Health Sciences, B.S.

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120 Credits Required for Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Overview

The Health Science major provides educational opportunities that prepare students for a career as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and/or a Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) and/or a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). “A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist is a professional who designs and implements strength training and conditioning programs for athletes in a team setting.” (NSCA - National Strength and Conditioning Association) “A certified Exercise Physiologist conducts and interprets physical fitness assessments and develops exercise prescriptions for people who are healthy or have medically controlled diseases.” (ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine) A Certified Health Education Specialist works with individuals and communities to improve or maintain their health by engaging in behaviors that promote positive health. (NCHEC - National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.)

Students begin their professional phase of the Health Science major during their freshman year at the University. Students are formally accepted to the Health Science major on admission to the University (see program admission criteria). Throughout their course of study, students gain a sound educational basis for professional practice, which is infused with Franciscan values.

The Health Science Major (HS) is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills established by the NSCA, ACSM and/or NCHEC to become Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists, Certified Exercise Physiologists (EP-C) and/or Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). In addition, the HS Major can be tailored to prepare students interested in graduate programs in areas such as Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physician’s Assistant. (Note: Students may use electives to help meet pre-requisites for their desired area of graduate study.)

Mission Statement

In accordance with, and reflective of, the Mission of Neumann University, the Health Science major provides a service-orientated education for students seeking a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Health Science. Students acquire the knowledge and skills of a strength and conditioning specialist, exercise physiologist and/or health education specialist through classroom and clinical instruction. Graduates are prepared to carry out diverse responsibilities in roles with flexible boundaries, to view learning as a lifelong process, and to value the inherent dignity of human beings regardless of individual differences.

Program Philosophy

The Health Science Major is dedicated to respond to the changing environment of health care. Our goal is to prepare well educated professionals that will emerge as contributing members of the Strength and Conditioning profession, Exercise Physiology and/or Health Education profession. Faculty are active at all levels of these professions and are committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience to the students.

Classroom learning in the Health Science major infuses Franciscan values in addition to required knowledge determined by the NSCA, ACSM and/or NCHEC. Classroom learning is also supplemented by a clinical rotation that provides students with the opportunity to develop skills and experiences with various athletic and/or patient populations, served by these professions.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in Health Science and will be able to:

Utilize the cognitive knowledge base, which is required in strength and conditioning, exercise physiology and/or health education.
Demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of human anatomy/physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, program design, exercise prescription and administration.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of exercise testing and prescription for various populations.
Demonstrate currently acceptable professional practices and apply the knowledge to appropriate patients, athletes and/or clients.
Function in a professional manner in varied setting with other health professionals.

Program Admission Criteria

Requirements for candidates for admission to the Health Science major:

High School diploma or equivalent
Minimum cumulative High School GPA of 2.50.
Composite SAT score of 970 or ACT score of 18.
For students from a non-English speaking country or for whom English is a second language, results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted and a minimum score of 84 is required.

Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements

Progression in the Health Science major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires students to:

Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher for Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Physiology and Health Education.
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher for Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Occupational Therapy.
If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below the required GPA, he/she is placed on Program Probation for one semester. If the student’s cumulative GPA remains below the required GPA after one semester of Program Probation, he/she will be dismissed from the program. The student may reapply for admission to the Health Science Major once his/her cumulative GPA is at or above the required GPA.
Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.
Meet required health standards prior to internship (HSC 497, HSC 498 and/or HSC 499).
Present proof of current Criminal Background Clearance prior to internship (HSC 497, HSC 498 and/or HSC 499).*
Present proof of current Child Abuse Clearance prior to internship (HSC 497, HSC 498 and/or HSC 499).*
Present proof of FBI Fingerprint results prior to internship (HSC 497, HSC 498 and/or HSC 499).*
Attain a grade of “C” or better in HSC 497, HSC 498 and/or HSC 499.

*A criminal record and/or history of child abuse may prohibit clinical placement and, subsequently, result in failure to meet degree requirements.

Clinical Internship/Practical Observation

To enter the clinical internship in the junior/senior year, students must successfully completed all prerequisites and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00. The internship requires a minimum of 300 hours of clinical practice. Students in any of the pre-graduate tracks must complete a 200 hour observation.