The Exercise Physiology major at Concordia is committed to preparing students for entry into graduate health professional and academic programs as well as careers in allied health and exercise settings. CUW's student preparation is accomplished through the development of a solid foundation in the basic sciences, the generation of new knowledge specific to the diverse areas of emphasis within exercise physiology, and the dissemination of the most current information in the field. To help broaden the educational experience, students are encouraged to pursue local internship experiences, to participate in local chapters of professional organizations, and to sit for national certification exams in the area of exercise physiology. The exercise physiology curriculum at CUW is based on the philosophy that man is spirit, mind and body and that the realization of human potential is based on an integration of the three components.
When taken into consideration regarding the state of health in the U.S. and the concern over sedentary living, rising obesity and diabetes, and other chronic diseases, the role of exercise physiology is evolving into an increasingly important component in prevention and rehabilitative health care services.
It is with the aforementioned health care concerns and the strong research supporting exercise and physical activity as an integral component of every individual's well being that the program is also transitioning into a more clinical emphasis for the exercise physiologist. This clinical transition is helped by the strong Health Sciences Department at CUW and the partnership with exercise physiology and the more traditional allied health professions of PT, OT, and Nursing.
Reid Nelson, a native of Minnesota, joined CUW's Health and Human Performance Department's staff in fall 2002. He received his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Minnesota where his emphasis was exercise physiology as it relates to cardiovascular disease. Reid was previously on the faculty at Northern Illinois University teaching courses in heart disease, rehabilitation, ECG and stress testing and directing the university's Adult Fitness and Heart Health Program. Prior to his academic career, he supervised a testing and rehabilitation program in a private cardiology clinic in Minneapolis and during his doctoral studies, he worked at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic's inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and holds that organization's highest certification as a Program Director for prevention/rehabilitation programs. His professional interests lie in clinical exercise physiology and the use of exercise as a primary and secondary therapy for chronic diseases.
Program Facts
Areas of Emphasis:
This major includes a strong science foundation: inorganic chemistry I & II, biochemistry, anatomy & physiology I & II; and a human performance focus: exercise physiology (clinical emphasis), biomechanics, motor development.
Complementary Majors/Minors:
Pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, athletic training, biology
Strengths of CUW's program:
Small classes; excellent faculty with experience in the field; extensive hands-on laboratory experience and training as well as a strong clinical exercise physiology emphasis within a Christian environment.
