Exercise Physiologist - Cardiac Rehab (Outpatient)

Exercise Physiologist - Cardiac Rehab (Outpatient) Location: Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital - Outpatient Rehabilitation Schedule: 4 ten‑hour shifts | 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM Early release on Tuesdays (typically around 2:00 PM) Closed on Fridays About the Role Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital is seeking an Exercise Physiologist to join our Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation program as part of the Vanderbilt Health system. This role supports adult cardiac patients recovering from open‑heart surgery, STEMI, cardiac catheterization, stent placement, and an increasing population of LVAD and transplant‑related patients connected to Vanderbilt's advanced cardiovascular services. This position is primarily focused on leading structured cardiac rehabilitation exercise classes, which make up approximately 90% of the role, with the remaining 10% dedicated to patient assessments and evaluations. Clinicians typically lead three to four classes per day, with up to six classes on Thursdays. Classes generally consist of 5‑10 patients per session, with patient groupings scheduled based on convenience rather than acuity. The Exercise Physiologist works closely with a registered nurse and the interdisciplinary rehab team to monitor patient response to exercise, ensure safety, support recovery goals, and deliver a consistent, high‑quality outpatient experience. This role offers the opportunity to build strong patient relationships while working within a predictable schedule in a supportive clinical environment. Key Responsibilities Assess patients' functional capacity and develop individualized exercise prescriptions based on physician orders, diagnostic testing, and patient goals Lead and supervise group cardiac rehabilitation exercise sessions, ensuring patient safety and adherence to established protocols Continuously monitor patient response during exercise, including telemetry, vital signs, oxygen saturation, and reported symptoms Modify exercise intensity and progression based on patient tolerance, clinical presentation, and approved protocolsProvide education to patients and families related to exercise performance, lifestyle modification, and long‑term cardiac health Collaborate with registered nurses, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team to support continuity of care Participate in reassessments, progress tracking, and discharge planning, including education on home exercise programs Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or a related field Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist (ACSM-CEP) – required Minimum of one year of cardiac‑related experience in an outpatient, acute care, or skilled nursing setting Strong patient‑facing communication skills and comfort leading group exercise sessions Knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and exercise response in cardiac populations Preferred Qualifications Experience working in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs Familiarity with ScottCare cardiac rehabilitation documentation systems (VersaCare or Aermos) Experience working with post‑open heart, STEMI, stent, LVAD, or transplant‑adjacent patient populations Additional cardiac or clinical exercise certifications This Role Is Perfect For Clinicians who enjoy teaching, coaching, and motivating patients in a group setting Exercise Physiologists seeking a stable outpatient schedule with no Friday hours Professionals who value teamwork and close collaboration with nursing staff Candidates who want to be part of a newly integrated Vanderbilt hospital while delivering high‑impact cardiac care Why Vanderbilt Health At Vanderbilt Health, we believe caring for patients starts with caring for our people. Team members are eligible for comprehensive benefits beginning on day one, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and access to professional development resources. As part of Vanderbilt Health, you'll be supported by nationally recognized clinical standards, a mission‑driven culture, and opportunities to grow within one of the country's leading academic health systems. Apply Today Help patients safely return to stronger, healthier lives through cardiac rehabilitation. Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled. #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs