Exercise Physiologist
Company: Oregon Health & Science University
Role summary
Exercise Physiologist is a role at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-08-18. Experience level: 0-2. No degree required.
- Job title
- Exercise Physiologist
- Company
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Location
- Portland, Oregon, United States
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Category
- Healthcare Support
- Experience level
- 0-2
- Degree required
- No
- Date posted
- 2026-08-18
You’ll love this opportunity to support patient health at a world-class institution like OHSU without needing a traditional degree. It’s a fantastic way to gain hands-on clinical experience while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients undergoing exercise testing and rehabilitation.
Job description
Department Overview
The exercise physiologist works collaboratively with physicians, mid-level providers, and allied health staff to provide direct and indirect patient care to patients participating in all phases of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Assists in planning, coordinating, and implementing a rehabilitation and education program which limits the adverse physiological and psychological effects of cardiac and pulmonary illness. At times, he exercise physiologist also functions as a physical therapy aide, assisting therapists with and providing basic care as a member of the patient care team. The exercise physiologist assists in maintaining the practice environment in a clean, orderly condition including cleaning and preparation of treatment areas, stocking of linen, supplies and other duties.
Function/Duties of Position
Provides direct and indirect care to patients in all phases of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Demonstrates proficiency in clinical skills/knowledge specific to specialty area and follows established protocols
Maintains knowledge base essential to role
Protects patient privacy and maintains confidentiality
Coordinates with team to develop, implement, evaluate and revise patient treatment plan
Leads exercise sessions, including warm up and cool down
Performs assessments and reassessments during exercise sessions. Communicates concerns regarding symptoms, vital signs, or clinical observations to the coordinator and/or physician.
Responds to urgent or emergent situations
Provides encouragement and utilizes motivational techniques to patients adhering to a healthy lifestyle
Formulates teaching plan, based on identified learning needs, that includes prevention, disease process, medication compliance, smoking cessation, dietary practices, physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors, and other identified needs
Prepares and presents both individual and group education based on needs of patients and their families
Evaluates learning effectiveness l. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of the patient and family
Reinforces concept of healthy lifestyle by words and actions.
Documents according to established policies and procedures
Performs patient care in a timely manner
Participates in community education and activities
Ensures emergency equipment is working properly and maintained
Assists in ordering supplies and ensure department is stocked s. Coordinates maintenance of equipment and building
Performs routine cleaning and reports mechanical failure of equipment as needed
Productively utilizes unassigned time
Provides leadership and participates in the assessment and development of department and hospital related projects
Maintains a leadership style that promotes service excellence and placing patients first
Demonstrates practice consistent with current research/standards/policies
Participates in orientation of new employees
Serves as a resource for staff members, students, residents, and fellows
Presents and coordinates educational opportunities for department staff
Serves on hospital committees as needed
Demonstrates fiscally responsible resource utilization and promotes cost containment, as appropriate
Follows research protocols, as appropriate
Ensures compliance with hospital policy, AACVPR guidelines, and OSHA regulations
Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
A minimum of Bachelor degree in exercise science or equivalent degree and one year of related experience OR
Equivalent combination of medically related experience and education.
May require ACLS, Automatic External Defibrillator, First Aide and CPR certified; AND
Some positions may require additional certifications such as American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM), Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) by the National Athletic trainer Association Board of Certification (NATABOC), CSCS Certified Strengthening & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Condition Association; American College on Exercise (ACE), AFAA, and First Aid.
Positions with in person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology (or equivalent)
Two years' experience working in cardiac rehabilitation.
Understanding of regulatory agency guidelines for cardiac rehabilitation
Intermediate/Advanced electrocardiography interpretation
American College of Medicine Exercise Specialist Certification
Additional Details
Constant exposure to usual cardiac rehabilitation environmental conditions
Possible exposure to body substances
Ability to work a minimum of 8 hours a day and longer, according to organizational requirements
Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu
Apply for Exercise Physiologist at Oregon Health & Science University