Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ

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 emerging health care issues. 

Advanced clinical experiences may include, but are not limited to:

  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiac Catheterization Procedures
  • Cardiac Stress Testing
  • Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
  • Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan
  • Computer Tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Practicum and classroom experiences include, but are not limited to:

  • Clinical Assessment
  • Exercise Testing
  • Exercise Prescription
  • Exercise Training
  • Patient Education and Behavior Change
  • Program Administration
  • Legal and Professional Considerations
  • Implementation of Clinical Technology

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. Recent site locations have included:

  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  • McConnell Heart Health Center
  • The Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ State University Wexner Medical Center
  • Fairfield Medical Center
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • UC Health

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 may include, but are not limited to: 

  • American Heart Association First Aid and CPR Instructor
  • American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
  • Board Certified Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor
  • Silver Sneakers Certified Instructor
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Training
  • Research Compliance and Ethics
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • Participation in Annual Midwest ACSM Conference
  • Participation in Annual OACVPR Conference

Sample Course Schedule

SemesterCourseCredit Hours
Summer IEXPH 5150 Physiology of Exercise Lab2
Summer IEXPH 6170 Exercise Testing & Prescription4
Summer IEXPH 6920 Practicum Experience1
FallEXPH 5999 Research Seminar1
FallEXPH 6080 Research Methods & Statistics4
FallEXPH 6180 CEP: A Case-Based Approach 2
FallEXPH 6560 Advanced Physiology of Exercise3
FallEXPH 6570 Advanced Physiology of Exercise Lab1
FallEXPH 6920 Practicum Experience2
SpringEXPH 5999 Research Seminar1
SpringEXPH 6190 Patient-Centered Practice in CEP 2
SpringEXPH 6520 Advanced Laboratory Techniques3
SpringEXPH 6920 Practicum Experience 2
SpringNUTR 5100 Medical Nutrition Therapy3
SpringNUTR 5100L Medical Nutrition Therapy Lab1
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 may be available annually to qualified students. Awards provide partial to full-tuition funding along with a living stipend to support the academic year (Fall and Spring).  Summer financial awards are not available.

View the admissions guidelines page for more information.


Program Contact

Josh Christen, M.S., ACSM-CEP
Clinical Graduate Coordinator
christej@ohio.edu