Fitness Concentration - 25
This concentration is designed for students pursuing professional degrees in the fields of Fitness and Exercise, Physical Therapy, Strength and Conditioning, Cardiac Rehab, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Physiology, or graduate school.
Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration - 35
The Exercise Science degree with concentration in pre-Physical Therapy is designed as a pre-professional interim degree for students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree through the “3+3” track. This degree with concentration prepares the pre-PT student with the prerequisite knowledge required for the DPT degree. Once accepted into the DPT program, the 3+3 track allows students to enter the professional DPT program before completion of the Exercise Science degree with pre-PT concentration. The 3+3 students’ senior year is the first two semesters of the DPT program. This program is designed to be completed in eight semesters. Students successfully completing the appropriate prerequisites, and DPT-1 and DPT-2 of the professional program (36 credits), qualify for the Bachelor of Exercise Science Degree.
Additional Requirements (Pre-PT)
- An earned minimum grade of “C+” (2.33) or “S” (in a “S/U” course) in each DPT program course. The BS program courses include PTH 501, PTH 505, PTH 509, PTH 510, PTH 513, PTH 515, PTH 516, PTH 518, PTH 519, PTH 520, PTH 526, PTH 528, PTH 530, PTH 562, PTH 565, and PTH 575.
- No more than a cumulative total of five points earned on the grade-point scale throughout the physical therapy program (see DPT Student Handbook).
- Students must be able to perform skills listed in the Technical Standards of Performance and demonstrate professional behaviors as outlined in the DPT Student Handbook.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater in all credits used to meet the Exercise Science degree requirements.
- Undergraduate DPT students entering the graduate phase of the program (PT-3) must have completed all requirements for their bachelor’s degree and have their degree conferred.
Admission Requirements
Apply to the Program
To transition into the professional program, students need to apply to the director of Fitness and Exercise Science at the end of their sophomore year in order to register for FTES 305 Current Concepts and Applications in Fitness (a required course for the major).
Application Deadline
For acceptance to the program applications need to be submitted by the last Friday in March, September, or November for the following semester.
Acceptance
- Full acceptance into the Exercise Science BS Program requires successful completion of all prerequisite courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in sciences and FTES courses.
- Students who are in the Fitness Concentration who are not fully accepted into the program by their senior year will be unable to register for HLED 411 Community Health & Fitness which is required for the completion of the program.
Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration Admission Requirements
An Early Assurance option is available for Andrews University freshmen who meet the following criteria:
- Declare pre-PT as the major upon enrollment as a freshman in fall semester
- High school GPA minimum 3.5
Matriculation into the DPT program requires the following criteria:
- Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA throughout every semester (freshman through acceptance into DPT program)
- Maintain a wholesome lifestyle per the Andrews University Student Handbook
- Exhibit developing professional behavior
- Satisfactory interview
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE): A minimum Verbal and Quantitative score of 142 each is required, and minimum Writing score of 3.0.
- Observation Hours: Students must complete a minimum of 80 observation hours supervised by a licensed physical therapist in at least 3 different settings; at least 20 hours must be in an in-patient acute care or hospital setting.
- Recommendations: At least one reference must be from a physical therapist and another from a professor who taught the student. It is recommended that the third be from an employer/supervisor, clergy, a second physical therapist or health care professional.
Students who meet these Early Assurance criteria are guaranteed acceptance into the DPT program, however are still required to apply through PTCAS. Students who lose Early Assurance may still apply through PTCAS for the DPT program and will be placed into the applicant pool.
Student Learning Outcomes
Domain I: Health and Fitness Assessment
1.1: Conduct assessments of cardiovascular, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, anthropometrics and body composition.
1.2: Implement assessment protocols and determine participant’s readiness to take part in a fitness assessment.
Domain II: Exercise Prescription and Implementation
2.1: Determine safe and effective exercise programs for healthy populations.
2.2: Determine a safe and effective exercise program for a diseased population.
2.3: Implement exercise prescriptions using the FITT principle.
2.4: Prescribe and implement exercise programs for healthy special populations.
Domain III: Exercise Counseling and Behavioral Strategies
3.1: Optimize adoption and adherence to exercise programs and other healthy behaviors by applying effective communication techniques.
3.2: Provide educational resources to support clients in the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyle behaviors.
3.3: Provide support within the scope of practice of a Health Fitness Specialist and refer to other health professionals as indicated.
Domain V: Management
5.1 Develop and execute a marketing plan to promote programs, services or facilities.
5.2 Demonstrate leadership and interpersonal skills
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