Exercise Physiology

About the Program
Why Choose the Exercise Physiology program?
Career Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Academic Standing
Professional Skills and Technical Standards
Health Requirements
Additional Program Requirements

About the Program

The goal of the Department of Physical Therapy is to prepare entry-level practitioners in exercise physiology and in physical therapy. Exercise physiology is the study of acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from exercise and physical activity. The undergraduate curriculum is broad based and includes courses in liberal arts, basic sciences (anatomy & physiology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry), and professional courses (exercise physiology, kinesiology, exercise prescription/program planning). The EP curriculum is sequential, comprehensive, and cumulative and prepares students for the capstone clinical practicum in the senior year. Students are assigned to either a cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation setting or to a fitness setting for a semester. While working in the clinical practicum setting, students attend a weekly seminar to discuss issues which arise on clinicals.

EP Curriculum Checklist (pdf)

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• Highly qualified and caring faculty.
• Dedicated students
• Graduates are competent, polished beginning professionals
• Career pathway into many graduate programs, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at UML

There are numerous career opportunities for graduates of the exercise physiology program. Graduates can work as exercise practitioners (group exercise instructor, personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach) in private or corporate fitness settings or with sport teams. The focus is on improving or maintaining health, fitness, or performance. Graduates can work in sports medicine (the field of medicine dealing with injuries sustained in athletic endeavors and/or illnesses impacting sport performance). Practice settings may include sports medicine clinics or sports training facilities. Graduates can also work as clinical exercise physiologists in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medically supervised fitness centers.  Patients/clients present with cardiac and pulmonary conditions, and may be recovering from surgery or acute hospitalization.

There are no national professional licensing requirements at the present time. Some states do have licensing for exercise physiologists. There is a certification process for health/fitness instructors by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and a separate certification in strength and conditioning by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Graduates can pursue graduate study in Exercise Physiology. Advanced degrees in EP (Master’s, Doctorate) prepare individuals for positions as exercise specialists (ACSM certification, NSCA certification) or exercise program directors. Graduate degrees in EP also prepare individuals for research or teaching positions. A Ph.D. is typically required for teaching or research positions in higher education.

Graduates of the exercise physiology program meet all the necessary requirements for application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The DPT program is a fully accredited, 3 year program designed to prepare entry-level practitioners in physical therapy. It includes 96 credits of coursework and 35 weeks of clinical education experience. Applications to the DPT program at UML are competitive. A percentage of available spots in the DPT program at UML are reserved for graduates from the EP program. Requirements for admission to the graduate program in physical therapy include a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better, a GPA in science courses of 3.0 or better, Graduate Record Examination (GRE), documented personal experience in a physical therapy setting, three letters of recommendation, and personal interview.  Highly qualified UML EP students can be admitted following the junior year through the Expedited Admissions Program (minimum overall GPA and science GPA of 3.5 required and successful completion of the senior year in the EP program). Students are also well-qualified to enter graduate programs in other health professions including medicine,  nursing, occupational therapy, sports nutrition, etc.

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Admission Requirements

1. A high school diploma
2. High school grades of B (3.0) or better
3. Completion of high school program that is specifically college prep courses which includes English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics
4. Combined SAT scores totaling at least 1,000 (mathematics and verbal)
5. Evidence of good health through a physical exam that demonstrates the ability of the student to actively participate in all phases of laboratory work.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Students may apply to transfer into Exercise Physiology (EP) from other majors (internal transfers from within UML or external transfers from other schools).  Admissions are competitive and on a space available basis; overall and science GPAs of 2.7 are required.

Pathways into EP include:

1. Transfer students can be admitted into EP after 2 semesters. Students must have successfully completed prerequisite science courses (Anat & Physiology I & II with labs) prior to admission.           

2. Transfer students can also be admitted into EP after 3 semesters and must have successfully completed prerequisite science courses (Anat & Physiology I & II with labs; Phy Chem I with lab and/or Physics I with lab) prior to admission.

3. Students admitted into Undeclared Health (UH) in the School of Health and Environment may apply for admission into EP after 2, 3 or 4 semesters. The above requirements must be met for admission after 2 or 3 semesters. For admission after 4 semesters, students must have successfully completed all science prerequisites (Anat & Physiology I & II with labs; Phy Chem I & II with labs;  Physics I & II with labs). Students must have also successfully completed Intro to EP with a minimum grade of 2.7.

Exercise Physiology Program Requirements

The goal of the faculty of the Department of Physical Therapy is to prepare well-educated and competent practitioners of exercise physiology. All students are expected to demonstrate the essential abilities and skills necessary to work accurately and safely with peers and patients/clients in a variety of settings, including classroom, laboratory, and practice settings. The faculty recognizes that reasonable accommodations or adjustments may be necessary as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students are expected to assume responsibility for life-long learning and professional career development.

