College of Health Sciences

Assistant Professor Frank Bates, Director; Assistant Professor Ed Jones; Assistant Professor Tammy Simmons, Assistant Director of Clinical Education.

The physical therapist assistant program is designed to prepare students for assistant roles within the profession of physical therapy. We require that our PTA students exhibit excellent interpersonal communication skills and that they develop high levels of technical competence across those areas of physical therapy practice that are typically delegated to PTAs. Our curriculum reflects this by incorporating realistic laboratory activities into most classes, by requiring that students demonstrate their skills through an extensive set of “check-off” activities, and by challenging students to grow and develop in their professionalism.

The Associate in Science in PTA requires that students complete at least 62 credit hours with 23 credits of supportive courses; and 39 PTA credit hours. Students may complete the PTA program on a part- or full-time basis.

Students following an integrated curriculum pattern attend the University of Indianapolis full-time, completing supportive courses and PTA courses each semester during the academic year and the clinical education courses during the summer. Full-time students in the integrated curriculum can complete the PTA program in two years, including both summers. Supportive courses are offered during the day and evening; PTA courses are offered in the evening.

Students following a sequential curriculum complete a portion or all of the support courses before enrollment in the PTA classes. Students may take the general education courses at the University of Indianapolis or from another regionally-accredited college or university. To ensure proper credit for courses taken at another institution, students should discuss courses with the key advisor for the PTA program before enrolling in courses at another institution. Students in the sequential curriculum may take the support courses on a full-time or part-time basis. Students completing only a portion of the support courses before enrollment in the PTA classes should note that some support courses are prerequisites or co-requisites for some of the PTA courses; see Technical Courses section below. PTA courses are offered in the evening. 

Admission

To enroll in PTA classes, students must be admitted to both the University of Indianapolis and the PTA program. Admission is granted to 25 students to begin each fall. Eligibility to apply for the PTA program requires:

• completion of the application on the PTA program website.
• physical therapy experience: 30 hours of volunteer/work experience in at least two physical therapy settings, supervised by a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant, with a minimum of 8 hours each in two different settings.
• academic performance:
  • for entering freshmen: high school cumulative grade point average at or above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • for students with 12 or more college credits: college-level cumulative grade point average of at least 2.7.
  • all students must demonstrate English proficiency through the 100-level.
  • all students must demonstrate math proficiency through the 105-level.
  • students who have completed all or part of the anatomy, physiology, and physics coursework with a grade of B or higher are given additional consideration based on credits completed and course grades.

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation with at least one recommendation from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. The other recommendation must come from a supervisor, teacher, professor, or health care professional. Each applicant must complete an essay describing the applicant’s view of the role of physical therapy and the physical therapist assistant within the health care system. Eligible applicants are invited for an interview with CHS faculty members and/or a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant from the local community.

Supportive Courses

• BIOL-103: Principles of Human Anatomy (lab required) (4 hours)
• BIOL-104: Principles of Human Physiology (lab required) (4 hours)
• ENGL-101: English Composition (3 hours)
• HSCI-120: Health Care Terminology (2 hours)
• PHYS-103: Introduction to Physics (4 hours)
• Gen Ed Core Crse: New Student Experience Core (freshmen only) (0-1 hour)
• Gen Ed Core Crse: Elective Course(s) from Gen Ed Core (3-4 hours)
• Socio/Psych Crse: Social Sciences Core or Approved Psych Crse (3 hours)

Subtotal—Supportive Courses = 24 hours

Degree Requirements

An Associate in Science degree is awarded on completion of at least 63 credit hours with a grade point average of at least 2.5 and completion of at least 14 credit hours from the General Education Core. The PTA curriculum is sequenced as follows.

