Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science-Health and Exercise Science

LEARNING, NETWORKING, AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences' Health and Exercise Science Program prepare students for the trends in the profession as established by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Club Industry, International Health, Racquet & Sports club Association, American College of Sports Medicine, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association, and National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Students will be prepared for working in the strength and conditioning, fitness professions, and pre-allied health profession by taking classes that are focused on the application of skills.  The program will prepare students to pass national accredited personal training certifications that are typically required by health & fitness clubs for employment, along with preparing for exercise physiologists or strength & conditioning certifications through the ACSM, CSCCa, and NSCA.  Recommendations by IHRSA, Club Industry, ACSM, CSCCs, NHSSCA, and NSCA influence course topic areas such as virtual/on-line training, strength training, high intensity interval training (HIIT), ability to coach/instruct (personal training and strength & conditioning coaching), weightlifting, and health & fitness benefits from exercise.

Specific classes offer students the opportunity to gain experience coaching/training, planning & programming,  health behavior, and interning in careers they are interested in that include Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Fitness Center Administration, Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy,  Physical Therapy Assistant, or Strength & Conditioning Coach.

 

HANDS-ON LEARNING opportunities

  • Students complete 60 clock hours of practicum experience with partnering clinics, fitness centers, gyms, and various facilities related to the profession.
  • Students complete a semester-long internship in the discipline and log over 480 clock hours of experience with exercise program design, assessment strategies, behavior change strategies, and practical experience in their chosen field.
  • Students develop a professional portfolio as a complete record of their experiences while completing the internship.

 

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN

  • Community Capacity-knowing how to work with key stakeholders in the organization and community.
  • Exercise Program Design-including best practices in assessment and training of individuals for wellness and fitness.
  • Exercise Program Implementation-including training/coaching strategy and use of assessment to foster continued health and fitness development.
  • Leadership/Teamwork skills-including professional development and volunteerism.

Students living in states bordering Arkansas receive in-state tuition.

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. The Arkansas Tech University school code to use on the FAFSA is 001089.

Payment Options:

  • Financial Aid
  • Payment Plan
  • Graduate Assistantships


Calculate Tuition

You could work as a(n):

  • Athletic Trainer
  • Fitness Center Owner
  • Personal Trainer
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach/Trainer

Alumni of our program work at:

  • Anytime Fitness, Clarksville
  • Core Wellness Center, Little Rock
  • El Dorado Public Schools
  • Labette Community College
 

View the links below to better understand the courses, the course timeline, and who your faculty will be when you enroll as an ATU student.

Credentials that stack with this degree:

  • American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist, ACSM-EP
  • American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer, ACSM-CPT
  • Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning Studies (SCS)
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer, NSCA-CPT

 

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Point of Pride

HPE/HES students complete their internships with outstanding final evaluations.

IT'S TIME TO STEP UP

Find out how we will empower you to meet every challenge head-on.

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