and stress tests and record vitals and telemetry results to develop an initial workout program. Participate in multidisciplinary rounds with physicians. Establish and maintain a knowledge base of testing modalities both for stress lab and for measurable pre- and post-rehabilitation outcomes such as 6‑min walk, % body fat, etc. Complete chart documentation; verify patient account charges, review rehab patient attendance and discharges to ensure accurate information is recorded. Stay current with the latest developments, advancements, and trends in exercise stress testing and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Identify ways to improve work processes, maximize quality and efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Evaluate the exercise programs and progression of Phase II and Phase III outpatients in the gym. Review charts and conduct vitals and stress tests to determine an exercise treatment plan. Prescribe individualized exercise program. Maintain knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the stress lab and the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation area. Develop effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seek advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding. Communicate effectively with patients, family, staff, and management. Maximize customer satisfaction by providing patient‑oriented guest services. Demonstrate a leadership role in monitoring quality and identifying and implementing improvements in efficiency, service, and patient care. Develop and manage the stress‑testing lab in a cost‑efficient manner. May complete unit/department‑specific duties as outlined in department documents.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in health or exercise-related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and requires ambulating, reaching, and moving objects weighing up to and over 20 lbs. This role also routinely comes into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.