The Exercise Physiology Program in West Virginia University's School of Medicine provides students with the opportunity to pursue a bachelor of science degree, a master of science degree, and a PhD in this field of study. Exercise physiologists are trained to evaluate people in the areas of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, neuromuscular integration, and body composition. They are also trained to provide exercise programs, based on the results of these evaluations, that increase the functional capacity of the participants. Those with a PhD are trained to be independent investigators in exercise science. Majors in the School of Medicine Anatomy M, D Biochemistry M, D Community Health Education M Exercise Physiology B, M, D Medical Technology B Medicine D Microbiology and Immunology M, D Occupational Therapy MOT Pharmacology and Toxicology M, D Physical Therapy DPT Physiology M, D Public Health M B = Bachelor's; M = Master's; D = Doctorate DPT = entry-level doctoral program MOT = entry-level master’s program For more information, contact Stephen E. Alway, professor and chair, at 304-293-7767, or salway@hsc.wvu.edu or Randall W. Bryner, associate professor and director of undergraduate education, rbryner@hsc.wvu.edu Visit the Web site at: www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/ep

The WVU School of Medicine
The West Virginia University School of Medicine is part of the WVU Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, a place of healing and learning. Our attractive campus includes Ruby Memorial Hospital; WVU Children’s Hospital; the Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center; the Physician Office Center, West Virginia’s largest multispecialty group practice; the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center; Chestnut Ridge Hospital, a psychiatric facility; and HealthSouth Mountainview Regional Rehabilitation Hospital. We are West Virginia’s flagship institution for health care, research, and education of the highest quality.

Admission
If University admission requirements are met, a student may be accepted as an Exercise Physiology major. Students transferring to WVU to pursue a major in Exercise Physiology must have a 2.75 GPA, and no grade lower than a C in required course work.

Curriculum
Program requirements for Exercise Physiology majors include theory and foundation courses, General Education Curriculum (GEC) requirements, and exercise physiology courses. To complete the necessary credits, students enroll in first aid and emergency care, sport injury control, kinesiology, exercise physiology, anatomy, laboratory techniques and methods, sport law, senior thesis, statistics, and an internship.

To fulfill basic science and business requirements, a student must complete courses in college algebra, trigonometry, introductory physics, statistics, elementary physiology, introductory chemistry, organic chemistry, general biology, management, marketing, and nutrition. These classes complement the exercise physiology requirements to give students the background needed for future careers or graduate study. The Division offers an emphasis area in aquatic therapy, available to both undergraduate and graduate students. This 15 credit-hour emphasis area includes courses in theory, clinical applications, pool management, and a practicum. The program offers an emphasis area in health professions. Required courses for this emphasis include pathophysiology, biochemistry, research methods, and a clinical internship or research rotation. This emphasis area prepares students for graduate or professional schools.

Accreditation
WVU is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Exercise Physiology curriculum has been endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Career Opportunities
Exercise physiologists work with athletes, patients, or healthy participants in the area of disease prevention in wellness programs or rehabilitation in hospital settings. An individual interested in exercise physiology may be employed in community organizations, commerce and industry, rehabilitation programs, and competitive sports programs. Graduates are usually employed as personal trainers, strength and conditioning specialists, and/or wellness coordinators.

Graduate School Opportunities
Graduates of this program continue their studies in exercise physiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medicine (many pursuing careers as team physicians or orthopedic surgeons), or other health-related fields. Graduates of the master of science or PhD programs find employment in corporate wellness, hospital rehabilitation, higher education, and government or private research agencies.

Salary Range
In 2003, the average starting pay was about $25,000 a year for a BS degree. Staff physiologists with an MS degree earn $30,000 to $45,000 a year. Those in administrative work (or careers in academic or research settings), may earn $50,000 to $100,000 a year.