Exercise Science FAQs
Why Choose Western's Exercise Science Program Over Other Community Colleges or University Programs?
At Western, students have the unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge through hands-on experiences every semester. From class assignments to practicum opportunities and community events, students work with individuals of various ages and backgrounds. This real-world experience helps them navigate the challenges and rewards of implementing individualized fitness programs, fitness testing, and community wellness initiatives.
In addition to these opportunities, students engage in lab experiences where they evaluate research, conduct data collection, and participate in advanced fitness testing, including Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), VO2 submaximal and maximal testing, and more.
How Many Practicum Hours Can I Obtain Through the Exercise Science Program?
Upon completion of the Exercise Science program, students graduate with a minimum of 160 practicum hours. Students can accumulate additional hours if they choose. These hours provide practical experience in a variety of areas, including fitness/movement screening, fitness testing, group fitness teaching, one-on-one training, and leadership.
What Kinds of Certifications Can I Obtain as a Result of the Knowledge and Experience Gained Through the Exercise Science Program at Western?
The Exercise Science program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to sit for the ACE Personal Trainer and/or ACE Group Fitness certifications. Additionally, students have the opportunity to attend conferences where they can complete specialized certifications in areas such as Spinning, Yoga, and Tabata, among others.
Will All the KIN Courses Transfer to My Four-Year Institution of Choice?
While we cannot guarantee that every KIN course will transfer directly as a core required course at your four-year institution, all credits transfer. We recommend that students save a copy of their course syllabi to facilitate the process of requesting course equivalency at the transferring institution.
Many of our alumni report that the courses at Western provided a strong academic foundation, helping them succeed at their transfer institutions. Additionally, alumni often share that they were hired as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for Exercise Physiology and related courses, which allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the material and excel in their further studies.