Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology

The Bachelor of Science program in exercise physiology is a preparatory program for graduate or professional school. Graduates continue their education in areas such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy or medicine. The program is designed to provide a background in basic science and exercise physiology, and includes courses in nutrition, athletic training, first aid and emergency care, and business. Exercise physiologists are trained to evaluate people in the areas of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, neuromuscular integration and body composition. They are also trained to provide exercise programs, based on the results of these evaluations that increase the functional capacity of the participants. Those with a Ph.D. are trained to be independent investigators in exercise science. Areas of Emphasis Aquatic Therapy Health Professions Major Learning Goals The Bachelor of Science program in exercise physiology is a preparatory program for graduate or professional school in areas such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, or medicine. The undergraduate program includes courses in science, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, first aid emergency care, and business, and hands-on laboratories in exercise physiology, and exercise instruction. Students will also complete a 134 hr. clinical internship or research in their senior year. Select senior students can also take hands on cadaver dissection gross anatomy laboratory to further enhance their ability to compete for admission to Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Medicine or other Rehabilitative Science graduate programs. Students will: Identify physiological, molecular, cellular, and integrative systems concepts in exercise physiology to athletic and diseased populations Critically interpret the current scientific literature in areas of health and disease that are impacted by exercise Develop critical hands-on-experience for identifying health problems through proper evaluations Describe and demonstrate proper exercise techniques for healthy and unhealthy populations Design and interpret stress test experiments for evaluation of health risk Demonstrate technical skills in conducting clinical assessments for cardiovascular or skeletal muscle function Articulate, verbally and in writing, their understanding of physiology and anatomical concepts in health and disease that are impacted by exercise intervention Discuss relevant scientific ethical issues pertinent to working as a team of health care providers Engage with fellow students and faculty and demonstrate teamwork in research and laboratory assessments of persons with or without health risks Career Profile Exercise physiologists work with athletes, patients, or healthy participants in the area of disease prevention in wellness programs or rehabilitation in hospital settings. An individual interested in exercise physiology may be employed in community organizations, commerce and industry, rehabilitation programs, and competitive sports programs. Graduates are usually employed as personal trainers, strength and conditioning specialists, and/or wellness coordinators.