Master of Science in Exercise Physiology: Clinical Track
As a student in the Master of Science of Physiology of Exercise program, you will collaborate with caring and expert faculty and staff who will challenge you to excel in the classroom, clinic, and as a professional. Your exposure to clinical experiences, state-of-the-art technology, and a culminating 600-hour internship will immediately prepare you for certification through the American College of Sports Medicine as an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist®.
The M.S. clinical track uniquely prepares you for the professional workforce in a summer-to-summer 33-hour program (three semesters on campus, one semester off campus). The curriculum infused with research and science provides the foundation to comprehend the nature of evidence-based clinical exercise physiology. A culminating internship provides you the forum to solidify your professional direction.
Healthcare Integration, Practicum Work, and Internships
Integration within the local health care system provides valuable insight into the clinical system as a whole Planned experiences provide an understanding of patient care from start to finish and keep you focused on comprehensive solutions to our emerging health care issues.
Advanced clinical experiences include, but are not limited to:
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac Catheterization Procedures
- Left Ventricular Assist Device Surgeries
- Cardiac Rhythm Management
Practicum and classroom experiences include, but are not limited to:
- Clinical Exercise Testing
- Clinical Expertise Prescription
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Assessments
- Patient Medical Record Assessment
- Implementation of Clinical Technology
- Patient-Based Case Analysis
Internship placement opportunities place you at the intersection of your education and the workforce, helping you to create a network within your profession and industry. Past site locations have included:
- Cleveland Clinic
- Duke Health Systems
- McConnell Heart Health Center
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Enhance Your Academic Experience
Professional academic development is derived from the entirety of your graduate experience. We encourage involvement in other educational experiences and certifications not only to increase your full knowledge in the field but to also increase your employability. Some of these experiences could include, but are not limited to:
- American Heart Association First Aid and CPR Instructor
- Blood Bourne Pathogens Training
- Chemical Hygiene Training
- Research Compliance
- Research Ethics
- Health Stream and Electronic Medical Records (HIPPA)
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
Sample Course Schedule
| Semester | Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer I | EXPH 5150 Physiology of Exercise Lab | 2 |
| Summer I | EXPH 6080 Research Methods | 4 |
| Summer I | EXPH 6920 Practicum Experience | 1 |
| Fall | EXPH 6520 Advanced Laboratory Techniques | 3 |
| Fall | EXPH 6560 Advanced Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| Fall | EXPH 6570 Advanced Physiology of Exercise Lab | 1 |
| Fall | EXPH 6180 Clinical Exercise Physiology: A Case-Based Approach | 2 |
| Fall | EXPH 5999 Research Seminar | 1 |
| Fall | EXPH 6920 Practicum Experience | 2 |
| Spring | EXPH 5999 Seminar | 1 |
| Spring | EXPH 6190 Patient-Centered Practice in Clinical Exercise Physiology | 2 |
| Spring | EXPH 6170 Exercise Testing and Prescription | 4 |
| Spring | NUTR 6600 Nutrition for Sports and Fitness | 3 |
| Spring | EXPH 6920 Practicum Experience | 3 |
| Summer II | EXPH 6910 Internship | 1 |
Admissions Information & Funding
Applications must be submitted by February 15th for full consideration of admission, financial aid, and graduate funding opportunities. Competitive financial awards are available annually to qualified students. Awards provide partial to full-tuition funding along with a living stipend to support the academic year while at Ohio University.
View the admissions guidelines page for more information.
Program Contact
Josh Christen, M.S.
Clinical Graduate Coordinator
christej@ohio.edu