Mar 28, 2024  
2020-21 College Catalog 
    
2020-21 College Catalog [ARCHIVED]

Exercise Science Concentration Information


The Exercise Science Program at Owens Community College has earned the distinction of being recognized as an ERP Personal Training Program by the NSCA.  The NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP) Personal Training Program recognizes and distinguishes both 2-year and 4-year degree granting academic institutions with standardized, approved personal training curricula that is designed to prepare students for the NSCA-CPT® and the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certifications.  

The central focus of this concentration is supporting the College’s transfer mission by offering the Associate of Science Concentration in Exercise Science. This degree prepares students for transfer into programs that fall under the diverse field of Exercise Science.

This concentration is designed to prepare students to effectively participate in bachelor’s degree seeking options through local four-year institutions in several related fields including but not limited to: Sports Management, Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, and Leisure and Recreation. Further degree seeking options at the master’s level include: occupational therapy and physical therapy. Students with this background can also pursue employment in the following areas: fitness coach, personal trainer, and aerobics instructor.

Additionally, the Department coordinates physical activity courses and personal wellness courses on campus which contribute to a culture of wellness for both students and employees.


Department of Therapeutic Services

Administration

Toledo Campus

Phone

Email

Catherine Ford, Dean Health Technologies 121 B    (567) 661-7398    catherine_ford@owens.edu  
Barbara A Seguine, Chair, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program   Health Technologies 525 (567) 661-7415 barbara_seguine@owens.edu
Jami L Williamson, Facilitator, Exercise Science Program   Bicentennial Hall 170 (567) 661-2108 jami_williamson@owens.edu

 

  

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Discuss the physiological basis of the major components of physical fitness: cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, flexibility, and functional movement.
  • Describe and demonstrate assessment techniques and methods for: cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, flexibility, and comprehensive wellness.
  • Define the psychological principles which are critical to health/wellness behavior change.
  • Competently apply the personal communication skills necessary to develop rapport in order to motivate clients to participate in a wellness program.
  • Describe, discuss, contrast, compare and evaluate the roles of modern healthcare and physical fitness.
  • Identify and apply the skills needed for problem solving and critical thinking.
  • Distinguish between various exercise training modalities and their outcomes.
  • Describe, demonstrate and apply knowledge of the components and functions of the human anatomy and the body in motion as related to exercise training.
  • Design exercise-training programs based upon evaluation, goal setting, accepted training principles and maintenance of healthy levels of fitness.
  • Identify, evaluate, operate, and be able to instruct with, various types of exercise training equipment.
  • Actively experience the various modalities of exercise training.
  • Access and assess information technology and data appropriately.

Internships

Owens Community College offers an on and off-campus internship experiences that provides over 100 hours of professional and hands-on lab and community engagement opportunities to provide active learning to our students. For more information on the internship expectations, please contact the Department Chair.

Employment Opportunities

Exercise Science professionals work in the health and fitness industry and are skilled at evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, writing appropriate exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors for health promotion. They conduct these activities in a variety of places including:

  • Universities
  • Corporate Wellness Centers
  • Commercial Settings
  • Community Centers
  • Cardiac Rehab Centers
  • Fitness Centers

Salaries for those who major in Exercise Science depend upon the chosen focus. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2011 Fitness Trainers averaged an annual salary of $36,150, or $17.38 per hour.  Students who transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field may have higher incomes. For example, athletic trainers earn an average yearly salary of $44,640.

According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 13 percent from 2012 to 2022.  However, job prospects may be different for students who transfer to complete a four-year degree in a related field. For example, employment of athletic trainers and exercise physiologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022.

To learn more about these careers, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to search career opportunities and growth across the nation, go to www.bls.gov.

Transfer Information

It is recommended that a student who plans to transfer to a four-year college in order to complete a degree in a field related to Exercise Science consult with that school about career options and job potential.  Transfer institutions may require different courses for this transfer program. Students should tailor their Owens program as closely as possible to the requirements at their four-year school of choice. Meet with an Advisor for more information on local institution program alignment.