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Cardiac Rehab Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Cardiac Cath Specialist

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$35.87 - $51.57/hr

Performs a variety of cardiac technical, diagnostic, therapeutic and patient care tasks for patients with cardiac disease using radiological sciences. Tasks performed include radiographic imaging ...

Clinical Aide-Therapy Staffing

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

... Rehab locations. Populations served include stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, other neurological issues, as well as post-surgical orthopedics, cardiac, multi-trauma and debility for both ...

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Cardiac Rehab information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$16

$23

$29

How much do cardiac rehab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiac rehab in Raleigh, NC is $23.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $26.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is cardiac rehab?

Cardiac rehab, short for cardiac rehabilitation, is a medically supervised program designed to help people who have heart problems improve their health and recover after heart-related events such as a heart attack, heart surgery, or diagnosis of heart disease. The program typically combines exercise training, education on heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress and support lifestyle changes. Cardiac rehab aims to strengthen the heart, reduce risk factors, and improve overall quality of life for patients.

What are the qualifications to get a job in cardiac rehab?

The primary qualifications for jobs in the cardiac rehab field are a license to work as a registered nurse and several years of experience with cardiac rehabilitation, surgery, or similar areas. Becoming a registered nurse involves graduating with a bachelor's degree in nursing, passing the National Council License Exam, and obtaining an RN license from your state. The fees and requirements for state licenses vary, so it's best to check the current requirements when you get your degree. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a cardiac rehab specialist requires excellent nursing skills, the ability to spot and treat medical problems quickly, and familiarity with the best practices of the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cardiac rehab specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cardiac Rehab Specialist, you need a background in exercise physiology, nursing, or physical therapy, often supported by relevant certifications such as ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) or ACLS. Familiarity with cardiac monitoring equipment, electronic health records (EHRs), and rehabilitation protocols is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational abilities, and clear communication help foster patient engagement and adherence to recovery plans. These competencies ensure safe, effective care and optimal patient outcomes during cardiac rehabilitation.

What does a typical day look like for a cardiac rehab professional, and how do they collaborate with other healthcare team members?

A typical day for a Cardiac Rehab professional involves conducting patient assessments, monitoring vital signs during supervised exercise sessions, and educating patients about heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Collaboration is key—they work closely with cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, and physical therapists to develop and adjust individualized care plans. Regular interdisciplinary meetings ensure continuity of care and optimal patient outcomes. The role requires strong communication skills and adaptability, as patient needs and care protocols can vary daily.

What is the difference between Cardiac Rehab vs Physical Therapist?

AspectCardiac RehabPhysical Therapist
Required CredentialsCertification in Cardiac Rehabilitation, often a Registered Nurse or Exercise PhysiologistDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Physical Therapist (PT) license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, outpatient clinics focusing on cardiac recoveryHospitals, outpatient clinics, sports facilities, rehab centers
Industry UsageSpecialized in cardiac patient recovery and secondary preventionBroadly in musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular rehab

Cardiac Rehab specialists focus on helping patients recover from heart-related events through tailored exercise and education, while Physical Therapists provide broader rehabilitative care for various physical conditions. Both roles require specialized certifications and often work in similar healthcare settings, but their focus areas differ significantly.

How to get into a cardiac rehab job?

To work in cardiac rehab, individuals typically need a relevant healthcare credential such as a Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP), exercise physiologist, or a licensed healthcare provider like a nurse or physical therapist. Gaining experience in cardiac care, obtaining necessary certifications, and understanding cardiac conditions are essential steps to enter this specialized field.

What do you need to work in cardiac rehab?

To work in cardiac rehab, individuals typically need a relevant healthcare credential such as a licensed practical nurse, physical therapist, or exercise physiologist certification. A bachelor's degree in a health-related field is often required, along with knowledge of cardiovascular health, patient care skills, and sometimes CPR certification. Strong communication skills and the ability to work with patients recovering from heart conditions are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cardiac Rehab jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Cardiac Rehab jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Cardiac Rehab jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Cardiac Rehab job openings:

Infographic showing various Cardiac Rehab job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,909 per year, or $23 per hour.

RN Cardiac Rehabilitation - Cardiac Rehab

UNC HEALTH

Smithfield, NC • On-site

$34.22 - $48.38/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


UNC Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 321 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

421st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.
Our Cardiopulmonary Rehab Department is dedicated to helping patients recover and improve their heart and lung health through structured exercise, education, and personalized care plans. Located in the Medical Mall in Smithfield, we provide a supportive environment where patients can safely work toward better health following a cardiac event or pulmonary diagnosis.
Summary:
Develops and implements an individualized care plan for patients in cardiac rehabilitation.
Responsibilities:
1. Maintains an environment of safety for patients, self and others.
2. Documents patient's status, according to unit specific procedure.
3. Develops an individualized plan of care utilizing the nursing and medical diagnosis. Collaborates with other health care team members in formulating plan.
4. Implements the nursing plan of care on assigned patients.
5. Evaluates patient's status, nursing instructions, appropriateness of the nursing plan of care, and outcomes of the care provided.
6. Initiates a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by Physician and/or hospital procedure, including patient and family instruction as well as discharge planning.
Other Information
Other information:
Education Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree (BSN) from an accredited school of Nursing preferred.
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
• Must have NC RN Licensure.
• RN NC LIC;BCLS
Professional Experience Requirements:
• Minimum one year experience in cardiac rehab nursing.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret clinical information and technical procedures. Ability to document clinical information. Ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions from patients, physicians, family members, and other Rex staff. Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions.
Job Details
Legal Employer: NCHEALTH
Entity: Johnston Health
Organization Unit: Cardiac Rehab
Work Type: Full Time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Salary Range: $34.22 - $48.38 per hour (Hiring Range)
Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity
Work Assignment Type: Onsite
Work Schedule: Day Job
Location of Job: US:NC:Smithfield
Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No
This position is employed by NC Health (Rex Healthcare, Inc., d/b/a NC Health), a private, fully-owned subsidiary of UNC Heath Care System. This is not a State employed position.
Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

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