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Exercise Specialist

Exercise Specialist

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare
locationColumbus, GA, USA
PublishedPublished: 1/13/2026
Full Time

Description

At ScionHealth, we empower our caregivers to do what they do best. We value every voice by caring deeply for every patient and each other. We show courage by running toward the challenge and we lean into new ideas by embracing curiosity and question asking. Together, we create our culture by living our values in our day-to-day interactions with our patients and teammates.

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