Exercise Specialist

Description Join St. Francis-Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women's care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community. Description Join St. Francis-Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women's care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community. Job Summary The Exercise Leader / Specialist provides individualized and group fitness instruction based on clinical assessments and established exercise protocols. This role supports patient wellness, recovery, and risk reduction through safe and evidence-based exercise programming. The Specialist also facilitates cardiac rehabilitation sessions and works closely with patients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams to promote healthy outcomes and functional improvement. Essential Functions Conducts fitness and health assessments to determine exercise readiness and prescribe appropriate exercise regimens. Leads safe and effective group exercise sessions, including cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and conditioning formats. Performs patient evaluations, orientation, and education at intake and throughout the program. Monitors participant progress, adjusts prescriptions, and supports goal achievement. Provides exercise and risk factor education for patients, families, and caregivers. Assists in maintaining equipment, reporting repairs, and ensuring a clean, safe exercise environment. Documents patient participation, vital signs, and program progress accurately and timely. Supports telemetry monitoring and emergency response as needed during exercise sessions. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to support care continuity and quality outcomes. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations Knowledge of exercise physiology principles, fitness assessment, and patient-centered exercise prescription. Strong communication, motivational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in vital sign monitoring and exercise equipment operation. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced healthcare setting. Competence in basic computer documentation and Microsoft Office. Frequent standing, walking, lifting (up to 75 lbs), and demonstrating physical exercises. Requires manual dexterity, visual acuity, and auditory ability to monitor and assist patients. Clinical fitness or cardiac rehab environment within a healthcare setting. Potential exposure to bodily fluids, cleaning agents, and exercise-related injuries. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field required. Completion of an accredited Exercise Physiology or Cardiac Rehabilitation program preferred. Licenses/Certifications Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required. Telemetry certification required within one (1) year of hire. Nationally recognized fitness or clinical exercise certification required within one (1) year of hire (e.g., ACSM, NSCA, ACE). Experience Minimum of one (1) year of experience in clinical or fitness-based exercise instruction required. Experience in cardiac rehabilitation or hospital-based wellness programs preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr