The Exercise & Sport Physiology program provides advanced education and training in exercise physiology, applied sport physiology, and clinical physiology according to the standards and guidelines established by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). Students learn from field experts, practitioners, and research scientists in managing programs to assess, design, and implement physical activity, exercise, and behavioral interventions to enhance health, functional capacity, and quality of life.
Program Benefits
1. Lab-based model via ACSM standards, KSAs, and proficiencies
2. Opportunities to contribute to research and/or disease programming
3. Preparation for professional certification (ACSM-CEP, ACSM-EP, ACSM-CPT)
Learning Outcomes
1. Understand human physiology, exercise physiology, and clinical exercise physiology principles and applications as it relates to health and disease.
2. Assess the benefits and risks associated with physical activity and/or exercise and the detrimental effect of inactivity, sedentary behaviors, and sedentary lifestyles.
3. Conduct preparticipation health evaluation and screening to identify risk factors, signs & symptoms, and/or contraindications to engage in physical activity and/or exercise.
4. Conduct health/skill-related physical fitness testing and interpretation according to standardized procedures and protocols that align with ACSM guidelines and standards of practice.
5. Design safe and effective exercise prescriptions (ExRx) and exercise/fitness programs for individuals and/or groups to enhance health, functional capacity, and/or performance.
6. Implement behavior modification approaches and strategies toward exercise adoption and adherence by breaking down exercise barriers, facilitating behavior change, and managing stage transitions.
Career Outcomes
Clinical:
o Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
o Physician Assistant (PA)
o Physical Therapy (PT)
o Occupational Therapy (OT)
Non-Clinical:
o Exercise Physiologist (EP)
o Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
o Exercise Specialist
o Health Educator
Certification and Licensure Preparation
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM):
o Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP)
o Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP)
o Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT)
o Group Exercise Instructor (ASCM-GEI)
