Exercise Science and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions1. WHAT DOES THIS PROGRAM PREPARE A PERSON TO DO?
This program prepares a person to work in the health/fitness profession utilizing exercise therapeutically and emphasizing healthy lifestyle changes.
2. WHAT KIND OF JOBS CAN A PROGRAM COMPLETER GET?
Information gathered from employers and experts in the field suggests that exercise science, as an occupation, will change at an increased pace in the near future. The changes will be primarily due to increasing global awareness of fitness benefits, and the rapidly aging population demanding special attention. However, occupations in the exercise science and allied health fields are so vast and ambiguous that the nature of the changes are difficult to predict.
However, there are several diverse occupations for someone with a background in Exercise Science. Following are examples of positions our associate degree students have held.
- Personal Trainer
- Management Positions in Health Clubs
- Senior Citizen Program Coordinator
- Entrepreneur in Fitness Business
- Corporate Contracts
- YMCA Fitness Coordinator
- Sports Coach
Yes, students have been able to secure a job after the completion of some of the Exercise Science courses, especially if they have been certified through an agency such as ACE, AFAA, A.C.S.M., etc...
4. WHAT TYPES OF STUDENTS DO BEST IN THIS PROGRAM?
Potential students need to realize that Exercise Science is a science based program. Students are required to take many physiology courses. Also, students taking Exercise Science program should enjoy nurturing and working with a diverse group of people. Employers desire students/employees with the additional skills of: organization, teaching, speaking, working with minimal supervision, and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
5. HAVE STUDENTS BEEN ABLE TO TRANSFER SUCCESSFULLY TO FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES?
Students in OCC's Exercise Science Program have successfully transferred into programs at several universities However, each university differs in how they transfer credits. Check with an OCC counselor about transfer information.
6. WHAT IS THE SALARY RANGE FOR THE HEALTH FITNESS FIELD?
For more information about positions and salaries visit the following web sites: IDEA Health & Fitness Association or American College of Sports Medicine.
According to the career site, www.cx.bridges.com, the following is a projected estimate of what a full-time personal trainer or an aerobic instructor would make in Michigan. Earnings: Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
7. ARE THERE FULL AND PART TIME JOBS AVAILABLE TO PRESENT STUDENTS? ARE THEY LISTED WITH THE JOB PLACEMENT OFFICE?
Students are notified of full and part time jobs that are available. Potential employers often call the Program Coordinator about employment opportunities. The jobs are then posted in the coordinator's office and announced in the classroom setting rather than being posted in the Job Placement Office.
8. DOES THIS OCCUPATION REQUIRE LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION?
No. However, to succeed in the field, some type of certification is highly recommended. OCC's Exercise Science course work provides the basic information a student needs to prepare for a variety of exams offered by A.C.S.M. and other certifying bodies such as ACE, AFAA, and NSCA. To work in the medical aspect of the Exercise Science field, a student would need A.C.S.M. certification.
9. DOES THE EXERCISE SCIENCE PROGRAM HAVE A SPECIAL ADMISSION POLICY? IS THERE A CONTACT PERSON?
There is no special admission. It is important for the student to speak to the program coordinator. The program coordinators will assist the student in scheduling Exercise Science classes. For more detailed information contact Dr. Barbara Konopka at bjkonopk@oaklandcc.edu or call (248) 232-4276, or talk to a counselor at any campus (248)341-2200.
10. IS THERE SPECIAL COURSE SEQUENCING?
Yes. Some courses have pre-requisites. Please see the course descriptions in the College Catalog section for the Associate Degree or the Business Degree Option for more details.
11. CAN A STUDENT SAMPLE YOUR PROGRAM BY TAKING A CLASS? WHICH ONE?
Students that are interested in the Exercise Science program, but not sure if it is the right program for them, should take EXL 2010. EXL 2010 will give the student a good idea of what the program will entail. (The prerequisite for EXL 2010 is BIO 1600.)
12. CAN THIS PROGRAM BE COMPLETED BY A STUDENT ATTENDING ONLY AT NIGHT?
Classes are rotated from semester to semester, so if a course is taught one semester during the day, the next time the course is taught at night or on a Saturday. However, it will take longer to complete a degree when only taking evening or weekend courses, and there may be problems securing internship sites which have evening hours.
13. ARE THERE ANY UNIQUE FEATURES ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
A student may choose to take an extended associate program in Exercise Science. There is also a business option available. Also, many courses are only offered once per year.
Courses offered one semester per year:
EXL 1500 (Fall)
EXL 2010 (Fall)
EXL 2020 (Winter)
EXL 2040 (Winter)
EXL 2100 (Spring)
EXL 2120 (Winter)
MDA 1570 (Fall)
PER 2840 (Fall)
Courses offered at least two times per year:
EXL 2032
EXL 2400
EXL 2532
MST 1450
PER 2540
The best part of our program is our students. They come from a variety of backgrounds, and many of them already have experience in the field.
