Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of advanced healthcare, the focus on Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians is more crucial than ever.

As medical advancements continue to progress, the demand for skilled individuals who can effectively implement, manage, and ensure the quality of cardiac rehabilitation programs grows steadily.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the nature of this role,
• A hiring manager mapping out the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the responsibilities of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a flexible Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians play a vital role in aiding patients with heart conditions to recover and improve their quality of life.

They are responsible for implementing exercise programs, assessing patient health, and providing education to support heart health.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Performing initial patient assessments to evaluate cardiovascular fitness and risk factors
• Developing individualized exercise and rehabilitation programs for patients based on their specific health needs and goals
• Administering stress tests and EKGs, and monitoring patient’s vital signs during exercise sessions
• Providing education and counseling to patients and their families on heart-healthy lifestyle modifications, including nutrition and exercise
• Coordinating care with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, and social workers
• Maintaining patient records and documenting progress throughout the rehabilitation program
• Ensuring all equipment is functional and safe for patient use
• Responding to emergency situations and administering first aid or CPR as necessary

 

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician to join our team.

Your role will involve monitoring and guiding patients through a prescribed exercise program designed to improve their cardiovascular health.

The ideal candidate will have an empathetic approach, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of cardiovascular physiology and disease.

Your core function will be to improve the patients’ health, physical fitness, and quality of life through a personalized and scientifically-based exercise regimen.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ physical abilities and limitations to create tailored exercise programs
• Monitor patients’ vital signs, EKG and blood pressure during exercises
• Identify any abnormalities or adverse responses and take appropriate action
• Educate patients and their families about heart disease, prevention and healthy lifestyle choices
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and adjust individual care plans
• Maintain and operate rehabilitation equipment
• Document patient progress and provide regular updates to the rehab team

 

Qualifications

• Experience in a cardiac rehabilitation setting
• Knowledge of exercise physiology and cardiac diseases
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Strong ability to respond to emergencies and maintain composure under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Degree or diploma in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with regular hours. Occasional weekend or evening shifts may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $32,000 minimum to $52,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician Do?

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians, also known as cardiac rehab specialists, are critical members of healthcare teams that work primarily with patients who have heart conditions or have undergone heart surgery.

Their primary role is to help patients recover from and manage their conditions, by developing individualized exercise and wellness programs.

These programs are designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce symptoms, and improve health outcomes.

These healthcare professionals conduct patient assessments, monitor vital signs, and oversee therapeutic exercises.

They also educate patients on heart-healthy behaviors, such as proper nutrition, stress management, and the importance of regular physical activity.

They work closely with cardiologists, nurses, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals to monitor a patient’s progress and adjust the rehabilitation plan as needed.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians play a crucial role in helping patients understand their conditions, adhere to their treatment plans, and make lifestyle changes to promote a heart-healthy life.

In some cases, they may also assist with stress tests and EKGs, provide emergency care if necessary, and maintain records of patient care.

Their ultimate goal is to help patients achieve the highest possible level of physical fitness and health following a cardiac event or diagnosis.

 

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician should possess the skills and qualifications that align with your job requirements, such as:

• Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology to comprehend patients’ conditions and provide appropriate exercise plans.
• Proficiency in the use of medical equipment and tools such as electrocardiogram (EKG) machines, defibrillators, and stress test machines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport and trust with patients, especially those undergoing rehabilitation after traumatic health events.
• Ability to closely monitor patients’ vital signs and react promptly to any sudden changes or emergencies.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise between patients and healthcare professionals, and to educate patients about cardiac health and rehabilitation procedures.
• Problem-solving skills to identify complications during treatment and rehabilitation and address them appropriately.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to assist patients during their rehabilitation exercises and respond swiftly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of and adherence to safety and hygiene standards in a healthcare setting to minimize risks and ensure patient wellbeing.

 

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician Experience Requirements

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians often start their career path with a 2-year associate degree in a health-related field such as cardiovascular technology.

Practical experience is usually gained through clinical rotations during their academic studies where they are taught the basics of patient care, electrocardiogram (EKG) interpretation, and exercise stress testing.

Entry-level cardiac rehabilitation technicians may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or other healthcare facilities.

They are often involved in patient education, cardiovascular exercise prescription, and cardiac risk factor modification.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a broad range of clinical skills in managing patients with cardiovascular diseases, including those who have undergone cardiac surgery or intervention.

They are competent in performing and interpreting stress tests, cardiac monitoring, and cardiac resuscitation.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have had supervisory roles in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

They usually have advanced knowledge and skills in cardiac rehabilitation and may be ready for a managerial position or lead role in program development and implementation.

These professionals may also have experience in research related to cardiac rehabilitation and may have contributed to professional practice guidelines and policies.

 

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician Education and Training Requirements

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians, also known as Exercise Physiologists, generally require a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or a related field.

The program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

These programs typically include courses in science and health-related subjects, such as human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and pathophysiology.

They also include a significant amount of practical training where students gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.

In addition to a degree, most states require Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians to be licensed or certified.

This usually involves passing an exam administered by an accredited organization, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians should also have basic life support or advanced cardiac life support certification.

These certifications involve training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Continuing education is important in this field to stay updated with the latest research and advancements in cardiac rehabilitation.

Technicians may choose to pursue a master’s degree or additional certifications to further enhance their skills and knowledge.

 

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician Salary Expectations

A Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician earns an average salary of $46,764 (USD) per year.

This salary may fluctuate based on the technician’s level of experience, the size and location of the employing healthcare facility, and the complexity of the tasks they are expected to perform.

 

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician need?

Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians require skills in cardiovascular exercise and physiology, patient assessment, and emergency medical procedures.

They must also have strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients and healthcare team effectively.

The ability to operate specialized medical equipment is also necessary.

 

Do Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians need a degree?

Most employers prefer Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians to hold a minimum of an associate degree in a health-related field, such as physical therapy or kinesiology.

A bachelor’s degree or higher in these fields may increase job prospects.

Additionally, a certification from a recognized professional organization like the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician resume?

You should look for a degree or certification in a health-related field, experience working with cardiac patients, and knowledge of emergency procedures on a Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician’s resume.

They should have proficiency in operating cardiovascular equipment and physical fitness.

Any additional training or certification in CPR, First Aid, or advanced cardiac life support is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician?

A good Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician is compassionate and patient, as they often work with individuals recovering from serious health events.

They should be detail-oriented to record and interpret patient data accurately.

They must also be physically fit to demonstrate or assist with therapeutic exercises.

Good interpersonal skills are important for building trust with patients and working effectively with the healthcare team.

 

What is the career outlook for a Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician?

The demand for Cardiac Rehabilitation Technicians is expected to grow as the population ages and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases increases.

These professionals play a crucial role in cardiac care, helping patients regain their health and improve their quality of life.

However, the competition can be strong, so additional training, certification, and experience can improve job prospects.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the often-overlooked role of a cardiac rehabilitation technician.

Surprised?

It’s not just about monitoring heart rates.

It’s about fostering recovery, one heartbeat at a time.

With our reliable cardiac rehabilitation technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this meaningful career journey.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating detailed job listings or perfecting your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every heartbeat matters in the grand scheme of health and wellness.

Let’s champion heart health. Together.

How to Become a Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician (Complete Guide)

Life is Short, Work Somewhere Fun: High-Paying Enjoyable Jobs

The AI Career Shift: Professions That Are Tech’s New Turf

Bright Days Ahead: Careers That Are as Fun as They Are Rewarding

Unusual but True: The Weirdest Jobs People Do