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Academic Standing

To qualify for continued matriculation in the Exercise Physiology program, all students must meet specific academic criteria. These include maintaining a minimum overall GPA of 2.7, a 2.7 GPA each semester, a minimum science GPA of 2.7,  a minimum 2.7 GPA in all courses in the EP major, and no grade less than C in major courses. Students who have been denied continuance in the major for academic reasons or students who have been dismissed from the program for non-academic reasons may appeal for reinstatement. A student with a successful appeal will be allowed back into the program on probation. A student is permitted only one probationary period in his/her undergraduate career in the EP program.

Students are expected to adhere to the Honor Code and to maintain the highest ethical behavior both in and out of the classroom. Cheating or plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Should students witness either behavior, they are required by the Code to report infractions. Students found in violation of the Honor Code will be dismissed from the program.

Professional Skills and Technical Standards

Students in Exercise Physiology must demonstrate certain minimum skills, including:

1.  Observational and Examination Skills

1. obtain an appropriate health/fitness/medical history from the patient/client.
2. accurately examine body systems and determine vision, hearing, speech and non-verbal communication, cognition, strength, flexibility, and functional capacities of patients/clients.
3. accurately examine cardiovascular fitness, including vital signs, blood pressure, heart sounds, breathing patterns, and exercise endurance.
4. observe demonstrations and participate in classroom and laboratory experiences.
5. reliably read all equipment monitors and dials.

2.   Communication Skills:

1. communicate with others in a respectful, polite and confident manner.
2. accurately complete all written assignments on time.
3. maintain accurate documentation in patient/client records.
4. demonstrate effective use of therapeutic communication such as maintaining eye contact, attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching.
5. demonstrate respect of personal space of patients/clients and others.
6. demonstrate appropriate non-verbal communication.
7. translate complex information simply and clearly.
8.  maintain confidentiality of patient/client information/records.
9. demonstrate understanding of English, including speaking, reading, and writing using correct grammar, accurate spelling, and expression.
10. use communication technology effectively, i.e. telephone, computer, email.

3.  Motor Skills:

1. accurately use manual techniques to assess pulses, skin condition, muscle and tendon activity, joint and limb movement.
2. manipulate with precision dials, knobs, and other parts of equipment used in the practice setting.
3. negotiate level surfaces, stairs, ramps and equipment that moves as necessary to assist patients/clients appropriately; perform a variety of examinations and procedures 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.
6. demonstrate the ability to sustain performance in the practice setting for an 8 – 10 hour workday.

4.  Critical Thinking Skills:

1. demonstrate the ability to recall knowledge, comprehend and interpret, apply, analyze, synthesize, 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 evaluate and integrate scientific research.

5.  Behavioral and Social Skills:

1. demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills evidenced by mature, sensitive, and effective professional interactions
2. demonstrate a positive attitude (motivation) toward learning
3. demonstrate attributes of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, compassion,  empathy, and continuous regard for others
4. demonstrate emotional well-being necessary for exercising sound judgment
5. demonstrate appropriate time management, dependability, and punctuality
6. demonstrate ability to critique own performance, accept responsibility for one’s own actions, and follow through on commitments and assignments
7. actively seek help when necessary and appropriately utilize constructive feedback
8. demonstrate organizational skills, completing all professional responsibilities and assignments in a timely manner
9. adapt to ever-changing environments, demonstrating flexibility, and learning in the face of the uncertainties and stresses inherent in the educational and practice settings
10. respect cultural and personal differences of others, including being non-judgmental
11. delegate responsibility appropriately, and function as a member of a team
12. maintain appropriate professional distance with patients/clients.
13. maintain appropriate personal hygiene and adhere to dress codes mandated by the school and practice setting.

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Health Requirements:

All students in the Exercise Physiology program must meet the following health requirements:

• Prior to entry into the Exercise Physiology I course in the junior year, students must provide evidence of a current physical exam, signed by a physician or nurse practitioner, indicating satisfactory general health, and in particular, clearance to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• Prior to entry into the Clinical Practicum in the senior year (fall or spring), students must provide evidence of a current physical exam indicating satisfactory general health and proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, and Hepatitis B. In addition, students must have had a tetanus shot within 10 years, be free of tuberculosis, and have taken a test for color blindness.
• Any other pertinent health information/needs must be communicated to the department faculty in a timely manner.
• Some clinical facilities require that students have had the chicken pox or a vaccination.

Additional Program Requirements

• Students must meet with their advisor each semester for Pre-registration/Advising. 
• Students must provide evidence of current CPR Certification (infant through adult) prior to entry into the senior year.
• Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions and adhere to those standards in the laboratory and practice setting when necessary.
• A criminal background check (CORI check) is required before starting the Clinical Practicum in the senior year.