The pre-physical therapy concentration will prepare you for doctoral physical therapy programs and satisfies course requirements for admission at most American physical therapy schools. This unique educational experience allows you to gain the basic science prerequisite knowledge and the applied science needed in the physical therapy profession. In addition to taking classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and applied health science, you will also engage in original research with professors, attend regional and national scientific meetings, and obtain placement in a variety of practical/internship experiences.
The concentration also includes a one-credit hour Introduction to Physical Therapy course that integrates studies in biology and anatomy for application in future careers in physical or occupational therapy. You will learn how to take basic medical histories, perform a general physical examination, and develop differential diagnoses for various musculoskeletal processes. In addition, you will investigate therapy modalities applicable to a variety of therapy needs.
Please refer to the College Catalog for complete information regarding concentration requirements.
Like most students who choose the pre-occupational therapy concentration, you could go on to pursue graduate training to become a licensed occupational therapist. This concentration allows you to take courses required for admission to many occupational therapy schools. Course topics covered in this concentration include human anatomy and physiology, developmental and abnormal psychology, sociology, medical terminology, and biology. The concentration also includes a one-credit hour Introduction to Physical and Occupational Therapy course that integrates studies in biology and anatomy for application in a future career in physical or occupational therapy. Successful completion of this program would prepare you for acceptance into a master’s program in occupational therapy.
Athletic training is a major specialty in the field of sports medicine where active daily involvement with athletes, physicians, and coaches affects the healthcare and well-being of the competitive and recreational athlete. The concentration in pre-athletic training provides you with an overview of the athletic training profession. You will be introduced to concepts such as orthopedic evaluation, rehabilitation techniques, and taping and bracing principles, preparing for entry-level master’s programs in athletic training. Course topics include medical terminology, special topics in exercise science, prevention and care of injuries, and corrective exercise strategies.
The strength and conditioning concentration offers a theoretical understanding of the biomechanical, neuromuscular, physiological, and psychological responses and adaptations to exercise. This concentration would allow you to obtain the knowledge necessary to pass the nationally recognized strength and conditioning certification exam (National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification), gain the skills to be successful working with recreational and professional athletes in a commercial setting or with collegiate or professional teams, and prepare to complete a graduate program in the field. The concentration includes course topics related to personal training, nutrition, corrective exercise strategies, and a three-credit Principles of Strength and Conditioning practicum course.
If you wish to coach at the scholastic or college level, this 15-credit concentration is designed for you. The concentration includes course topics related to prevention and care of injuries, ethical issues in sports, psychology of sport and exercise, principles of coaching, sports ministry, and sports management.
A minor in exercise science is designed to impart fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities in the theories and practice of exercise science. You must complete 23 credit hours of course requirements and receive specialized instruction in anatomy and physiology and in the acute and chronic effects of exercise on human systems. The minor provides learning experiences that lead to a basic understanding of nutrition, anatomy and physiology, exercise techniques, exercise testing, and exercise prescription.
The exercise science minor complements your career preparation if you are majoring in biology, chemistry, education, or even business with entrepreneurial aspirations in commercial or community-based health, fitness, or athletics. It would also be a good fit if you are pursuing health-related professions which require graduate studies, doctoral research, and/or professional training.
Please refer to the College Catalog or the minor course requirements for complete information regarding minors.
A minor in nutrition provides you with foundational courses intended to increase knowledge of nutrition issues. The minor complements degrees related to exercise science, biology, chemistry, psychology, education, and medical or allied health fields. The minor would also benefit your understanding of your own nutritional needs to improve your health.
You must complete 15 credit hours in macronutrient and micronutrient basic chemistry, roles in the body, food sources, and recommended intakes. Other topics include nutritional requirements and challenges during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adulthood, and older adulthood; scientific basis for the role of nutrition in human performance; scientific overview of popular dietary supplements; the relationship between nutritional and specific chronic disease; and the relationship between current public health issues and nutritional habits.