Practical Experience
SHU FIT
The purpose of the practical experience is to offer students the opportunity to put their classroom knowledge and skills into practice under the tutelage of the SHU Fit supervisor. The practical rotations ensure students are provided with an experience to demonstrate the cumulative skills gained from exercise science coursework. Through the rotations, it is our expectation that students will exhibit an increased understanding of the following:
- Basic knowledge of operational procedures regarding the daily functioning of the SHU Fit Center
- Servicing the needs of a diverse population in a fitness setting including programming and safety
- The day-to-day role of the site supervisor
- Integration of health/fitness/training principles pertaining to a diverse population following scientific and industry based standards
During the semester, students will spend a minimum of twenty four hours at the Sacred Heart SHU Fit Health and Wellness Center. Students will work directly with center members to gain further experience within the scope of exercise science.
More Information
Dan Warzoha
SHU Fit Wellness Center Supervisor
203-396-6755
warzohad@sacredheart.edu
Pioneer Performance Center
The Pioneer Performance Center clinical rotation will provide education, practice repetitions and hands-on experience with actual clients covering assessments, performance testing using state-of-the-art technology, and training services. The semester will bring to life the labs and classwork used up to this point. There will be a focus on coach/clinician interaction with clients, coaching strategies, administrative duties, the business of fitness/training & sports science in addition to some marketing and sales work. You’ll get more in-depth work with many of the features and tools in the labs. You should expect to walk away from this class feeling confident about working with actual clients and administering training sessions effectively.
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Jonathan Hudak, MS, CSCS
203-365-4471
hudakj3@sacredheart.edu
Clinical Exercise Physiology
The Clinical Exercise Physiology rotation combines lecture discussions, lab activities, and visits to local hospital based cardiac, pulmonary, bariatric, and population based rehabilitation and fitness promotion settings. Skills such as clinical assessment, EKG interpretation, blood pressure and training protocols for special populations will be examined in an applied setting. Opportunities for professional networking are provided via visits to local clinically based conferences. If you are interested in pursuing a career in clinical exercise physiology or if you are interested in how clinical exercise physiologists collaborate with other allied health professionals such as physical therapists, nurses, and physicians, this course and experience is a good fit.
More Information
Wendy Bjerke, Ph.D., ACSM/NSPAPPH
203-371-7781
bjerkew@sacredheart.edu