Technical Courses

First Year, Semester I

• PTA-203: Clinical Leadership I (1.5 hrs)
• PTA-205: Patient Care Orientation (1.5 hours)
• PTA-207: Clinical Rehabilitation I (3.5 hours)
• *Courses to take during or before this semester: BIOL-103, HSCI-120, and PHYS-103

First Year, Semester II

• PTA-224: Rehabilitative Agents I (1 hour)
• PTA-225: Clinical Rehabilitation II (4 hours)
• PTA-233: Clinical Leadership II (1 hour)
• PTA-290: Preparation for Clinical Education (0.5 hours)
• *Courses to take during or before this semester: BIOL-104, ENGL-101

First Year, Summer Session

• PTA-223: Medical and Integumentary Rehab (weeks 1-5) (2 hours)
• PTA-291: Clinical Education I (5 wks during weeks 6-15) (2.5 hours)

Second Year, Semester I

• PTA-206: Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (1.5 hours)
• PTA-243: Clinical Leadership III (1 hour)
• PTA-244: Rehabilitative Agents II (1.5 hours)
• PTA-246: Clinical Rehabilitation III (2.5 hours)

Second Year, Semester II

• PTA-263: Neuromuscular Rehabilitation (3.5 hours)
• PTA-264: Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (3 hours)
• *Courses to take during or before this semester: All remaining support courses.

Second Year, Summer Session

• PTA-275: Preparation for Entry-Level Practice (weeks 1-15) (2 hours)
• PTA-292: Clinical Education II (weeks 2-7) (3 hours)
• PTA-293: Clinical Education III (weeks 8-14) (3.5 hours)

Subtotal—Technical Courses = 39 hours

Total—Support and Technical Courses = 62 hours

Additional information about the courses listed above can be found in the section entitled Course Descriptions

The Aging Studies program at the University of Indianapolis prepares students with the education and experience to work with, for, and on behalf of older adults and caregivers in the community.

The College of Health Science offers a 12-credit hour undergraduate certificate in Aging Studies. This program is designed for undergraduate students who wish to add aging studies to their body of knowledge for personal or professional reasons. A background in aging studies will give job seekers an advantage in many settings. Some professionals work directly with older adults, others may work on behalf of older adults, and still others provide goods and services to older adults. Courses are offered in a completely online format in either an accelerated 8-week or regular semester duration. Students enrolled in the UIndy Adult Learning Program also have the option to take the courses online.

Requirements for the Certificate in Aging Studies

• GERO-301 Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Aging (3)
• GERO-305 Physical Dimensions of Aging (3)
• GERO-310 Aging in Society & Community (3)
• GERO-320 Psychology of Aging (3)

NOTE:  All four courses are offered completely online in an accelerated, 8-week duration every Summer Session.  Contact the College of Health Sciences for more information.

Additional information about courses listed above can be found in the section entitled Course Descriptions.

Professor Lisa Hicks, Chair; Assistant Professor Trent Cayot, Assistant Professor Kara Cecil, Associate Professor Michael Diacin, Assistant Professor Nathan Eckert, Associate Professor Riggs Klika, Assistant Professor Gary Long, Assistant Professor Mindy Mayol, Assistant Professor Isabell Mills, Instructor Chad Odaffer, Associate Professor Heidi Hancher-Rauch, Instructor Brian Reagan, Associate Professor Richard Robinson, Assistant Professor Angelitta Spells, Professor Jennifer VanSickle, Associate Professor Sue Willey, and Assistant Professor Amie Wojtyna.

The Kinesiology, Health & Sport Sciences Department promotes habits of proper exercise as a basis of sound physical and mental health. For professional career preparation, the following undergraduate majors are available in the department program offerings: (1) Exercise Science & Health and Physical Education (K-12) & Secondary Education, (2) Sport Management major is designed to prepare students for management opportunities in sport/fitness clubs, interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, recreation, sport retailing, sport agencies, sport facilities, sport event management, and other sport or recreation-associated careers. (3) Exercise Science major with an emphasis on exercise prescription and preparation for graduate students, (4) Public Health Education and Promotion major for public health, health promotion, education and service. A Master of Science in Sport Management with an emphasis on intercollegiate athletics and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in health disparities are also available to graduate students. A Master of Science in Exercise Science with an emphasis in either clinical or sport performance and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in health disparities are also available to graduate students. Other offerings include American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, Lifeguarding, and Water Safety Instructor certifications. The department also offers a Healthy Diploma Concentration, open to all majors, and a Health & Wellness Management minor.

