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Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Pulmonary Rehab - Part Time

Mercyhealth · Rockford, IL · $23.18–$36.91 an hour · Part time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time a patient lost motivation partway through a rehab program. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can support behavior change and keep patients coming, which drives outcomes.

What would you do

During a session, a patient's oxygen saturation drops to 84 percent and they look pale. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop exercise, respond correctly and get clinical help without delay.

As a case manager for a group of patients, how do you keep track of progress reports and provider updates?

What they are checking: Whether they stay organized so reports go out on time and providers hear about changes promptly.

A patient tells you they've been feeling hopeless since their diagnosis. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they notice mental health concerns as part of rehab and know how to refer for help.

This role is Tuesdays and Thursdays only. How do you make sure patients and providers aren't left waiting on you?

What they are checking: Whether they plan handoffs and follow-up around a part-time schedule.

About the work

Walk me through a new patient assessment for someone with COPD starting pulmonary rehab.

What they are checking: Whether they gather the right history, vitals, oxygen and symptom data to build a safe plan.

How do you write an exercise prescription for a patient who desaturates quickly with activity?

What they are checking: Whether they set intensity, oxygen use and rest so the patient can progress safely.

How do you run and interpret a six-minute walk test or similar submaximal test?

What they are checking: Whether they can measure tolerance accurately and use the result to set and track goals.

What do you look for when you review a patient's EKG and medication list before exercise?

What they are checking: Whether they can spot rhythms and medications that change how a patient responds to exercise.

How would you teach a patient breathing techniques like pursed-lip breathing so they actually use them at home?

What they are checking: Whether they teach in a practical way that carries over into daily life.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW The Clinical Exercise Physiologist is responsible for timely referral follow-up and intake scheduling. They are responsible for new patient orientation and assessment and subsequent treatment plan development. They also serve as a case manager for a group of patients and is responsible for the application of the treatment plan, treatment plan modifications, timely progress reporting, appropriate and timely communication with other clinical staff or providers, outcome tracking, and post program assessment and discharge planning. SCHEDULE : 7am-5:30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays SHIFT : Days ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Patient assessment/monitoring: biometric data, EKG, medical record/patient history review, medication reconciliation, signs and symptoms, exercise tolerance, mental health status, quality of life, dietary habits. • Exercise testing: submaximal and exercise tolerance testing, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility. • Exercise prescription and treatment plan development. Treatment plan/exercise implementation. Identifies needed exercise modifications. Makes changes to the treatment plan per the changing needs of the patient. • Exercise training and leadership: communicates proper execution of the exercise and use of equipment, communicates safety strategies. • Education and behavior change: identifies educational needs, communicates health information, facilitates attendance to group education classes, patient goal setting and engagement, uses strategies like motivational interviewing and active listening to facilitate successful behavior change. • Documentation: documents and report patient's clinical status and response to exercise training in the medical record. Completes regular progress reporting to referring providers and medical director. • Environment: maintains safe environment by participating in infection control procedures and reporting any equipment malfunctions or environmental concerns in a timely and appropriate manner. • Scheduling/Referral Work Que Management: reaches out to patients in a timely manner to talk with them about the program and scheduling for the first appointment EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology or related field required. • Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology preferred. CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE If no Master's Degree, Certification through ACSM (Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist) or AACVPR (Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional or Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certificate) required within 3 years. Current BLS certification. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred. OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Interpretive/analytical skills. Effective interpersonal communication skills. Organizational skills. Windows software knowledge (Office). LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Work is performed according to specific policies and procedures and guidelines, but the incumbent must be able to make some clinical decisions independently. PAY RANGE: $23.18 - $36.91 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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