Exercise Physiology

Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program

Jessica M. Brown	Assistant Professor
Daniel Shackelford	Program Director

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology-Clinical Program incorporates extensive hands-on experiences through multiple practicums and internships. Coursework includes both lecture and lab, incorporating innovative approaches to medical screening, exercise assessment, exercise prescription and intervention, and rehabilitation. The mission of the M.S. in Exercise Physiology-Clinical Program is to prepare qualified professionals at the master’s level to work in clinical rehabilitation settings, health promotion/preventative program settings, fitness and sport programs, functional training, and college/university settings. Upon graduation, students would possess the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills in the field to sit for a variety of clinical and related specialty certifications, and/or doctoral level work in exercise physiology or other allied health disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes were developed based on the established scope of practice and services for exercise physiology. Students completing the clinical exercise physiology concentration would be eligible to sit for (but not limited to) the ACSM-CEP or ACE-CMES certification exams, and prepared to work in cardiovascular diagnostic centers, cancer rehabilitation clinics, and a variety of clinical rehabilitation settings, including (but not limited to) inpatient and outpatient clinics, and preventive cardiology, diabetic,, and pulmonary programs.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

Identify, perform, and interpret appropriate screenings to assess the health status of persons from diverse populations and health conditions.
Appropriately apply the principles, recommendations, and skills for exercise testing and prescription, and evidence-based decision making in planning safe and effective exercise programs for persons from diverse populations and health conditions.
Understand common chronic diseases and disabilities, disease progression, interventions, and the adaptations resulting from exercise, and apply this information in developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive programs that address client needs and goals.
Understand and apply problem-solving skills and current practices in risk factor reduction and lifestyle management to include goal setting, behavior change theory, motivational strategies, and health/wellness coaching.
Evaluate and use an array of testing and exercise equipment, and technologies to support clinical/sports medicine practice.
Demonstrate competence in communication and interpersonal skills in the provision, instruction, and supervision of programs and services in clinical/sports medicine practice.
Examine and critique the scientific literature in the discipline, synthesize relevant information, and appropriately convey that information in scientific writing and oral communication.
Evaluate and understand the importance and value of ethical and professional standards of practice to include being accountable for individual non-medical judgments and professional decisions about health and fitness, preventive, rehabilitative, and/or educational services and programs, and applied research.

General Degree Requirement

The M.S. in Exercise Physiology is a 21-month program, requiring a total of 58 credit hours to include 9 credits of common core requirements, and 49 credits of concentration requirements.

Admission

The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program admits qualified students regardless of race, color, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or disability that does not interfere with the performance of professional practice as provided by law. Students can enter the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program - Clinical Emphasis in one of three ways:

Prior Degree - An individual who has completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at another institution or at Carroll can apply for the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program.
3 + 2 Completion - Current Carroll University undergraduate student seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science who intends to follow the 3 + 2 completion plan. The applicant generally is of junior standing when applying to the program. The 3 +2 completion plan requires the first three years of study to be completed at the undergraduate level of study with a major in exercise science (with verification through a degree audit that 128 total credits will be earned upon completion of year one of the graduate program). The final two years consist of graduate level study in the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program. Upon completion of the first year of the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program, a Carroll University Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science is awarded, and upon successful completion of all graduate credits (58 total credits), the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology degree is awarded.
Direct Admission (freshman or sophomore level of entry) Current freshman and sophomore Carroll University undergraduate students seeking a Carroll bachelor’s degree may apply for direct admission consideration through the Carroll Office of Admission. To be considered for direct admission, applicants must complete two semesters of Anatomy & Physiology with a lab (equivalent to Carroll’s ANP130 & 140) and apply by May 1st of the spring semester of the freshman and/or sophomore year. Candidates who are granted direct admission must meet the direct admission progression requirements listed below.

Applications and credentials for admission to the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program - Clinical Emphasis must be submitted for processing to the Carroll University Office of Admission. Applications are reviewed case-by-case on a monthly basis, continuously throughout the year and prior to the start of the fall term (September). As decisions are made on applications, applicants are notified through the Office of Admission. Applicants must be eligible to return in good standing (be free of academic or disciplinary probation) to all institutions previously attended.

Requirements for admission into the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program with a Clinical Emphasis include:

Evidence of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent institution will be awarded prior to the start of the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program for all non-traditional applicants and by the completion of senior year for all Carroll 3+2 completion plan applicants.
Cumulative and pre-professional GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is recommended to be considered for admission.
- Pre-professional courses should typically be completed within the past seven years from the time of application with grades of ‘C’ or better. Candidate’s with course work older than seven years should have relevant experience within the field to be considered. Pre-professional courses are indicated below with an asterisk.
Proof of current First Aid and CPR certification for the professional rescuer is required prior to commencing the graduate program.
Health Screening and Background Check - Master of Science in Exercise Physiology students are required to have completed a health screening (physical), updated immunizations and tuberculosis screening according to current Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for health professionals, criminal background investigation and drug screening as required by internship placement sites. Exceptions to the immunization requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis where, for example, a student has an allergy to a vaccine or one of its components. If an exception to the immunization requirements is approved, the University cannot guarantee that its affiliated hospitals and clinics will allow the student to participate in patient care, which is a fundamental requirement of the clinical education component of the Program.

