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.