The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science comprises three concentrations: Exercise Physiology; Exercise Specialist; and Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy. The Exercise Physiology concentration prepares students for graduate school in exercise physiology or health care professions (i.e., physical therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry or medical school). The Exercise Specialist concentration enables students to prepare for work in the clinical setting, ranging from a career in wellness to cardiac rehabilitation. The Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy concentration prepares students for subsequent graduate school in this area. Note: Exercise Science is one route to Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy advanced study programs. Athletic Training is another option for pursuing advancement into PT and/or OT graduate programs. Specifically, Athletic Training involves clinical courses and dual-certificate (AT/PT) opportunities for those choosing Pre-PT/OT as a course of study. Additionally, Integrated Health Studies provides a viable course of study which can also serve as a Pre-PT/OT curricula for interested students. The Health Science concentration includes a strong math and science curriculum which provides a solid foundation for numerous health/medical graduate degrees in particular physical and occupational therapy. Background Check policy: State/Federal background checks may be required for practicum/internship experiences. See Program Coordinator for more information.

Physical therapists held about 173,000 jobs in 2006. The number of jobs is greater than the number of practicing physical therapists because some physical therapists hold two or more jobs. For example, some may work in a private practice, but also work part time in another health care facility. About 6 out of 10 physical therapists worked in hospitals or in offices of physical therapists. Other jobs were in the home health care services industry, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians. Some physical therapists were self-employed in private practices, seeing individual patients and contracting to provide services in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, home health care agencies, adult day care programs, and schools. Physical therapists also teach in academic institutions and conduct research.