Health and Wellness Promotion, A.S.

Degree: Associate in Science
HEGIS Code: 5299
Curriculum Code: 2440
Campus Location: City, North, South
Business and Public Service Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations:  Physical Education/Athletic Participation or interest.

Program Description Program Competencies Curriculum

Program Description

There is no denying that health and wellness for individuals, families, companies and the government at the local, state, national and international level has become a major focal point within the past decade. There is a growing need for health professionals who can provide health information and exercise instruction to individuals to promote a healthier lifestyle. Additionally there is a need for trained exercise professionals to accommodate the growing number of both adults and children participating in sports and exercise programs. The United States Department of Labor identifies the job outlook as “much faster than average for health and wellness professionals such as health educators, athletic trainers, personal trainers etc.

The purpose of the Health and Wellness Promotion A.S. Transfer Degree is to provide students with the necessary foundational knowledge to pursue an advanced degree after graduation from Erie Community College. Completion of this degree will allow students, if they choose, to enter directly into the work force for some limited occupations.

The Health and Wellness Promotion Transfer Degree has two concentrations. The Health Studies concentration is designed for students wishing to transfer and complete their bachelors or higher degree as a health educators, public or community health professionals, occupational therapists, as well as working with specialized populations such as the seniors in promoting a healthy lifestyle. This concentration will include course work that will prepare our students to plan, implement and evaluate health and wellness programs for individuals throughout their lifetime.

The second concentration, Exercise Science, is for students who wish to transfer to a baccalaureate program in exercise science, personal training, athletic training, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, etc. working in a variety of settings such as corporate fitness, hospitals, universities, professional sports. A balanced format of instruction in the natural sciences, as well as instruction in courses such as exercise testing/programming and personal training, will provide our students with a valuable educational background related to becoming a professional in the field after their transfer and graduation from a four year institution. Additionally, the curriculum will prepare students to sit for outside certified personal trainer credentialing examinations such as National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) if they choose to follow that path. These Graduates will be able to seek employment in private businesses, industry, health insurance companies, public health agencies, and private not-for-profit agencies.

The goal of both concentrations is to have graduates who either continue (transfer) on to a four-year school for an advanced degree in one of the many professional disciplines under the Health and Wellness umbrella or enter the workforce directly. Both concentrations fulfill all of the SUNY General Education requirements within their respected curriculums which will make transferring easier for our graduates.

Lastly, but maybe most importantly, the Health and Wellness Promotion A.S. Transfer Degree is designed to provide ECC students with the greatest amount of career options as a result of the transfer possibilities resulting from our articulation agreements.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an Associate in Science degree in Physical Education Studies the student will:

• core knowledge: know and apply (in theory) discipline specific scientific and theoretical concepts pertaining to health and wellnes;
• core knowledge: know and apply (in theory) discipline specific scientific and theoretical concepts pertaining to health and wellness;
• design and implement: design and implement (utilizing textbook case studies) safe and effective programs to promote health and wellness; and
• professionalism: know the roles, professional responsibilities and standards of practice of different health professionals.

Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 64.0