Applicants must comply with all admission requirements listed above. Selection decisions will be based on evaluation of:

Graduate Studies On-line Application
Supplemental application packet, which includes the following:
- Three letters of reference
- Essay (must be typed)
- Experiences document or a professional resume
- Safety and technical standards
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including both graduate and undergraduate course work - must be mailed directly to Carroll University Admission Office.
Successful completion of prerequisite course work. Pre-professional courses are indicated below with an asterisk.

International candidates may have additional admission requirements. Please contact the Office of Admission for details.

Required Prerequisite Course Work

The following courses must be completed prior to commencing the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program with a Clinical Emphasis:

One undergraduate level statistics course
One undergraduate level psychology course
One undergraduate level anatomy course with lab*
One undergraduate level physiology course with lab*
One undergraduate level exercise physiology course*
One undergraduate level exercise testing and prescription course is suggested, but not required*
- Course equivalency or related content in exercise testing and exercise programming, strength and conditioning, personal training or wellness coaching will be considered.

*Indicates course work included in pre-professional GPA calculation.

Direct Admission Application and Progression Requirements

To be considered for direct admission, applicants must:

Apply to the MEXP program Graduate Online Application by May 1st of the spring semester of the freshman and/or sophomore year.
Email the Graduate Admission Office -(gradinfo@carrollu.edu) to indicate:
- your intent and request to be considered for direct admission to the MEXP Program.
- to verify when your anatomy and physiology I and II courses with labs will be completed.

Direct admission candidates must meet the following progression requirements prior to entering the graduate program:

Earn a 3.0 cumulative and pre-professional GPA. Pre-professional course work must be grades of ‘C’ or better and is indicated with an asterisk below.
Submit the following by February 1st, prior to entering the fall term of the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology - Clinical Emphasis graduate program (i.e. February 1st after the junior or senior year at Carroll:
- Graduate Online Application to apply for progression into the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program
- Documentation of a minimum of 10 hours of observation/volunteer/experience in a clinical exercise physiology or cardiac rehabilitation setting. A hospital setting is recommended.
Successfully complete or be in progress of completing all of the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology prerequisite course work, undergraduate major, support, and general education course work prior to entering the graduate program (note: CCS400 may be completed during year one of the graduate program). Pre-professional coursework includes (or equivalent):
- ANP130 & ANP140, Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs*
- ESC280, Exercise Physiology with lab*
- ESC320, Exercise Testing & Prescription with lab*
- PSY101, Introduction to Psychology (or higher)
- CMP112 & CMP114, Computational Thinking I and II
Proof of current CPR and First Aid certification for the Professional Rescuer or Healthcare Provider is required prior to commencing the program.

Admission and progression standards are subject to change based on regulatory, licensing and/or certification needs.

Technical Standards for Admission to and Progression in the Exercise Physiology Program

Successful participation in the M.S. in Exercise Physiology program requires that a student possess the ability to meet the requirements of the program. Though the program can modify certain course requirements in order to provide a handicapped person (as defined by the federal government pursuant to SS 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) with an equivalent opportunity to achieve the same results as those students without a handicap, there are no substitutions for the following essential skills. The applicant must initially meet these requirements to gain admission to the program, and must continue to meet them throughout participation in the program.

