Master of Science in Exercise Physiology: Clinical Track

Female practitioner speaking with  man on exercise bike

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

SemesterCourseCredit Hours
Summer IEXPH 5150 Physiology of Exercise Lab2
Summer IEXPH 6080 Research Methods4
Summer IEXPH 6920 Practicum Experience1
FallEXPH 6520 Advanced Laboratory Techniques3
FallEXPH 6560 Advanced Physiology of Exercise 3
FallEXPH 6570 Advanced Physiology of Exercise Lab 1
FallEXPH 6180 Clinical Exercise Physiology: A Case-Based Approach 2
FallEXPH 5999 Research Seminar 1
FallEXPH 6920 Practicum Experience2
SpringEXPH 5999 Seminar1
SpringEXPH 6190 Patient-Centered Practice in Clinical Exercise Physiology 2
SpringEXPH 6170 Exercise Testing and Prescription 4
SpringNUTR 6600 Nutrition for Sports and Fitness 3
SpringEXPH 6920 Practicum Experience 3
Summer IIEXPH 6910 Internship1

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