Description
Assess, prescribe, and supervise evidence-based exercise and lifestyle programs for patients with cardiovascular disease, using ECG and hemodynamic monitoring to improve cardiorespiratory function, reduce risk, and support cardiac rehabilitation.
- • Conduct cardiac stress tests with ECG monitoring and blood pressure assessment.
- • Demonstrate safe use of equipment and cardiac-specific exercise techniques.
- • Develop individualized cardiac rehab exercise prescriptions per AACVPR/ACSM guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- • Explain cardiac rehab plans and diagnostic testing procedures to patients and families.
- • Interpret ECG, vital signs, RPE, and functional data to adjust exercise plans.
- • Assess body composition, weight, and waist circumference to support risk reduction.
- • Measure VO2 and pulmonary function when indicated (CPET/spirometry).
- • Perform or coordinate point-of-care tests for lipids and glucose.
- • Prescribe individualized aerobic and resistance training with hemodynamic targets using treadmills, cycles, and ergometers.
- • Provide continuous clinical oversight during exercise for low- to high-risk cardiac patients.
- • Coach patients on daily physical activity, sedentary reduction, and cardiac-safe progression.
- • Deliver patient education on heart-healthy exercise, diet, medications, and risk-factor management.
- • Conduct functional capacity evaluations (e.g., 6MWT, MET assessment) to inform cardiac rehab plans.
- • Calibrate and quality-check ECG systems, blood pressure monitors, metabolic carts, and exercise equipment.
- • Educate patients on heart rate monitoring, perceived exertion, symptom recognition, hydration, and training limits.
- • Evaluate staff competency in supervised cardiac exercise sessions and testing.
- • Obtain cardiac history, medications, contraindications, and patient goals; perform risk stratification.
- • Train and mentor staff in cardiac monitoring, emergency response, and exercise leadership.
- • Recommend or coordinate cardiac diagnostics (stress tests, Holter monitoring, CPET) with providers.
- • Plan or contribute to cardiac rehabilitation or prevention research and quality improvement projects.
- • Document patient progress in the EMR and communicate with cardiologists, nurses, and case managers.
- • Provide emergency response for arrhythmias, angina, hypotension, or other exercise-induced events; follow ACLS/BLS protocols.
- • Supervise maintenance and safety checks of cardiac rehab and testing equipment.
- • Teach behavior change strategies for stress management, weight control, smoking cessation, and medication adherence.
- • Lead group-based cardiac rehab sessions across risk levels to improve aerobic capacity, strength, and circulation.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