In today’s society, “wellness” is an all-encompassing term. Spiritual, physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and occupational wellness are all vital aspects of one’s total well-being. Therefore, all degree-seeking students are required to successfully complete KINS-101 Wellness and Fitness for a Lifetime or KINS 104 Honors Wellness and Fitness for a Lifetime.

No curricular course in which the student earns lower than a C (2.0) is counted toward the major.

Requirements for Majors, Minors, and Concentrations

Exercise Science with minor to meet Health and Physical Education All-Grade Teaching Major (K-12)

The purpose of this major is to prepare teachers and coaches who promote the development of healthy and physically educated individuals. The department works in conjunction with the standards of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the Indiana Department of Teacher Education (IDOE), Office of Educator Licensing and Development, and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Students develop skills in health and physical education teacher preparation, motor learning, instructional strategies, communication, diverse learners, assessment, reflection and collaboration. Students are exposed to the classroom setting in the first semester of education coursework. Additionally, students are equipped to teach others in the use and effectiveness of utilizing current technology in the field. Familiarity with current technologies makes the graduate much more employable. Students are also offered the potential to become certified in water safety instruction, CPR, and first aid—all desirable teaching certifications.

Requirements for the Exercise Science/Health and Physical Education All-Grade Teaching Major (K-12)

• KINS-180 Teaching Dual & Individual Activities
• KINS-185 Teaching of Team Activities
• KINS-190 Intro to Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Sciences
  or KINS-195 History & Culture of Sport
• KINS-220 Techniques and Methods of Conducting Physical Education
• KINS-245 Principles and Practices of Exercise Science
• KINS-251 Basic Sport and Exercise Nutrition
• KINS-260 Introduction to Community Health
• KINS-266 Sexuality & Human Health
• KINS-280 Sport, Exercise, and Health Behavior
• KINS-285 Teaching Physical Education in the Elementary School
• KINS-295 Applied Adapted Physical Education
• KINS-325 Exercise Leadership and Programming
• KINS 350 Exercise Physiology
• KINS-370 School Health
• KINS-376 Strength and Conditioning
• KINS-400 Evaluation
• KINS-410 Motor Control
• KINS-420 Drugs & Social Involvement
• KINS 470 Exercise Science Lab
• KINS-490 Exercise Prescription
• BIOL-103 Principles of Human Anatomy
• BIOL-104 Principles of Human Physiology
• CHEM 150 General Chemistry
• PHYS150 General Physics

Designated education courses are required. (See School of Education section)

Public Health Education & Promotion Major

The mission of the undergraduate Public Health Education & Promotion (PHEP) Program at the University is to prepare our students for effective, responsible, and articulate membership in their communities and the profession of public health, while emphasizing applied experience and service to the community.

This mission is achieved by offering a high-quality education program centered on the key responsibilities and competencies for entry-level health educators defined by the profession, and through utilizing University affiliations with various community partners to offer students quality hands-on experiences, while providing needed health and wellness services within the community.

The curriculum is based on the core public health competencies outlined by the Council on Education for Public Health, as well as the seven areas of responsibility and competencies of health educators, as defined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. Because of the strong scientific and theoretical foundation provided within this program, it makes it an ideal fit for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in areas such as health, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, law, etc. Strong job opportunities also exist for graduates with the undergraduate degree alone.

Students graduating from the PHEP program will be qualified to sit for certification as a Health Education Specialist (CHES), a desired credential in the public health education field. This exam measures proficiency in the seven responsibility areas of an entry-level health educator. Certified Health Education Specialists are professionals who design, conduct, and evaluate activities that help improve the health of all people. These activities can take place in a variety of settings: schools, communities, health care facilities, businesses, and colleges. Health educators are employed under a range of job titles such as patient educators, health program coordinators, trainers, community organizers, and health program managers. The Certified Health Education Specialists are those who have met the standards of quality established by NCHEC by successfully passing the CHES examination. The CHES designation after a health educator’s name is one indication of professional competency.

