Saint Francis University

Exercise Physiology

The American College of Sports Medicine and exercise physiologists define an Exercise Physiologist as one who studies the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity.  An exercise physiologist can apply this knowledge to improve or maintain health, fitness, or performance.  Traditionally exercise physiologists worked and studied only with athletes to improve performance.  Today, however, exercise physiologists also work and study in commercial, clinical, and workplace settings to increase health, fitness, and quality of life in the general population.  For example, an exercise physiologist may work as a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist, a personal trainer, or direct an employee fitness program.  (www.acsm.org)

The Saint Francis University Exercise Physiology Program has two tracks: 

• Track I: Wellness Health Promotion and Pre-Allied Health Concentration is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the burgeoning wellness, health promotion, and fitness industries or graduate education in physician assistant science, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.  Additional course work may be required as prerequisites when applying for professional education at Saint Francis University and other institutions. 
  
  
• Track II: Graduate and Pre-Professional Concentration is designed to prepare students for a career in research or graduate education in exercise physiology or medicine. 

Non-majors may minor in exercise physiology with the approval of the program director.

The Exercise Physiology program’s curriculum, faculty, and resources are consistent with the standards and guidelines of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).  In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits more than 2,000 educational programs in 20 health science occupations, including undergraduate and graduate Exercise Physiology programs. Program accreditation is not required, however CCAHEP guidelines for accreditation will be followed so that application for accreditation can be made at the appropriate time.

The curriculum of the Saint Francis University Exercise Physiology Program prepares students to sit for several American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certifications including Health and Fitness Instructor (HFI) and Exercise Specialist. 

Attend an Open House event (click below)

More information 

For more information about the Physical Therapy program at Saint Francis University, please contact:

Kay Malek, PT, PhD.

Interim Chairperson
Assistant Professor
Saint Francis University
Department of Physical Therapy
P.O. Box 600
Loretto, PA  15940-0600

Phone: 814-472-3123  
Fax: 814-472-3140

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