Cardiac Rehab Specialist II - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist II Company: University of Iowa Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States Job Type: Full-time, Regular Category: Healthcare Operations / Patient Care Coordination Date Posted: June 04, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves providing specialized patient care within a cardiac rehabilitation setting, focusing on exercise assessment, patient education, and the supervision of various stress tests.
• The specialist will be responsible for interpreting EKG data to identify ischemic changes and physiological responses to exercise for high-risk cardiac patients.
• This position requires a strong understanding of cardiac conditions and the ability to develop and manage personalized exercise plans for patients, including those with Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs).
• The role demands excellent communication and collaboration skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including cardiologists, surgeons, and fellows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist II," the responsibilities and requirements indicate a role deeply integrated with clinical patient care and advanced physiological monitoring rather than traditional revenue or sales operations. The focus is on direct patient outcomes and clinical program management within a specialized healthcare setting. Therefore, the "Category" has been adjusted to reflect this clinical operations focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage maximal or sub-maximal functional capacity assessments within the cardiac ischemic threshold for high-risk inpatients.
• Determine patient readiness for return-to-work and resumption of daily living, sport, and sexual activities, providing clear guidance and documentation.
• Chart assessment findings and interpretations for both inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services, documenting care plans before and after implementation.
• Identify and manage real or potential cardiovascular complications during or following exercise, determining the necessity for medical intervention or exercise modification.
• Perform symptom-limited and maximal graded exercise testing, 6-minute walk tests, and return-to-work evaluations, ensuring patient safety and accurate data collection.
• Develop and manage at-home and return-to-work exercise plans for discharged high-risk patients, including individualized patient education on risk factor modification.
• Educate patients on coronary artery disease risk factors and provide counseling for smoking cessation.
• Communicate effectively with attending Cardiologists, Surgeons, Fellows, Advanced Practice Providers, and other healthcare staff to coordinate patient care and medical management.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for Primary Care Providers and specialists detailing patient progress and care plans.
• Train Family Practice Residents and Cardiology Fellows on prescribing exercise for cardiac patients; serve as a teaching assistant for departmental students and interns.
• Exercise high-risk patients with Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, potentially in areas outside the primary unit.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships across departments, units, and organizations within a multidisciplinary team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct patient care, clinical assessment, program management, and educational duties. The emphasis on "leading," "developing," and "managing" suggests a level of autonomy and responsibility beyond a junior role, aligning with the "Specialist II" designation. The inclusion of training medical residents and fellows indicates a significant teaching component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Physiology (Exercise Science or Health Promotion Track) is required.
• A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Completion of a formal cardiac rehabilitation internship is mandatory by the employment start date.

Experience:

• A minimum of 1 year of previous experience in exercise assessment, patient education, and supervision of stress tests for high-risk cardiac patients is required.
• Demonstrated intermediate to advanced level of 12-lead ECG interpretation skills is essential.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively, problem-solve, and utilize critical-thinking skills within a multidisciplinary team setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills are necessary for interacting with patients, families, nursing staff, and other multidisciplinary team members.
• A valid driver's license and adherence to the University's Fleet Safety Program are required.

Required Certifications/Licensure:

• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) is required by the employment start date.
• Current certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is required by the employment start date.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures.
• Previous experience working in an academic medical setting.
• Prior experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, specifically EPIC.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong scientific foundation in exercise physiology and clinical cardiac care. The requirement for intermediate to advanced EKG interpretation skills is a critical differentiator for this role. The preference for a Master's degree and academic medical setting experience suggests a desire for candidates with a strong theoretical background and exposure to complex patient populations and research environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in designing and implementing personalized exercise programs for patients with various cardiac conditions, including high-risk individuals and those with VADs.
• Provide examples of patient education materials developed or utilized, showcasing an ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Showcase case studies or examples of stress test supervision, highlighting your ability to monitor patients, interpret real-time data (especially EKG), and manage potential complications.
• Include documentation of experiences in charting patient assessments, progress notes, and care plan development, emphasizing accuracy and adherence to clinical standards.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your process for conducting initial patient assessments, including functional capacity evaluations and risk factor identification, within a cardiac rehabilitation context.
• Detail your approach to developing and adapting exercise plans based on patient response, clinical status, and progression, demonstrating a systematic and evidence-based methodology.
• Provide examples of how you track patient progress, document outcomes, and communicate findings to other healthcare providers and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of sales or revenue, a portfolio demonstrating clinical competency in process management, patient assessment, exercise prescription, and EKG interpretation is crucial. The focus would be on showcasing the candidate's ability to manage patient care pathways and ensure adherence to clinical protocols and best practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The University of Iowa typically offers competitive salaries for specialized roles like this. Based on regional data for similar positions in Iowa City, and considering the "Specialist II" level and required certifications, an estimated annual salary range of $60,000 - $80,000 is expected. This estimate accounts for the Bachelor's degree requirement, 1-year minimum experience, advanced EKG interpretation skills, and the critical BLS/ACLS certifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition assistance programs for continued education and professional development.
• Access to employee wellness programs and resources.
• Potential for shift differentials or on-call pay, as the role may include weekend and holiday rotations.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
• The schedule may involve varied shifts to cover both Iowa River Landing (IRL) and UI Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) locations.
• An on-call rotation, including weekends and holidays, may be assigned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for healthcare professionals are highly dependent on specific certifications, experience, and the institution's pay scales. The provided estimate is based on general industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Midwest. Benefits are standard for large academic medical centers and are designed to support employee well-being and long-term career growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center) Company Size: The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is a large academic medical center, employing over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers. This scale indicates a robust infrastructure, diverse patient population, and numerous opportunities for collaboration and specialization. Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, establishing a long history of education and healthcare within the state. UI Heart & Vascular Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the best hospital in Iowa for cardiology and heart surgery.

Team Structure:

• The Cardiac Rehabilitation team likely consists of specialists, nurses, physicians, exercise physiologists, and administrative support staff, all working collaboratively.
• Reporting structure would typically be to a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Manager or a Director within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with cardiologists, electrophysiologists, surgeons, fellows, residents, advanced practice providers, and other allied health professionals.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs data-driven approaches to patient assessment and program management, utilizing EKG monitoring, exercise testing results, and patient outcome data.
• Workflow planning focuses on efficient patient throughput, scheduling, and care coordination across different service areas and locations.
• Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practices in cardiac rehabilitation and stress testing protocols.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=25003439&lang=en

