Exercise Physiologist in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Exercise Physiologist – Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As an Exercise Physiologist at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll play a vital clinical role in supporting cardiopulmonary rehabilitation patients through expert assessment, testing, and individualized guidance. You will help patients build strength, resilience, and confidence while contributing to a mission-driven health system committed to safety, quality, and exceptional patient experience.

• Compensation: Starts at $23.42/hour and is commensurate with education, experience, certification, and internal equity.

• Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday thru Friday

• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives through the Love Your Life program; Employee-to-Employee (E2E) assistance program; childcare assistance may be available; and additional employee discounts.

  • Applicable benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

Boone, North Carolina offers the perfect blend of mountain living, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant community — including Appalachian State University, top-rated schools, and year-round hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, dining, and arts.

What You’ll Do as an Exercise Physiologist

• Provide clinical expertise and help coordinate daily operations of the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program.

• Perform cardiac and pulmonary diagnostic testing, including:

  • Metabolic exercise/pulmonary stress testing

  • Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT): spirometry, lung volumes, DLCO

• Collaborate closely with patients, families, providers, and interdisciplinary team members to support safe, high-quality care.

• Deliver patient education and individualized instruction to support health, wellness, and rehabilitation goals.

• Maintain a focus on patient experience, safety, and quality outcomes aligned with organizational standards.

• Adhere to all UNC Health Appalachian policies, regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology or related field required

• Master’s degree and/or teaching experience preferred

Experience

• Two years of experience (or equivalent clinical internship) in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation required

Licensure & Certifications

• Relevant certifications in exercise physiology and/or cardiac/pulmonary diagnostic testing are both strongly preferred and may be required

• BLS required at time of hire

• ACLS certification from the American Heart Association required within one year of hire

• Demonstrated commitment to working with special populations in cardiopulmonary fitness and wellness

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to work independently without direct onsite supervision

• Strong teaching, organizational, interpersonal, and supervisory skills

• Proficiency supporting diagnostic cardiac and pulmonary function testing

• Commitment to safety, high-quality care, and positive patient outcomes

• Ability to engage, motivate, and support patients in rehabilitation programs

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and/or transfer 50+ pounds

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, twisting, and turning

• Manual dexterity and functional mobility

• Near acuity vision for detailed work (20 inches or less)

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to blood-borne pathogens

• Frequent exposure to mechanical/electrical equipment and odorous chemicals

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant or hazardous conditions (accidents, slippery/uneven surfaces)

• Requires flexibility with irregular hours — days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays

• Extended periods of standing and walking (8+ hours)

• Frequent patient mobilization, lifting, and repetitive hand/wrist movement

• Occasional exposure to ionizing/non-ionizing radiation (e.g., x-ray, microwave)

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, includes three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to promoting health, enhancing quality of life, and “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is an affiliated entity of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 campuses, and over 500 clinics. Our mission is to improve health and well-being while supporting the education of future healthcare professionals. For more information, visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. We are committed to a fair, respectful hiring process. For accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.