Health and Sports Sciences

Department Chair-Goodwin
Professor-Hodge
Assistant Professor-Goodwin, Beard
Instructors-Dallas, Pester
Adjunct Faculty-Shea, Sims, Stidham, Vavrek

Health and Sports Sciences Mission Statement

The department of health and sport sciences mission statement is, “Professionals devoted to developing, increasing and maintaining the span of healthy life through education, programs and services.” Aligned with its role in liberal education, the department offers professional education for individuals wishing to pursue careers in athletic training, exercise science, pre-physical therapy, and health and fitness management. In addition, the department offers physical education and fitness activities as well as a variety of health-related topics designed to improve the quality of life of the participants.

The major curricula of the department are multifaceted and programs of study can be designed to meet individual interests. A student may prepare for commercial or community service positions in health and fitness management and be eligible for certification in numerous health and fitness areas. They may pursue the athletic training major, which is accredited by the CAATE (Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Programs), is offered to prepare students to become certified athletic trainers. Through the exercise science majors students can prepare themselves for advanced studies in the exercise and health science fields. In addition, minors in coaching and health and strength & conditioning are available.

In addition to professional preparation for specific occupations, the major in health and sport sciences is an excellent background for graduate studies in related fields of business, recreation, guidance and counseling, administration, exercise physiology, research and sports medicine. Instruction in physical education activities provides an opportunity for all students to learn about, and to participate in, a variety of individual and team sports, conditioning activities, and to achieve a level of proficiency in these activities that will encourage satisfaction and enjoyment from participation throughout life.

Health and Sports Science Learning Outcomes

HSPTS majors will be able to critically assess evidenced-based clinical services across the continuum of care.
HSPTS will critically analyze, evaluate, and develop logical solutions to practical problems
HSPTS majors will develop the ability to communicate verbally to diverse audiences.
HSPTS majors will demonstrate performance within multiple settings.
HSPTS majors will engage in professional development and understand the importance of life-long learning.

Athletic Training Learning Outcomes:

Injury / Illness prevention and wellness protection: Athletic Trainers will educate participants and manage risk for safe performance and function.
Immediate and emergency care: Athletic Trainers employ standard care procedures and communicate outcomes for efficient and appropriate care of the injured
Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis: Athletic trainers must implement standard evaluation techniques and formulate a clinical impression for the determination of a course of action.
Treatment and rehabilitation: Reconditioning participants for optimal performance and function.
Organizational and professional health and well-being: Understanding and adhering to approved organizational and professional practices and guidelines to ensure individual and organizational well-being.
BOC Examination Passing Rate: Achieve 100 % first time pass rate on the Board of Certification (BOC) examination which is taken online at an approved testing center

Admission Standards

All health and sport sciences majors are required to have liability insurance, professional attire, and one professional organization membership prior to junior status.

Students enrolling in health and fitness management, exercise science, or pre-physical therapy must simply meet the university entrance requirements.

Students interested in the athletic training professional preparation program may select it as a freshman. Formal admission to the athletic training program will take place at the end of the second semester and must be earned by demonstrated performance in several areas:

Successful completion of no less than 24 semester hours. In those hours the student will have completed the following pre-athletic training courses or equivalent courses for transfers: or BIOL 151 , CHEM 101 ,
HSPTS 161
, HSPTS 289 and HSPTS 260 . Performance in these courses will be used to judge the student’s ability to successfully complete the program.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 at the time of application.
Two letters of recommendation in the application process.
A directed observation program completed prior to the application deadline. This includes a minimum of five practice observations with at least two different teams during the year and one game observation. Prior to completing directed observations, the student must complete OSHA training. A journal detailing the directed observations is required for application.
Prior to enrollment of HSPTS 254 students must file with the Athletic Training Program Director evidence of up to date immunizations. Students are also required to show proof of liability insurance.
Prior to the athletic training student starting clinical experience and enrollment in HSPTS 254 , he/she must have successfully passed both the drug screen and criminal background check. Failure by a student to pass the drug screen o the criminal b background check shall preclude the student from participating in any Clinical Site educational program.
The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency CAATE (Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs). Students must read the Technical Standards policy in the Student Athletic Training Manual and verify that they meet the technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.
Athletic Training Fees: Additional expenses incurred by athletic training students include: Attire, personal medical equipment, liability insurance, background check, drug screening, transportation to clinical sites, National Athletic Trainers’ Association membership, and a background check.
Students must verify that they have read and understand the Communicable Disease Policy.

Once admitted to the program, students will be evaluated each semester. Students must maintain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average. In the clinical experience, a combined score from the weekly proficiencies and clinical assignment evaluations of 80 percent or better for that semester must be attained in order to advance to the next semester. Students receiving below a C grade in athletic training course work will be required to retake the course. If progress is unsatisfactory, the student will be placed on probation for one semester and expected to remedy any deficiencies. Students on probation for two consecutive semesters will be removed from the program. For further information contact the program director of the athletic training curriculum.