The Public Health Education & Promotion major offers a core set of courses for all program majors, offered in both traditional four-year and accelerated options. Speciality curriculum guides also are available for those wishing to apply for the MPH, DPT, or OTD programs at UIndy.

Requirements for the Public Health Education & Promotion Major

• BIOL-203 The Biology of Human Health
• KINS-190 Intro to Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Sciences
  or KINS-315 Professional Seminar in Kinesiology (Jr/Sr year)
• KINS-204 Introduction to Research Methods and Biostatistics
• KINS-236 Theories of Health Behavior
• KINS-260 Intro to Community Health in Diverse Communities
• KINS-265 Current Topics in Public Health Content I
• KINS-275 Current Topics in Public Health Content II
• KINS-305 Grant Writing in Health and Kinesiology
• KINS-313 Introduction to Environmental Health
• KINS-330 Methods in Public Health Education
• KINS-331 Wellness Coaching
• KINS-400 Assessment and Research Principles of Physical Activity and Health
• KINS-440 Epidemiology
• KINS-445 Skill Applications in Diverse Public Health Settings
• KINS-450 Health Disparities
• KINS-452 Health Policy and Advocacy
• KINS-465 Public Health Education Program Planning and Evaluation
• KINS-486 Directed Readings in Public Health
• KINS-495 Professional Experience in Public Health Education (300 hours required)

59 hour major

Public Health & Promotion for Accelerated Adult Programs

The mission of the undergraduate Public Health Education & Promotion (PHEP) Program at the University is to prepare our students for effective, responsible, and articulate membership in their communities and the profession of public health, while emphasizing applied experience and service to the community.

In the Adult Program, this mission is achieved by offering a high-quality, flexible education program centered on the key responsibilities and competencies for entry-level health educators defined by the profession, and through utilizing University affiliations with various community partners to offer students quality hands-on experiences, while providing needed health and wellness services within the community.  

The curriculum is based on the core public health competencies outlined by the Council on Education for Public Health, as well as the seven areas of responsibility and competencies of health educators, as defined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. Because of the strong scientific and theoretical foundation provided within this program, it makes it an ideal fit for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in areas such as health, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, law, etc. Strong job opportunities also exist for graduates with the undergraduate degree alone. Additionally, the accelerated and hybrid format caters to working professionals wishing to advance their skill set in the area of public health.

Students graduating from the PHEP program will be qualified to sit for certification as a Health Education Specialist (CHES), a desired credential in the public health education field. This exam measures proficiency in the seven responsibility areas of an entry-level health educator. Certified Health Education Specialists are professionals who design, conduct, and evaluate activities that help improve the health of all people. These activities can take place in a variety of settings: schools, communities, health care facilities, businesses, and colleges. Health educators are employed under a range of job titles such as patient educators, health program coordinators, trainers, community organizers, and health program managers. The Certified Health Education Specialists are those who have met the standards of quality established by NCHEC by successfully passing the CHES examination. The CHES designation after a health educator’s name is one indication of professional competency.

The Adult Format Public Health Education & Promotion major offers a core set of courses for all program majors, offered in an accelerated format.

Requirements for the Public Health Education & Promotion Major in Accelerated Adult Programs

• BIOL-203 The Biology of Human Health
• KINS-315 Professional Seminar in Kinesiology (Jr/Sr year)
• KINS-204 Introduction to Research Methods and Biostatistics
• KINS-236 Theories of Health Behavior
• KINS-260 Intro to Community Health in Diverse Communities
• KINS-265 Current Topics in Public Health Content I
• KINS-275 Current Topics in Public Health Content II
• KINS-305 Grant Writing in Health and Kinesiology
• KINS-313 Introduction to Environmental Health
• KINS-330 Methods in Public Health Education
• KINS-331 Wellness Coaching
• KINS-400 Assessment and Research Principles of Physical Activity and Health
• KINS-440 Epidemiology
• KINS-445 Skill Applications in Diverse Public Health Settings
• KINS-450 Health Disparities
• KINS-452 Health Policy and Advocacy
• KINS-465 Public Health Education Program Planning and Evaluation
• KINS-486 Directed Readings in Public Health
• KINS-495 Professional Experience in Public Health Education (300 hours required)

