College of Health Sciences and Education
Program Director: Tiffany Mulally
Faculty
TBA
Mission
The mission of the Exercise Science program is to prepare students as allied-health professionals in the area of fitness/wellness. Through this role, students will join with persons as they strive to achieve their highest level of health and wellbeing.
Program Goals:
The Misericordia University BS in Exercise Science provides students with knowledge and skills related to the physiological, biomechanical and psychological effects of exercise and wellness on persons. This program is designed to promote the development of allied health professionals in the area of fitness and wellness. This course of study is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in these areas. The Exercise Science program includes foci of theoretical and clinical learning including a require fieldwork experience. The inclusion of courses in health care management provides an avenue for students interested in the entrepreneurial opportunities in these areas. Consistent with the Values of the Sisters of Mercy, Service, Hospitality, Justice and Mercy, the program encourages students to approach issues that impact persons throughout the life span associated with achieving and maintaining their highest level of wellness. Eventually, we would like to have tracks for this B.S. into physical and occupational therapy.
Exercise science focuses upon the immediate and long-term effects of physical activity emphasizing the “how” and “why” associated with the body’s response to physical activity. Exercise science includes a variety of disciplines including but not limited to: Biomechanics, sports nutrition, wellness, sport psychology, motor control/development and exercise physiology. These disciplines are integrated into a curriculum aimed at developing professionals in the fitness/wellness industry possessing skills in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, creating appropriate exercise prescriptions and motivating individuals to modify habits and lifestyle behaviors for health promotion. These activities are conducted in commercial, community, universities or corporate settings where health promotion and fitness/wellness related activities are offered.
Student learning in the Exercise Science program will focus on the Domains and Competencies set forth by CAAHEP:
Domain I Health and Fitness Assessment
Administer and interpret preparticipation health screening procedures to maximize client safety and minimize risk.
Determine client’s readiness to participate in a health-related physical fitness assessment and exercise program.
Determine and administer physical fitness assessments for apparently healthy clients and those with controlled disease.
Conduct and interpret cardiorespiratory fitness assessments.
Conduct and interpret assessments of muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. Conduct and interpret anthropometric and body composition assessments.
Domain II Exercise Prescription and implementation
Determine safe and effective exercise programs to achieve desired outcomes and goals, and translate assessment results into appropriate exercise prescriptions.
Implement cardiorespiratory exercise prescriptions for apparently healthy clients and those with controlled disease based on current health status, fitness goals and availability of time.
Implement exercise prescriptions for flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, balance, agility, and reaction time for apparently healthy clients and those with controlled disease based on current health status, fitness goals and availability of time.
Establish exercise progression guidelines for flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, balance, agility, and reaction time for apparently healthy clients and those with controlled disease based on current health status, fitness goals and availability of time.
Implement a general weight management program as indicated by personal goals, as needed.
Prescribe and implement exercise programs for clients with controlled cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases and other clinical populations and work closely with clients’ healthcare providers, as needed.
Prescribe and implement exercise programs for healthy special populations (i.e. older adults, youth, and pregnant women).
Modify exercise prescriptions based on various environmental conditions.
Domain III Exercise Counseling and Behavior Modification
Optimize adoption and adherence of exercise and other healthy behaviors by applying effective communication techniques.
Optimize adoption and adherence of exercise and other healthy behaviors by applying effective behavioral strategies and motivational techniques.
Provide educational resources to support clients in the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Provide support within the scope of practice of a fitness professional and refer to other health professionals as indicated.
Domain IV Risk Management and Professional Responsibilities
Develop and disseminate risk management guidelines for a health/fitness facility to reduce member, employee, and business risk.
Ensure the emergency policies and procedures are in place.
Programs with unique focus areas may have additional Domains and Competencies.
Consistent with academic standards, the overall goal of the program is to prepare competent entry-level exercise science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge0, psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains (CAAHEP). Students graduating with an Exercise Science degree will be prepared to succeed in areas such as personal training, health promotion, fitness and wellness, fitness and wellness management, corporate wellness, etc. via professional roles such as:
- Sports, fitness and wellness program instructors
- Small business owner and entrepreneurs in the fitness industry
- Managers in corporate wellness program
- Fitness instructors in YMCAs, spas, resorts, etc.
Additionally, students will be prepared to achieve certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist via the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS).
Program Learning Outcomes/Student Learning Outcomes
PLO1. Identify issues associated with fitness and wellness across diverse populations. (Aligned to UEG 1, 2,4,5)
SLO1.a Recognize factors that support health and wellness.
SLO1.b Analyze the relationship between lifestyle and health and wellness.
SLO1.c Promote personalized healthy lifestyle goals for a variety of diverse populations/conditions, through personalized education.
PLO2: Create an action plan to support achievement of established health and wellness goals. (Aligned to UEG 4,5,7, 8,9)
SLO2.a Accurately identify the physiological functions and systems associated with physical fitness and wellness.
SLO2.b Assess the fitness/wellness of individuals.
SLO2.c Create a plan to achieve desired outcomes related to enhanced fitness/wellness to meet the unique needs of diverse populations (ex. children, adults, the aged, those with physical or cognitive limitations, etc.).
SLO2.d Evaluate the effectiveness of established action plans.
PLO 3: Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional growth and ethical practice reflecting the values of the Sisters of Mercy. (Aligned to UEG 1,2,3,6,7,10)
SLO3.a Demonstrate effective written communication.
SLO3.b Demonstrate effective oral communication.
SLO3.c Promote positive determinants of health and wellness for all through ethical decision-making and practice.
SLO3.d Advance the field of exercise science through the use and promotion of evidence-based practices.
