Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Exercise Physiology

The Exercise Physiologist develops individualized fitness plans for patients based on identified fitness goals and capabilities; conducts and assesses fitness tests to inform exercise plans; monitors and evaluates patient progress; partners with researchers to develop exercise related research studies; designs fitness classes and training sessions in both individual and group settings.

• Meet with patients to assess exercise capabilities through questionnaires and physical function tests; evaluate current treatment plan and adjust as needed; prescribe a customized exercise plan to increase physical fitness, strength, endurance, and flexibility and to address health care needs
• Design an appropriate exercise program based on assessment findings; provide instructions and demonstrate movements and techniques
• Educate patients on the rationale for their prescribed program as well as subsequent health benefits
• Provide frequent follow-ups with patients to track progress, provide consultation, and adjust plan as necessary
• Build collaborative relationships with physicians, nurses, surgeons, and clinical researchers
• Design and deliver group fitness classes, workshops, and group or individual training sessions
• Assist researchers with the development of new study protocols; partner with researchers to develop and conduct exercise related research studies
• Maintain and manage files on patients including assessment results, questionnaires, medical records, and program logs
• Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to exercise program methods; integrate novel techniques and research- based practices into program design

Level:

– Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Support track, performs work at Senior Support level or higher; for Professional track, performs work at the Advanced Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $42,100.00
• MidPoint – $51,600.00
• Maximum – $61,000.00