59 hour major 

Exercise Science Major

The mission of the Exercise Science program is to prepare students for entry-level employment in corporate and commercial fitness centers; clinical settings, such as cardiac rehabilitation; sport performance centers; or within other health and fitness programs which require exercise testing and prescription.

Students wishing to pursue a career in the exercise science field are strongly encouraged to pursue further education, such as a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology, exercise science or sports science. Exercise science also makes an excellent foundation for graduate work in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, medicine, osteopathy, biology with a human emphasis, gerontology, exercise physiology, biomechanics and nutrition. Students also have the option to pursue an associate’s degree in physical therapy assistant concurrently with their exercise science major if acceptance is gained in the PTA program.

The exercise science program is strongly grounded in basic science and better prepares students for graduate school and other advanced education and certification. A large assortment of internship opportunities is available for exercise science majors and is an integral and essential part of the undergraduate curriculum. An internship shall be taken during the senior year and requires a minimum completion of 300 hours. Students graduating with Bachelor of Science in exercise science are eligible to sit for two highly-regarded industry certifications: (1) Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) from the American College of Sports Medicine; and (2) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Requirements for the Exercise Science Major

• BIOL-103 Principles of Human Anatomy
• BIOL-104 Principles of Human Physiology
• CHEM-150 General Chemistry I
• CHEM-151 General Chemistry I Lab
• PHYS-150 General Physics I
• KINS-190 Intro to Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Sciences
  or KINS-315 Professional Seminar in Kinesiology
• KINS-245 Intro to Exercise Physiology and Performance
• KINS-251 Advanced Sport Nutrition
• KINS-280 Sport, Exercise, and Health Behavior
• KINS 325 Group Exercise Leadership and Programming
• KINS-350/L Exercise Physiology & Lab
• KINS 356 Exercise Science Programming and Management
• KINS 376 Strength and Conditioning
• KINS-395 Professional Experience in Exercise Science
• KINS-410/L Motor Control and Biomechanics & Lab
• KINS-470 Exercise Science Lab
• KINS 485 Readings and Practical Experience in Exercise Science
  or KINS 487 Readings and Practical Experience in Strength and Conditioning
• KINS-490 Exercise Prescription

Health and Wellness Management Minor

A health and wellness management minor is intended to support exercise science major who will be working with individuals within commercial or workplace wellness settings. Students not completing the exercise science major will be required to complete a significant number of prerequisites to complete this minor.

Requirements for the Health and Wellness Management Minor (19 hours)

• KINS-260 Introduction to Health in Diverse Communities
• KINS-268 Stress Management
• KINS-331 Wellness Coaching
• KINS-365 Worksite Health Promotion
• KINS-485 Readings and Practical Experience in Exercise Science
  or KINS-487 Readings and Practical Experience in Strength and Conditioning
• KINS-406 Clinical Exercise Physiology

Choose one of the following:

• KINS-236 Theory of Health Behavior
• GERO-305 Physical Dimensions of Aging

Sport Management Major

The mission of the Sport Management major is to comprehensively train students for successful careers in the sport industry through the study of cultural, ethical, legal, and business principles that affect the sport industry and through direct engagement with industry professionals and organizations. Students are required to complete courses in both the Department of Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Sciences and the School of Business. Before graduation, students are required to complete two internships with sport organizations in the area of their desired career interest. The program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