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa's reputation as a leading academic medical center implies a culture that values research, innovation, continuous learning, and high-quality patient care. The "best heart hospital in Iowa" recognition highlights a commitment to excellence in cardiovascular services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Specialist II," indicating a mid-level position with a solid foundation of knowledge and practical experience. It requires specialized skills beyond entry-level and involves independent work on patient assessments and program development. Reporting Structure: The Specialist II would report to a higher-level clinician or manager within the Cardiac Rehabilitation department, likely a Program Manager or Clinical Nurse Manager specializing in cardiac services. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts patient outcomes by facilitating recovery, improving functional capacity, and reducing the risk of future cardiac events. It contributes to the overall efficiency and quality of care provided by the UI Heart and Vascular Center, supporting its reputation for excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Clinical Advancement: Potential to advance to a Senior Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist, Lead Specialist, or specialized roles focusing on specific patient populations (e.g., VAD patients, post-transplant).
• Educational Development: Opportunities to take on more significant teaching responsibilities, mentor junior staff, or become involved in clinical research projects.
• Specialized Certifications: Support for obtaining advanced certifications (e.g., ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist, advanced EKG certifications) to deepen expertise.
• Management Track: With further experience and potentially a Master's degree, progression into supervisory or management roles within cardiac rehabilitation or related departments is possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Specialist II" title suggests that candidates are expected to be proficient and capable of independent work, contributing to team goals while also developing their own expertise. Growth opportunities are likely aligned with clinical specialization and leadership within the healthcare setting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within a dynamic hospital and clinic environment, specifically within the UI Heart and Vascular Center. This includes both inpatient and outpatient settings, potentially at multiple campus locations (UI Hospitals and Clinics and Iowa River Landing). Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa, with potential work at both the main UI Hospitals and Clinics facility and the Iowa River Landing. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is patient-focused, requiring direct interaction in clinical areas, exercise labs, and potentially patient rooms.
• Access to specialized cardiac rehabilitation equipment, stress testing machinery, EKG monitoring systems, and patient charting software (EPIC) is expected.
• Collaboration will occur in team meetings, patient consultations, and shared clinical spaces, fostering a multidisciplinary approach. Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week may include varied shifts to ensure continuous patient coverage, potentially requiring flexibility for early mornings, evenings, and participation in on-call rotations that cover weekends and holidays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is clinical and patient-centric, demanding adaptability to different settings and patient needs. The need for cross-coverage at multiple locations underscores the importance of strong organizational and time management skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements. Ensure your resume highlights specific achievements in exercise assessment, EKG interpretation, and patient education.
• Technical Interview: Likely conducted by a hiring manager and/or senior clinical staff. Expect questions focused on your EKG interpretation skills (12-lead), knowledge of cardiac conditions, exercise physiology, and experience with stress testing protocols. Be prepared to discuss specific patient scenarios.
• Skills-Based Assessment/Case Study: You might be asked to interpret an EKG strip, discuss how you would manage a patient during a stress test with certain complications, or outline an exercise plan for a specific patient profile. Prepare case studies from your experience.
• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Questions assessing your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, communication style, and how you handle challenging patient interactions or team dynamics. Reference the University's values and the importance of teamwork.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a department director or lead physician, focusing on your overall fit with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's mission and your long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Clinical Application: Showcase your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical patient care. Include examples of patient assessments, exercise prescriptions, and EKG interpretations.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, quantify the impact of your work. For example, "Improved average patient functional capacity by X%," or "Successfully managed Y number of stress tests per week."
• Demonstrate EKG Proficiency: Include anonymized examples of EKG strips you've interpreted, highlighting your ability to identify key findings relevant to cardiac rehabilitation.
• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of successful collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals to improve patient care plans.
• Educational Contributions: If you have experience training or educating others, include examples of teaching materials or successful training sessions.

