Clinical Exercise Physiology (Professional Program: DCEP)
Program Overview
The Doctor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (DCEP) program at UIC is a 12-month professional doctorate designed to prepare individuals for careers as Clinical Exercise Physiologists. The program emphasizes the application of exercise science principles in disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess, design, and implement safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with chronic diseases and other health conditions. The program offers opportunities for clinical rotations, research, and skillset expansion in cardiovascular imaging and diabetes education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Doctor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (DCEP) at UIC is a 12-month, professional doctorate program designed to prepare individuals for a career as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP). The program emphasizes the application of exercise science principles in disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to assess, design, and implement safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with chronic diseases and other health conditions.
- Prepare students to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals in a variety of clinical settings.
- Develop students' research and critical thinking skills to advance the field of clinical exercise physiology.
Outline:
The DCEP curriculum consists of 50-54 credit hours, including:
Fall Semester (18 Hours):
- HLP 520: Nutrition for Healthy Living
- CEP 600: Healthy Living Medicine for Diabetes and Other Metabolic Disorders
- CEP 625: Professional Development I
- CEP 641: Clinical Education Experience I
- CEP 655: Cardiovascular Imaging and Research Methods I
Spring Semester (18 Hours):
- PT 510: Control of Posture and Locomotion
- HLP 530: Behavioral Counseling for Healthy Living
- CEP 601: Healthy Living Medicine for the Clinically Complex Patient
- CEP 642: Clinical Education Experience II
- CEP 656: Cardiovascular Imaging and Research Methods II
- CEP 657: Ultrasound Clinical Rotation I
Summer Session (14-18 Hours):
- CEP 626: Professional Development II
- CEP 643: Clinical Education Experience III
- CEP 658: Ultrasound Clinical Rotation II
- CEP 697: Project in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Assessment:
Students are assessed through various methods, including:
- Clinical Experience Evaluations: Students are evaluated on their performance during clinical rotations by clinical instructors.
- Portfolio: Students develop a portfolio that showcases their learning and growth throughout the program.
- Project: Students complete a research project on a topic related to clinical exercise physiology.
Teaching:
The DCEP program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Didactic lectures delivered by experienced faculty members.
- Laboratories: Hands-on laboratories where students can practice their skills.
- Clinical Rotations: Supervised clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
- Seminars: Interactive seminars that allow students to discuss current topics in clinical exercise physiology.
- Research Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects with faculty members.
Careers:
Graduates of the DCEP program are prepared for a variety of careers in clinical exercise physiology, including:
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist: Working in hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centers, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, or other healthcare settings.
- Wellness Coach: Helping individuals adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors.
- Researcher: Conducting research on the effects of exercise on health and disease.
Other:
- The DCEP program is the first of its kind in the country.
- Students have access to the University of Illinois Medical Center for clinical observations and research opportunities.
- The program is located in the heart of Chicago, providing students with access to a variety of clinical and research opportunities.
