The Department of Sport Health Science offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science at Life University that prepares students for a broad range of health and fitness related professions through a curriculum that focuses on the applied sciences of exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology and cardiopulmonary physiology. Furthermore, the curriculum ensures that students are presented with the most contemporary issues and trends in the application of exercise for weight management, cardiopulmonary health, maintenance of functional movement throughout the lifespan, and the application of exercise science to athletic performance. Students who graduate with a degree in Exercise Science continue to study in areas such as medicine, exercise science, kinesiology, biomechanics, Chiropractic, nutrition, psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training and education. In addition, students can find employment as a healthcare professional, whether in a cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation setting or a medically supervised fitness program that focuses on exercise assessment, training, rehabilitation and risk factor modification for individuals.

It is the goal of the Sport Health Science Department to provide the education to ensure the Exercise Science student will:

• Be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to pursue endeavors within their selected field of study;
• Have the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities, necessary to complete the certification process established by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Organization;
• Have the ability to interpret, analyze, and apply information;
• Understand the role of wellness in enhancing the quality of life;
• Be able to generalize Exercise Science concepts of the responses to physical activity, sport performance and detraining;
• Have an understanding of the major risk factors for hypokinetic/chronic diseases and the role that exercise plays in reducing these risks;
• Be able to design exercise and performance enhancement programs for individuals ranging from healthy to at-risk populations;
• Have an understanding of nutrition and biochemistry as it relates to health and performance; and
• Have an understanding of the mechanical principles related to human movement.

Technical Standards for Exercise Science Students

Life University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended and the ADAA 2008. These laws provide a framework for qualified individuals with documented disabilities to request reasonable accommodations needed to participate in a program. Reasonable accommodations are defined as adjustments or modifications that enable a qualified individual with a documented disability to participate as fully as possible in an educational program. An adjustment or modification must be reasonable and may not be provided if it would alter essential academic or technical requirements or result in undue financial or administrative burdens.

Qualified candidates with documented disabilities who wish to request accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act must follow the University’s procedure for requesting an accommodation. This procedure requires the submission to the Student Success Center of a written request for accommodations, along with supporting documentation from a licensed professional demonstrating the existing of a disability, the functional limitations resulting from the disability, and the need for specific accommodations. Documentation must meet specific guidelines, which are set forth in the Student Handbook.  Additional materials on accommodations may also be available at the Student Success Center.

Technical Standards Procedures

While inviting and encouraging voluntary self-identification by students with disabilities, Life University has always related to its students as responsible adults with the independent right to make such life decisions. One of those responsibilities is to work with the Student Success Center in requesting reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services pursuant to the procedures set forth in this catalog.

Undergraduate candidates who self-identify their disability during any of the four stages:

• Prior to applying for admission,
• During the application process,
• After acceptance but before attending classes,
• While currently attending classes,

Will be referred to the Director of the Student Success Center (SSC).

The Director of the SSC will work in concert with the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) whenever a question arises as to an individual’s ability to meet the requirements and technical standards of the specific program to which the student is applying, or in which the student is enrolled. The DAC has been established to adjudicate this process in a timely manner. The Director of the SSC ensures compliance with policy.

Exercise Science Students

Individuals who seek to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science must be able to assume responsibility for providing services to patients and/or clients safely and ethically in the fitness, health and athletic (sport) fields. All students must complete the curriculum in order to graduate with the respective degree. Students in Exercise Science must demonstrate certain minimum essential skills, including, but not limited to the following in order to be admitted to and successfully complete these programs:

Sensory/Observation:

1. Obtain an appropriate health/fitness/medical history from the patient/client.
2. Accurately examine body systems and determine visual, hearing, speech and non-verbal communication, cognition, strength, flexibility, body composition and functional capacities of patients/clients.
3. Accurately examine cardiovascular fitness, including but not limited to, vital signs, blood pressure, heart sounds, respiration rate/breathing patterns and exercise endurance.
4. Observe demonstrations and participate in classroom and laboratory experiences.
5. Reliably read all equipment monitors and dials.

