Exercise physiology is a rapidly evolving field that is becoming increasingly important in the delivery of health care. Exercise physiologists are trained to evaluate people in the areas of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, neuromuscular integration, and body composition. They are also trained to provide exercise programs based on the results of these evaluations that are designed to increase the functional capacity of the participants.

Exercise physiologists work to prevent or delay the onset of chronic disease in healthy participants or to provide therapeutic or functional benefits to patients with known disease. Services may be offered in a variety of medical settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, out-patient clinics; in nursing homes and senior citizens centers; in community, corporate, commercial and university fitness and wellness centers, as well as in research and academic settings. Employment opportunities are expanding and increase with experience and level of education.

Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science program in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University meets the knowledge, skill and aptitude (KSA) requirements for students to be eligible to take the American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness National Examination and the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Examination. The bachelor of science is also an excellent preparatory program for graduate or professional school. Graduates continue their education in areas such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, occupational therapy, or medicine. The program is designed to provide students a background in basic science and exercise physiology as well as courses in nutrition, athletic training, personal fitness, first aid and emergency care.