Challenge Preparation:

• EKG Interpretation: Brush up on 12-lead EKG interpretation, focusing on common arrhythmias, ischemic changes, and exercise-induced abnormalities.
• Cardiac Physiology: Review exercise physiology principles, particularly as they relate to cardiovascular disease and exercise response.
• Patient Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle various patient scenarios, including those with VADs, post-MI patients, or individuals experiencing complications during exercise.
• University Policies: Familiarize yourself with general university policies and healthcare best practices relevant to patient care and safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a clinical role like this will heavily emphasize practical skills and knowledge directly related to patient care and cardiac rehabilitation. A strong portfolio should complement your resume by providing concrete evidence of your capabilities in these areas.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• EKG Machines: Proficiency with various EKG monitoring systems for stress testing (treadmill, exercise echocardiograms, nuclear stress tests). This includes understanding equipment operation and troubleshooting.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Equipment: Familiarity with exercise equipment commonly used in cardiac rehab programs (treadmills, stationary bikes, weight machines, etc.).
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: Experience with EPIC is a significant advantage, as it's widely used in academic medical centers for patient charting, order entry, and communication.
• Patient Monitoring Systems: Experience with real-time patient vital sign and cardiac rhythm monitoring.

Analytics & Reporting:

• ECG Interpretation Software: Software used to analyze and store EKG data.
• Data Entry & Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency with tools for entering patient data and potentially analyzing exercise performance metrics.
• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports on patient progress, program participation, and test results, often integrated within the EHR.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how patient data is managed and accessed within the hospital's information systems is key. Automation may be present in scheduling or reporting functions within the EHR.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized medical equipment and the primary EHR system (EPIC) are critical technical requirements for this role. The ability to navigate and utilize these tools efficiently directly impacts patient safety and care quality.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: A primary focus on the well-being and recovery of cardiac patients, ensuring compassionate and individualized attention.
• Excellence and Innovation: Commitment to providing the highest quality of care, informed by research and best practices in cardiac rehabilitation.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Valuing interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient care.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and demonstrating professionalism in all interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Continuous Learning: Encouraging ongoing professional development and staying abreast of advancements in cardiac care and exercise science.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Actively participates in team discussions, case reviews, and care planning sessions with physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals.
• Open Communication: Fosters an environment of open dialogue, where feedback is shared constructively, and patient care strategies are openly discussed.
• Shared Responsibility: Works collaboratively to ensure patient safety, adherence to protocols, and achievement of patient rehabilitation goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at a leading academic medical center like the University of Iowa emphasizes a high standard of care, a commitment to education, and a collaborative spirit across various medical disciplines.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing High-Risk Patients: Working with a patient population that has complex and potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions requires constant vigilance, advanced assessment skills, and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
• Cross-Coverage Demands: Balancing responsibilities across two different locations (Iowa River Landing and UIHC) requires strong organizational skills and adaptability.
• On-Call Rotation: The requirement for weekend and holiday on-call duties can be demanding, requiring flexibility and commitment.
• Keeping Pace with Advancements: The field of cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation is constantly evolving, necessitating continuous learning and skill updates.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication and care coordination across various departments and with external providers can be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to receive advanced training in specific areas like VAD management, advanced EKG interpretation, or new rehabilitation methodologies.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced cardiologists, exercise physiologists, and program leaders for guidance and professional development.
• Continuing Education: Support for attending professional conferences, workshops, and pursuing advanced certifications relevant to cardiac rehabilitation.
• Teaching Experience: Developing skills in educating medical students, residents, and fellows, which can be a stepping stone to academic or leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth in a specialized clinical field, with challenges that foster the development of advanced clinical and interpersonal skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Clinical Scenario Questions: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a patient experiencing chest pain during a stress test, or how you would adapt an exercise plan for a patient with an arrhythmia. Focus on your decision-making process, EKG interpretation, and safety protocols.
• Patient Education Approach: Explain your methodology for educating patients about their cardiac condition, risk factors, and the importance of exercise. How do you tailor your communication to different patient needs and literacy levels?
• Collaboration Examples: Describe a situation where you had to collaborate closely with a physician or another healthcare professional to manage a patient's care. What was your role, and what was the outcome?
• EKG Interpretation Skills: Be ready to interpret a 12-lead EKG strip provided during the interview, explaining your findings and their clinical implications for exercise prescription.
• Handling Difficult Patients/Situations: How do you manage patients who are anxious, resistant to exercise, or have complex psychosocial needs?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why UI Heart and Vascular Center? Research the center's specific programs, achievements (e.g., U.S. News rankings), and mission. Align your skills and career goals with their values.
• Teamwork in Healthcare: Discuss your experience working in a multidisciplinary healthcare team. What do you believe are the key elements of effective team collaboration in a clinical setting?
• Handling Stress/Pressure: How do you manage stress and maintain focus in a demanding clinical environment, especially during emergencies or critical patient situations?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise and Relevant: Select 2-3 strong examples that best showcase your skills in assessment, EKG interpretation, exercise prescription, and patient education.
• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the patient's condition, your interventions, and the positive outcomes achieved. Use metrics where possible.
• Demonstrate EKG Skills: Be prepared to walk through an anonymized EKG interpretation, explaining your thought process.
• Highlight Collaboration: Show how your work integrated with other healthcare professionals for optimal patient care.
• Professional Delivery: Practice your presentation to ensure clarity, confidence, and adherence to time limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only your technical knowledge in cardiac rehabilitation and EKG interpretation but also your ability to apply that knowledge effectively and safely within a patient care setting, emphasizing collaboration and communication.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist II position:

• Submit your application through the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in exercise assessment, patient education, EKG interpretation (specifically 12-lead), and working with high-risk cardiac patients. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that addresses your qualifications, enthusiasm for cardiac rehabilitation, and alignment with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's mission. Specifically mention your BLS and ACLS certifications.
• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of patient assessments, exercise plans, and anonymized EKG interpretations that showcase your skills. Be ready to discuss these during an interview.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's services, reputation, and values. Understand the specific requirements for this role, including the need for cross-coverage and on-call duties.
• Interview Practice: Prepare for technical questions on EKG interpretation and cardiac physiology, as well as behavioral questions about teamwork and problem-solving. Practice presenting your portfolio highlights.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights and context based on industry standards for healthcare operations and clinical roles. Specific details regarding compensation, benefits, and interview processes should be confirmed directly with the University of Iowa hiring team.