Communication:

1. Communicate effectively with patient/clients and others in a respectful, professional, polite and confident manner in order to elicit information.
2. Communicate effectively with patients/clients in order to elicit information.
3. Maintain accurate documentation in patient/client records.
4. Demonstrate effective use of therapeutic communication including, but not limited to maintaining eye contact, attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating and palpation.
5. Demonstrate respect of personal space of patients/clients and others.
6. Demonstrate appropriate non-verbal communication.
7. Translate and communicate complex information simply and clearly.
8. Maintain confidentiality of patient/client information/records according to all federal and state standards.
9. Demonstrate understanding of English including speaking, reading, and writing.
10. Use communication technology effectively (i.e. telephone, computer, e-mail).

Motor/Strength/Coordination:

1. Accurately and effectively use manual techniques to assess pulses, skin condition, musculoskeletal, joint and limb movement.
2. Manipulate with precision dials, knobs and other parts of equipment used in the clinical setting.
3. Negotiate level surfaces, stairs, ramps and equipment that move as necessary to assist patients/clients appropriately; perform a variety of examinations and procedures effectively which require changing position, sitting, standing, squatting, kneeling and maintaining balance.
4. Respond quickly and effectively to sudden or unexpected movements of patients/clients.
5. Perform basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.), infant through adult, including the proper use of an AED.
6. Demonstrate the ability to sustain adequate performance in the clinical setting.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities:

1. Demonstrate the ability to recall knowledge, comprehend and interpret, apply, analyze and evaluate information obtained during didactic, laboratory and/or practice setting experiences.
2. Demonstrate problem-solving skills necessary for identifying/prioritizing problems, and developing appropriate solutions and treatment plans for patient/client problems as well as evaluating those solutions for efficacy.
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and apply scientific research as well as the ability to effectively identify relevant research literature in the field using electronic databases.
4. Demonstrate the ability to identify complex relationships and to problem solve in group, individual and collaborative settings.
5. Demonstrate the ability to successfully pass various skill assessments composed of, but not limited to essay, oral and/or extended multiple choice tests, compositions, oral presentations and lab practicals designed to assess cognitive and noncognitive skills.

Behavioral and Social Attributes:

1. Demonstrate attributes of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, compassion and empathy for others.
2. Demonstrate ability to critique own performance, accept responsibility for one’s own actions and follow through on commitments and assignments.
3. Actively seek help when necessary and appropriately utilize constructive feedback.
4. Demonstrate organizational skills, completing all professional responsibilities and assignments in a timely manner.
5. Adapt to ever-changing environments, demonstrating flexibility and learning in the face of the uncertainties and stresses inherent in the educational and practice settings.
6. Respect cultural and personal differences of others, including being non-judgmental.
7. Delegate responsibility appropriately, and function as a member of a team.
8. Maintain appropriate personal hygiene and adhere to dress codes mandated by the University and clinical setting(s).
9. Demonstrate appropriate judgment in the prompt completion of all academic and clinical responsibilities.
10. Demonstrate mature, sensitive, ethical and effective relationships with patients/clients and other professionals.
11. Demonstrate the ability to function effectively under stress and/or potentially life threating emergency.
12. Demonstrate the ability to adapt to change to exhibit flexibility in the face of stressful situations.
13. Demonstrate empathy, integrity, compassion, motivation and commitment commensurate with professional standards in the field.
14. Demonstrate the professional attributes of honesty, caring, respect, trustworthiness, competence and responsibility to and for their colleagues and patients/clients.
15. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients/clients.

Admitted Students

Upon application to the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, all candidates are subject to the Technical Standards Policy as presented in this Catalog. During application, all candidates mist sign a certifying statement as represented below for placement in their permanent record.

“I hereby certify that I have read, and understand the Technical Standards Policy as listed in the Life University Catalog and am able to perform the essential and fundamental functions and tasks of the Exercise Science Bachelor’s degree program with or without a reasonable accommodation.”