CLINICAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

The Master of Science degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology is a 43-credit program that provides the theoretical, laboratory, research and clinical experiences necessary for a career in a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation setting. Each year's class (15 students) entering the four-semester program, summer, fall, spring, summer, receives practical, hands-on experience in Phases I and II cardiac rehabilitation, as well as graded exercise testing, in cooperation with area hospitals and clinics. In addition, students also participate in the on-campus La Crosse Exercise and Health Program (LEHP), which provides adult fitness, Phases III and IV cardiac rehabilitation programming, and health and nutrition services to over 300 participants each week. The required internship, three months during the last semester, presents opportunities for further experience at a site of the student's choosing. The completion of a thesis project is required before the student is allowed to begin the internship.

Degree candidates typically have an undergraduate degree in physical education, fitness, exercise science, or other allied health related fields such as biology, health education, nursing, or physical therapy. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 is required for admission. Application deadline is February 1 of each year.

Graduates are prepared to:
   - conduct graded exercise tests
   - design exercise programs for healthy and diseased populations
   - organize and administer adult fitness, corporate fitness, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs

Graduates are employed in:
   - colleges and universities
   - adult fitness centers (public, private, and corporate)
   - clinic, hospital, and "free standing" rehabilitation facilities
   - sports medicine centers

Prerequisites or their equivalent for admission into the program are:
ESS 205     Human Anatomy (3 credits)
ESS 206     Human Physiology (3 credits)
ESS 281     Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (2 credits)
ESS 302     Physiology of Exercise (2 credits)

Category A - Research (12 credits)
EFN 730     Introduction to Research (3 credits)
EFN 735     Interpretation of Statistical Data (3 credits)
ESS 799     Research: Thesis (6 credits)

Category B - Core Requirements (31 credits)
ESS 744     Laboratory Techniques for Clinical Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
ESS 770     Physiology of Activity (3 credits)
ESS 774     Clinical Practicum in Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation (2 credits)
ESS 775     Practicum in Adult Fitness (2 credits)
ESS 776     Practicum in Phase III/IV Cardiac Rehabilitation (3 credits)
ESS 780     Philosophy and Organization of Preventive & Rehabilitative Programs (2 credits)
ESS 781     Program Leadership in Adult Fitness/ Cardiac Rehabilitation (1 credit)
ESS 782     Electrocardiography (3 credits)
ESS 783     Graded Exercise Testing/Exercise Prescription (3 credits)
ESS 784     Advanced Cardiovascular Physiology (3 credits)
ESS 785     Internship: Clinical Exercise Physiology (5 credits)
ESS 786     Advanced Cardiac Life Support (1 credit)
Total Credits: 43