Requirements for the Sport Management Major

• KINS-106 NSE: Kinesiology (if required for Gen Ed)
• KINS-190 Intro to Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Sciences
  or KINS-315 Professional Seminar in Kinesiology (Jr./Sr. year)
• KINS-195 History and Culture of Sport
• KINS-201 Governance and Ethics in Sport
• KINS-210 Introduction to the Business of Sports
• KINS-301 Sport Finance and Economics
• KINS-340 Administration of Athletics
• KINS-345 Legal Issues and Risk Management in Sport
• KINS-355 Management of Sport Facilities
• KINS-360 Organizational Leadership in Sport
• KINS-460 Field Experience in Sport Administration I
• KINS-461 Field Experience in Sport Administration II
• ACCT-210 Financial Accounting
• ECON-110 Microeconomics
• COMM-344 Sports Public Relations
• MKTG-290 Marketing
• MKTS-300 Sport Marketing
• Electives 3 credits

Healthy Diploma™ Concentration

The Healthy Diploma at the University of Indianapolis is designed to give graduates a healthy start on adult life and an advantage in the job market. Similar in concept to an honors diploma, this concentration combines 15 credit hours of health and wellness courses with yearly assessments and individual coaching to orient undergraduates toward a lifetime of positive behavior. Aside from the direct personal benefit to the student, the concentration will show prospective employers that the recipient is dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, which has been shown to benefit the workplace through lower healthcare costs, lower rates of injury and absenteeism, higher productivity, and improved morale and retention. The program also is expected to improve physical health, academic performance, social responsibility, and general satisfaction for students while still in the midst of the college experience.

Requirements for the Healthy Diploma Concentration

15 credit hours. All credits counted in electives (KINS-101 and 104 counted in general education core)

• KINS-104 Honors Wellness (preferred)
  • or KINS-101 Wellness and Fitness for a Lifetime
  • and KINS-102 Advanced Wellness and Fitness for a Lifetime
• KINS-249 Basic Sport and Community Nutrition
  • NURB-225 Nutrition (with approval)
  • or KINS-251 Sport Nutrition
• FIN-401 Financial Wellness
• KINS-455 Personal Health Project (fulfills the Capstone requirement of the Gen Ed Core.)

Physical Activity Electives

Choose three (one per academic year after 24 hours of credit is completed) of the following:

• KINS-103 Aquatics
• KINS-112 Social Dance
• KINS-113 Group Cardio Fitness*
• KINS-114 Cardio Hip Hop*
• KINS-115 Yoga*
• KINS-116 Open Water Scuba
• KINS-252 Weight Management
• KINS-325 Group Exercise Leadership
• KINS-376 Strength and Conditioning
• MUS-120 Contemporary Dance

*one of these courses may be repeated once for additional credit

And at least 6 credit hours of the following:

• KINS-265 Current Topics in Public Health I
• KINS-266 Human Sexuality
• KINS-268 Stress Management
• KINS-275 Current Topics in Public Health II
• KINS-280 Sport, Exercise, and Health Behavior
• KINS 420 Drugs and Social Involvement
• NURB 231 Health Assessment of Individuals and Families (NURB 231 may count for a maximum of 3 credit hours for this Healthy Diploma Category)

One of the following may be substituted for one of the required courses listed directly above:

• PSY-245 Lifespan Development
• PSY-210 Health Psychology
• GERO-301 Interdisciplinary Perspective on Aging
• GERO-305 Physical Dimensions in Aging

*Students must take at least one physical activity elective course in each academic year once the healthy diploma concentration is declared, and the concentration must be declared within the first 30 credit hours including transfer credit hours (or if five semesters remain in student’s program). Students are encouraged to follow the plan as outlined above.

Additional Requirements for the Healthy Diploma Concentration

• Yearly Health Risk Appraisal (HRA): physical fitness testing each semester, and wellness dimension assessments
• Individual consultation with Healthy Diploma adviser twice a semester.
• Comprehensive exam during final semester of senior/final year
• Pledge to commit to positive healthy habits for a lifetime and report behavior post-graduation.
• Recipients of the Healthy Diploma will wear honor cords at commencement and will leave UIndy with a certificate of achievement, along with literature that explains the program to prospective employers.

Additional information about the courses listed above can be found in the section entitled Course Descriptions.