Program Overview
The Clinical Exercise Physiology MS program at ASU equips students with the knowledge and skills to use exercise as a primary and secondary prevention strategy for improving, maintaining, or mitigating declines in fitness and health in various populations. The program emphasizes personalized mentorship and hands-on experience with expert faculty in research and clinical settings, preparing graduates for successful careers in clinical exercise physiology and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Clinical Exercise Physiology MS program equips students with the knowledge and skills to use exercise as a primary and secondary prevention strategy for improving, maintaining, or mitigating declines in fitness and health in various populations. The program emphasizes personalized mentorship and hands-on experience with expert faculty in research and clinical settings.
Objectives:
- Prepare graduates to successfully complete the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exam for Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) certification.
- Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to work effectively with medical professionals in designing and implementing exercise programs for individuals with chronic diseases and those at risk.
- Provide graduates with a strong foundation in research methods and the ability to critically evaluate and apply research findings to clinical practice.
- Foster a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development in the field of clinical exercise physiology.
Description:
This program delves into the scientific basis of exercise physiology and its application in preventing and managing chronic diseases. Students gain expertise in exercise prescription, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, health promotion, and the management of various chronic conditions. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through hands-on experiences in clinical settings and research opportunities with renowned faculty.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Exercise physiology principles and application
- Chronic disease management
- Exercise prescription and programming
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
- Health promotion and behavior change
- Research methods and statistics
- Clinical exercise physiology internship
Structure:
- The program requires completion of 31 credit hours and a written comprehensive exam, or 31 credit hours, a thesis, and a written comprehensive exam.
- Core courses cover essential topics like exercise assessment and prescription, health promotion, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and management of chronic diseases.
- Students can choose between a thesis and non-thesis option.
- The non-thesis option requires a six-credit clinical internship, while the thesis option focuses on research and culminates in a written thesis.
- All students must pass a written comprehensive exam.
Course Schedule:
- The program offers courses throughout the year, with some courses offered in the fall and spring semesters and others offered in the summer.
- Students can choose to enroll full-time or part-time.
Modules:
- Required Core (21 credit hours):
- NTR 502 Statistics in Research (3)
- EXW 535 Advanced Exercise Assessment and Prescription (3)
- EXW 542 Health Promotion (3)
- EXW 560 Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (3)
- EXW 565 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physiology (3)
- EXW 568 Management and Treatment of Chronic Disease for the Clinical Exercise Physiologist (3)
- KIN 547 ECG Interpretation (3)
- Seminar (1 credit hour)
- EXW 591 Seminar: Clinical Exercise Physiology (1)
- Other Requirement (3 or 9 credit hours):
- EXW 500 Research Methods (3) or
- EXW 515 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3) and EXW 584 Clinical Exercise Physiology Internship (6)
- Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours):
- Written comprehensive exam (0) or
- EXW 599 Thesis (6)
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Written assignments
- Case studies
- Clinical practice experiences
- Research projects
- Written comprehensive exam
- Thesis (for thesis option students)
Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge of exercise physiology principles and application
- Ability to design and implement exercise programs
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Professionalism and ethical conduct
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group discussions
- Case studies
- Clinical practice experiences
- Research projects
Faculty:
- The program features experienced faculty with expertise in exercise physiology, chronic disease management, and health promotion.
- Faculty members are actively involved in research and clinical practice, providing students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and real-world insights.
Unique Approaches:
- The program emphasizes personalized mentorship and hands-on experiences in research and clinical settings.
- Students have opportunities to work with diverse populations and develop individualized exercise programs.
- The program promotes a collaborative learning environment where students can interact with faculty and peers.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Exercise physiologist
- Health educator
- Wellness coach
- Research scientist
Career Opportunities:
- Hospitals
- Cardiac rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Physician offices
- University and research laboratories
- Fitness and wellness centers
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates are prepared to sit for the ACSM RCEP certification exam.
- The program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue diverse career paths in clinical exercise physiology and related fields.
- Graduates are well-positioned to contribute to improving health outcomes and promoting active lifestyles in individuals with chronic diseases.
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine.
- The program is eligible for the STEM-OPT extension for F-1 visa holders, allowing international students to gain additional work experience in the United States.
- The program offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships and assistantships.
Conclusion
The Clinical Exercise Physiology MS program at ASU offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, preparing graduates for successful careers in this growing field. The program's strengths lie in its emphasis on personalized mentorship, hands-on experiences, and faculty expertise. Graduates are well-equipped to make a significant impact in improving health and well-being for individuals with chronic diseases.