FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2018
For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
Eric Peyatt and Scott Wentz in a Human Anatomy and Physiology course
GLENVILLE, WV - At Glenville State College, programs are available in Health Promotion, Exercise Science, and Athletic Conditioning and Coaching. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow through 2024 for careers related to those programs including athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, fitness trainers, and more. GSC's Department of Health and Physical Education prepares students for careers and further education in a variety of in-demand fields.
Coursework in the Health Promotion major will teach students the skills to work in a number of public health settings including: corporate/worksite wellness, public health agencies, hospital based health agencies, community health programs, and chronic disease health promotion program coordinator.
Recent graduate Hunter McWhorter (standing) on the field with elementary students
Students who complete their degree in Exercise Science will have a strong foundation in the life sciences which will prepare them for a variety of professional environments including: cardiac rehabilitation, personal training, cardio pulmonary technologist, collegiate strength and conditioning coach, and pharmaceuticals.
The Athletic Conditioning and Coaching major prepares students for entry-level positions in: collegiate strength and conditioning, tactical strength and conditioning, athletic recruiting, and sport coaching.
Graduates also will be prepared to pursue advanced degrees in their fields of study or related fields such as public health, health administration, occupational/physical therapy, and more.
"Our department has a dynamic group of faculty that is dedicated to serious learning. In addition to our full-time faculty, we also have several coaches from the Athletic Department who serve as adjunct faculty and bring a wealth of knowledge to our students," said Department Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Alison Witte. "We enjoy a solid collaboration with GSC's Science and Math Department as well. They do a fantastic job of preparing students in areas like physics, biology, statistics, and more."
When the new programs within the Health and Physical Education Department were launched over three years ago, Glenville State College invested in an array of new equipment for the programs. In addition to devices like blood sugar and lactic acid monitors and testing kits for functional movement, the department has added other specialized equipment. A Vertec vertical jump measurement device, a dynamometer to measure hand strength, two high-end stationary bikes, and a research-grade treadmill with accompanying metabolic cart from Parvo Medics are all part of the arsenal of tools available to students.
During their time at GSC, students take part in a practicum to provide either 200 or 400 hours of professional work experience and, by extension, integrate course theory, methodologies, training, and administration techniques. The practicum gives students the opportunity to work in a professional setting under the direction of a site supervisor.
Students may also participate in GSC's Health and Fitness Club, which is sponsored by the Department and is the first college group to be affiliated with the West Virginia Rural Health Association. It provides students with the opportunity to attend conferences, network with professionals, and gain leadership experience.
"There are so many wonderful things about being in the Heath Promotion Program. One of them is definitely my advisor Professor Witte. And having been in the fitness industry for nearly 30 years as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor, in this field of study, I am gathering information to help me proceed with my lifetime goal of encouraging people to stay physically active," said GSC student Belinda Lewis.
Kate Waddell
Lewis, who is specializing in Health Promotion, recommends the program to students who want to dedicate their lives to encouraging others to lead a healthy lifestyle. She adds, "he program is so well-rounded and covers many different aspects of health and wellness. I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity."
"After graduating in December 2016, I've recently been accepted to the master's program in Athletic Training at Marshall University. I definitely feel prepared to take this next step thanks to the education I received at Glenville State College. One of my favorite things about the program at GSC was how invested the professors were in my education," said Kate Waddell, a magna cum laude Exercise Science graduate from Summersville, West Virginia.
For more information about the Health and Human Performance programs at GSC, contact (304) 462-6212.