Physical ability: The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to provide safe and effective assessments and interventions for clients/patients across the lifespan. The student is expected to possess the psychomotor skills and physical abilities necessary to safely and correctly perform a wide variety of health/fitness screenings, assessments, exercise tests, and exercise demonstrations. Examples of assessments include, but are not limited to, resting vitals and other biometrics, cardiopulmonary tests, functional capacity, ECG, anaerobic testing, musculoskeletal fitness, range of motion (ROM), body composition, balance, and functional abilities. Interventions include, but are not limited to, patient education, cardiovascular fitness training, endurance training, resistance training, performance training, flexibility and ROM, neuromuscular training, and functional training.
Communication ability: The student must communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally to obtain important information and to clearly explain information to others as well as to facilitate communication among the patient, family members and other professionals. Each student must have the ability to speak and comprehend the English language as well as be able to read and write in a manner that meets the standards for literacy in higher education. Students must be able to actively listen and possess basic interviewing skills. The student must be able to document and maintain accurate records, and present information in a professional and appropriate manner to the target audience.
Intellectual/cognitive ability: The student must demonstrate the ability to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential to the field of exercise physiology. Problem solving skills include the ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and judge objective and subjective data, and to make decisions in a timely manner that reflect thoughtful deliberation and sound judgment. The student must also possess the ability to comprehend, retain, retrieve and incorporate prior knowledge with new information from multiple sources including, but not limited to self, peers, instructors and related literature to formulate sound decisions for competent client/patient management, practice management, and scholarship.
Interpersonal attributes: The student is expected to demonstrate sufficient stable emotional behavior to effectively work with others, perform assessments, and perform intervention activities. Empathy, integrity, motivation, honesty, and caring are personal attributes required of those in the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology program. The student must have the ability to establish rapport and maintain respectful interpersonal relationships with individuals, families, groups and professionals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds, and to collaborate effectively. Each student must be able to adapt to changing environments, displaying flexibility and a positive demeanor as well as to accept and integrate constructive criticism given in the classroom and professional settings. In addition, the student must demonstrate personal responsibility and accountability for their actions and reactions to individuals, groups, and situations to include the prompt completion of all responsibilities and tasks in the classroom and professional settings. Students must demonstrate continuous self-assessment to improve as a professional.
Ability to manage stressful situations: The student must be able to adapt to, and function effectively in relation to, stressful situations encountered in both the classroom and professional settings, including emergency situations. Students will encounter multiple stressors while in the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program, and must effectively manage these stressors on an ongoing basis. These stressors might be related to (but are not limited to) personal issues, family, peers, supervisors/faculty, and clients/patients.
Health screening and background check: The student is required to complete a health screening/physical, updated immunizations and tuberculosis screening according to current Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for health professionals, criminal background investigation and drug screening as required by internship placement sites. Exceptions to the immunization requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis where, for example, a student has an allergy to a vaccine or one of its components. If an exception to the immunization requirements is approved, the University cannot guarantee that its affiliated hospitals and clinics will allow the student to participate in patient care, which is a fundamental requirement of the clinical education component of the Program.

Caregiver Background and Criminal History Check

On October 1, 1998, the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services mandated that all persons who seek to be employed and/or licensed in the caregiver industry must fulfill the caregiver and background check requirements in section 50.065 of the Wisconsin Statute. Prior to beginning their internship, students are required to complete a background and criminal history check, and abide by the university and state regulations pertaining to the findings.

Insurance

Professional Liability: Students are required to purchase professional liability insurance on an annual basis through a university endorsed provider.

Academic Progression in Exercise Physiology

A grade of B or better is required in all Exercise Physiology courses. A letter grade of C, D, F or U in an Exercise Physiology course results in the student being placed on academic probation within the program until the student is able to repeat the course and progress to subsequent courses for which the failed course is a prerequisite. When repeating an Exercise Physiology course a student may be required to successfully complete ancillary learning experiences or clinical competencies/practicums that validate theoretical knowledge. If a student is unable to take further courses in the next occurring semester as a result of this policy, the student is placed on academic suspension and repeats the course during the next appropriate semester. A course may be repeated only one time. A student receiving a C, D, F or U in the same Exercise Physiology course twice or in two Exercise Physiology courses is dismissed from the program.

A student must obtain a GPA of 3.00 or better each semester. If a student earns a semester grade point average between 2.00 - 2.99, he/she is placed on academic probation. To be removed from academic probation the student must earn a GPA of 3.00 or better in the following semester. If a clinical internship course is scheduled during the next semester, the student must earn a satisfactory (S) grade in the clinical internship course and a GPA of 3.00 or better in the semester following the clinical internship to be removed from academic probation.

If a student was placed on academic probation once and a second violation of the academic progression policy, either a grade of C, D, or F, in a course or a GPA below a 3.00 the student will be dismissed from the program. Students who cancel or withdraw from the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Program forfeit their position in the program. Students wishing to re-enter the graduate program after cancelling or withdrawing must go through the full re-application process.

Once a clinical course commences students cannot withdraw from the clinical course.

If at any time the student is deemed unsatisfactory in a clinical course, the student cannot continue to attend.

Since transportation to and from clinical and practicum sites is the student’s responsibility, a vehicle is required for each student.

Dismissed Graduate Students’ Participation in Commencement

A student may be dismissed from a Carroll University graduate program if he/she does not fulfill the academic progression requirements outlined by each program. If a student is dismissed from a graduate program, he/she will not be able to participate in the Commencement ceremony. The student may choose to appeal this dismissal by completing an Academic Petition form which is reviewed by the Academic Steering Committee. Depending on the outcome of the committee’s decision, the student may be eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony the following academic year.

Fees

Graduate tuition and semester Program Fees are assessed to cover student liability insurance, professional memberships, personal and program related equipment and supplies for the Exercise Physiology Program are published in the Tuition and Financial Aid section of the Graduate Catalog.