Health and Human Performance Grads Find Success in Traditional, Clinical Settings

by Gwendolynne Larson

Emporia, KS (04/12/2023) — Investments in the Human Performance Lab in ESU's Health and Human Performance program will benefit graduates who want to pursue careers in both traditional and clinical settings.

When Emporia State University created the Health and Human Performance major in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, traditional career paths for graduates were as employee or corporate wellness professionals, collegiate strength and conditioning coaches, fitness facilities managers, cardiac rehabilitation professionals, and a variety of other public health positions.

The focus was enhanced in 2012, according to Dr. Jennifer Thomas, associate professor in HPER.

"In 2012, when our first graduate was accepted into a Physical Therapy program, it changed everything," Thomas said. "Once we realized that the skills they learn in our program match up perfectly for students wanting to move on to physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractic programs, our program at Emporia State exploded."

Emporia State's program expands beyond exercise physiology, Thomas said. Students also learn about injury prevention and how to effectively educate very diverse populations and how to market a wide variety of events - such as organizing the annual Laps 4 Landon event - so they get the business aspect as well.

The Human Performance Lab is a key component of the hands-on experiences that students receive.

"Having up-to-date equipment allows students to become comfortable with skills that other new professionals may not be familiar with," Thomas said, "so this investment in our lab is definitely advantageous for them and will set them apart as graduates entering their fields."

They also enhance their skills through internships and practicums at a variety of sites. Our graduates now work in strength and conditioning at high school, colleges and even the U.S. Olympic Committee. They are employed in corporate wellness programs for companies like Southwest Airlines and Marathon Petroleum Corp. And they work in clinical settings for cardiac rehab and occupational therapy at large health systems like for St. Luke's Hospital.

The success of ESU graduates of the Health and Human Performance program is obvious.

"Right now, we have a 100% acceptance rate for our majors who go on to Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy programs when they earn at least a 3.85 or higher in our program. And 100% of them have finished after being accepted!" Thomas said. "Our curriculum is providing that necessary foundation for them to build upon at the master's or doctoral level. What they learn here is relevant to what is actually being practiced out there."

Similar success is seen from graduates who choose the traditional nonclinical settings for careers. These focus on exercise, fitness, and strength and conditioning.

"Our program is certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association," said Thomas, noting that ESU graduates are prepared to sit for the NSCA examination immediately after graduation. "This certification is highly respected in those industries because it proves our graduates have the education to work with diverse populations safely and effectively."

For more information about Emporia State's investments in education programs, see emporia.edu/future, which includes a video from Dr. Jennifer Thomas, associate professor, Health, Physical Education and Recreation.