Clinical Exercise Physiology

The Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology features a rigorous curriculum staffed by seasoned industry professionals and current experts in the field. Students will learn expanded topics in human physiology, anatomy, nutrition, public health ramifications of physical activity, exercise testing, and exercise prescription. Together, an understanding of these topics will assure a student’s success in professional practice or continued higher education and will provide students the essential knowledge obtaining certifications as a Special Populations Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Classes at Tiffin University are 100% online! But, they are staffed by full-time Tiffin University professors who are able and willing to interact with online students to the same extent they interact with seated students. Adhering to the principles of evidence-based practice, students will learn how to select, and interpret the results from, appropriate physical examinations and exercise assessments, to design safe effective exercise interventions for persons with chronic disease, and how to explain the roles of adequate exercise and proper nutrition, or lack thereof, in the development, prevention, and management of chronic disease.

Students complete courses in seven-week terms within three semesters. Students may begin coursework in January or August. All coursework is completed 100% online. Hours (150) for the internship (CEP685) can come from current place of employment, prior experiences, or a new position or opportunity. Course descriptions and rotations are below.

Fall (term I):

CEP505 Exercise, Health, and Disease – Students will actively engage in the detailed study of how exercise influences the development of disease and maintenance of health. Further, students will apply the principles of exercise testing and prescription to design exercise programs for disease prevention and the management of obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

CEP580 Behavior Change and Wellness Coaching – Students will actively study and engage in the psychosocial determinants of the promotion of good health; explore behavior and behavioral risk factors associated with chronic disease; investigate how to effectively cope with and reduce stress; and comprehend the recovery process of health disorders. Student will learn and apply these determinants within theories, models and frameworks of health-related behavior in the context of exercise adoption and adherence.

Fall (term II):

CEP605 Exercise Biochemistry and Metabolism – Students will actively engage in the detailed study of the role and regulation of oxidative and non-oxidative energy pathways during acute exercise and how these pathways adapt to exercise training. Additionally, this course will discuss fuel utilization during exercise of varying intensity and duration and lactic acid production and utilization. Lastly, this course will discuss exercise metabolism concepts and their relationship to clinical conditions such as dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes mellitus.

CEP585 Research Seminar – Students will actively consume and present existing research in clinical exercise physiology. Class meetings will consist of student-led discussions and presentations of current research in clinical exercise physiology and relevant professional applications. Students will explore research in the areas of exercise as a means to manage and/or prevent cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, immunologic, and hematologic diseases. The lead instructor will approve all discussions and presentations.

Spring (term I):

CEP535 Nutritional Health and Strategies for the Prevention and Treatment of Disease – This course will introduce good practices for a healthy lifestyle. The course will integrate the nutrition care process as well as the latest scope and standards of a healthy dietetics. It will focus on the pathophysiology of chronic and debilitating diseases and introduce pathophysiological and metabolic basis for nutritional management in the prevention and treatment of such diseases. The topics covered will emphasize clinical or diet therapy based on nutritional needs, along with the need for a healthy lifestyle. The course will also cover latest concepts in the nutrition care processes along with assessment, intervention, monitoring and evaluation.

CEP575 Exercise Pharmacology – This course involves the application of relevant pharmacological agents to common patient cases encountered by clinical exercise physiologists such as atherosclerotic plaque diseases, cardiac arrhythmias, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, hyperlipidemia, myalgia, depression, and osteoarthritis. Students will study pathophysiologic concepts and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles and apply them to clinical situations in exercise physiology.

Spring (term II):

CEP625 Advanced Exercise Physiology and Lab – Students will actively engage in the detailed study and application of principles of human physiology with an emphasis on the variations and alterations in metabolic pathways, the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems as a result of sedentary behavior, acute and chronic exercise, and environmental conditions. Furthermore, students will learn and apply testing techniques for evaluating the capacity of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and muscular systems during labs. During laboratory experiences, students will also learn blood analysis techniques in exercise physiology and preventive health.

Summer (term I):

CEP665 Exercise for Special Populations and Lab – This course is designed to apply theoretical knowledge in the areas of basic pathophysiology and science of health status, condition, disorder or disease, client consultation, program planning, safety, emergency procedures, and legal issues. These topics are relevant for working with special population clients of all ages. Emphasis will be placed on the successful completion of the National Strength and Conditioning Certified Special Population Specialist examination.

Summer (term II):

CEP675 Clinical Exercise Testing and Prescription and Lab – Students will actively engage in the detailed study of how exercise influences the pathophysiology of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases. Further, students will apply the principles of exercise testing and prescription to design safe and effective inpatient and outpatient exercise/rehabilitation programs. Emphasis will be on the role of the exercise physiologist in cardiopulmonary assessment and rehabilitation.

The Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Tiffin University is designed so students don’t have to put their life on hold while earning a degree. The program is flexible for working and adult learners, who can complete the degree 100% online. 

Classes start in January and August.

Earning a Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology paves the way for a career with applications in a wide range of settings like healthcare, sports, academia, public health, or industry. This is a rapidly growing profession where students will find no shortage of opportunity to put their knowledge to practice.

CAREERS

• Advanced Personal Trainer (hospital)
• Bariatric Program Manager (hospital or outpatient)
• Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Specialist
• Clinical Research Assistant
• Diabetes Educator
• Corporate Health and Fitness Specialist
• Exercise Stress Test Technician
• Life Coach
• Physical Activity Specialist (community health)
• Physiology Researcher
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• University Lab Director and/or Instructor
• Wellness Center Program Director

Tiffin University students can also get connected to professional organizations that may be helpful in seeking employment. These organizations include:

• American College of Sports Medicine
• Clinical Exercise Physiology Association 
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation 

what is clinical exercise physiology?

Clinical exercise physiology assesses how sustained, acute exercise and physical activity impacts the development, prevention and management of chronic diseases. The field also studies how physical activity contributes to mental wellness and general health. 

what is a master’s in clinical exercise physiology?

The masters in clinical exercise physiology is a rigorous curriculum that requires students to do a deep exploration on a wide range of topics relating to human anatomy and physiology. Students learn how exercise and movement improves mental and physical health and aids patients with chronic disease. The applied knowledge gained through experience working in the state-of-the-art laboratory, paired with practicum and internship work gives students an excellent foundation on which they can develop a career in Clinical Exercise Physiology. 

what can i do with a degree in clinical exercise physiology?

The M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology program at Tiffin University is a runway for students to pursue many career options. Clinical Exercise Physiology has many applications in public health, the private sector and the government. Graduates often go on to find employment as scientists, researchers, educators, healthcare practitioners, physical trainers, consultants, and earn national certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association. Tiffin University is the only institution to build certification into its Clinical Exercise Physiology program, which is a real advantage for job seekers. 

While acquiring knowledge and skills in your courses and labs, you’ll also earn national certifications – as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine and as a Certified Special Populations Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Other institutions do not build certifications into the curriculum. These are distinguishing factors that put Tiffin University’s graduates ahead of other job applicants.

With a degree in clinical exercise physiology, you will be qualified for a variety of career opportunities, including advanced personal trainer, cardiovascular rehabilitation specialist, clinical exercise physiologist, clinical research assistant, diabetes educator, corporate health and wellness specialist, exercise physiologist, exercise stress testing technician, fitness trainer, life coach, physical activity specialist, physiology researcher, public health specialist, pulmonary rehabilitation specialist, strength and conditioning coach/specialist, wellness center program director and more.