OCC Exercise Science

Health and Human Performance ProgramExercise Science/Sports Medicine

runner This area of study promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life. The Associate in Arts (A.A.), Liberal Arts program allows students to pursue an Exercise Science/Sports Medicine concentration which can be transferred to four year programs offering majors such as Physical Education and Health, Athletic Training, Adult fitness, and Exercise Science. Students are advised to check degree requirements in the catalogs of transfer institutions and/or consult the transfer institution.

For New Jersey institutions of higher education you can use NJ Transfer at www.njtransfer.org. or

Program Offerings at New Jersey Colleges and Universities

Exercise science is the study of physiological and functional adaptations to movement. Most colleges and universities provide specific curriculum and/or academic majors in the exercise sciences. Undergraduate programs are typically broad based and include general study in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and fitness programming. Graduate level programs typically provide systematic study in specific areas of exercise physiology with an emphasis on research. You can get your start at Ocean County College.

Sports medicine is the field of medicine dealing with injuries sustained in athletic endeavors and/or illnesses impacting sport performance. Sports medicine focuses not only on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries related to sports, but also on injury/disease prevention and management. The goal of sports medicine is to assist the athlete in achieving both optimal health and peak performance.

Today, sports medicine involves a comprehensive team of health care professionals trained in a variety of backgrounds such as athletic training, biomechanics, exercise physiology, physical therapy, nursing, sport psychology, and nutrition. Additionally, sports medicine is available to individuals participating at all performance levels ranging from the recreational to the professional athlete. You can join this team starting right at Ocean County College.

Suggested courses beyond the liberal arts core are:

First Aid/CPR/AED for Workplace, Schools and Community (HEHP 160)
Nutrition for Fitness and Sports (HEHP 252)
Kinesiology (HEHP 265)
Exercise Physiology (HEHP 240)
Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (HEHP 228)

Future career opportunities may include athletic trainer, corporate fitness administrator, health club manager, exercise physiologist, recreational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, etc.