Exercise Science General Policies

The undergraduate Exercise Science curriculum (51视频 Pathway) at 51视频 has a strong foundation in the sciences and meets all core curriculum requirements of the university.

General 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 their senior year.
  • Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions and/or Technical Standards and adhere to those standards in the laboratory and practice setting when necessary.
  • All Exercise Science students must adhere to the College of Health Sciences Student Policies regarding National Criminal Background Checks, Clinical Affiliate Random Drug Screening, and Social Media Policy.
  • Once accepted all Exercise Science students are expected to take all remaining science courses at 51视频. Per 51视频 policy, taking a course required of the degree at another college/university requires chairperson permission prior to taking the course. Such permission will only be given for extenuating circumstances.

Requirements to Maintain Matriculation in Exercise Science

All of the requirements listed below are required to remain enrolled in the ES program regardless of the concentration. Each concentration may have different coursework included in the science GPA; students should consult the ES program handbook or contact the program director for more information.

  • Must maintain a minimum 2.500 cumulative/overall GPA.
  • Must maintain a minimum 2.500 cumulative average in required science courses.
  • Maintain a minimum 2.500 average in ES major courses (all EXER Courses).
  • May not get less than a C in any professional major course (major courses begin with EXER).
  • May not withdraw from any professional major course (major courses begin with EXER).
  • Must successfully complete any course in the ES program following the degree pathway in the appropriate time sequence. Successful completion of major courses with a grade of C or higher is required to continue progression in the ES program. In addition successful completion of major courses following withdrawal is required to continue progression in the ES program.
  • Must meet all conditions of probation for the remainder of the time in the ES program.
  • Must meet all College of Health Sciences and ES program criteria.

Technical Standards

The following guidelines specify the essential functions students must demonstrate to fulfill the Exercise Science curricula's requirements for all degree concentrations. Functions listed are required for the learning and practice of critical thinking, communication, and technical skills taught in the curricula. These functions may be required in clinical, classroom, and laboratory environments.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell and Department of Physical Therapy & Kinesiology will consider for admission to its undergraduate program any applicant who demonstrates the potential ability to perform the functions listed in this document with or without reasonable accommodations consistent with ADA.

Applicants with disabilities are not required to disclose the existence or nature of their disability during the admissions process; however, any applicant with questions about these technical requirements is strongly encouraged to discuss the issue with the program director.

If appropriate, and upon the request of the applicant/student, academic adjustments and/or reasonable accommodations may be provided by Disability Services. However, if the requested accommodations alter the program's requirements, those modifications/accommodations may not be granted as they would change the educational program being offered. The department and program, with Disability Services, will collaborate to make this decision.

Expected Abilities

Critical Thinking

The student will be able to thoroughly, efficiently, and reliably:

  • Recall, interpret, synthesize, evaluate and apply information from written, verbal and illustrated materials.
  • Implement the exercise testing and prescription process across a diverse client population through recall, application of measurement, interpretation, calculation, reassessment, analysis, judgment and synthesis.
  • Identify and communicate the limits of their knowledge to others when appropriate.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills necessary for identifying/prioritizing problems, and developing appropriate solutions for client problems, as well as evaluating solutions for efficacy.
  • Incorporate new information from clients, peers, teachers and relevant literature.

Communication

The student will be able to:

Behavioral and Social

  • Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, allied health personnel, peers and clients in classroom and fieldwork settings.
  • Be aware of and appropriately react to one's own immediate emotional response.
  • Demonstrate ability to critique own performance including accepting constructive feedback, accepting responsibility for one鈥檚 own actions, and following through on commitments.
  • Accept appropriate feedback from peers and faculty or staff and if necessary, respond by modification of behavior.
  • Develop professional relationships, providing comfort and reassurance when appropriate, while protecting confidentiality.
  • Communicate with honesty, integrity, compassion, and empathy for all people.
  • Interact with all individuals in a just, equitable, and inclusive manner.
  • Collaborate effectively with interprofessional team members.
  • Possess the ability to function effectively in a stressful situation.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude and motivation toward personal and professional learning.
  • Demonstrate appropriate time management, dependability, and punctuality.
  • Display cultural competency for individual, social, gender, and cultural differences.
  • Maintain appropriate personal hygiene and adhere to appropriate professional attire mandated by the department, program, and clinical practicum setting.

Receptive and Expressive Abilities

  • Recognize and interpret verbal and non-verbal cues and communication.
  • Complete reading assignments and search and evaluate the literature.
  • Complete written records and documentation where appropriate.
  • Complete oral communication, presentation, and group work assignments.
  • Demonstrate the use of therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating and touching.

Technical Abilities

The student will be able to:

Sensory Observation

  • Observe and participate in laboratory demonstrations and experiences such as exercise testing and aerobic and resistance exercise.
  • Obtain appropriate health/fitness/medical history directly from the client while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Accurately assess cardiovascular fitness, including vital signs, blood pressure, breathing patterns, and exercise tolerance and capacity.

Motor Skills

  • Have sufficient sensory (hearing, vision) and motor function to perform physical testing and assessment.
  • Reliably read and interpret all equipment monitors, gauges, and dials and use stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers, and tape measures.
  • Accomplish required physical tasks for assessments, demonstration, leadership, and assistance in academic, laboratory, and practicum settings.
  • Perform emergency procedures including first aid, CPR, or bloodborne pathogen management in laboratory and practicum settings.
  • Safely and effectively administer and adjust exercise and training techniques which require demonstration, facilitation, spotting, or resistance.
  • Use palpation and touch to accurately assess pulse, locate and prep sites for electrode placement, and skinfold measurement.

Learn More & Apply