Health, Physical Education and Recreation at NMU

The department offers programs leading to bachelor degrees in either liberal arts or education, with specialization in athletic training, health education, outdoor recreation, physical education, and sports science. A master of science degree is also available for students wishing to pursue advanced study in exercise science.

Health, Physical Education and Recreation Programs

Athletic Training

The athletic training major is designed to prepare and qualify students to take the National Athletic Trainers' Association Certification Examination. Upon obtaining certification, students will be qualified athletic trainers for positions in settings such as high schools, colleges, sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation centers, or private industry.  Students who enter the major must achieve a grade of "B-" or higher in athletic training courses, and a "C" or higher in other courses within the curriculum. Students must also select a concentration of eight credits from either health, biology, or physical education.

Requirements in our athletic training major will include the core athletic training classes (58 credits) and many hours of clinical "hands-on" experience under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer.  In February 2001, the athletic training program at Northern Michigan University was granted candidacy status by the Joint Review Committee for Educational Programs in Athletic Training (JRC-AT). This status enables us to apply for full program accreditation during the year 2002. Accreditation for athletic training education programs is granted by CAAHEP (Commission on Accrediting Allied Health Education Programs). Northern Michigan University hopes to have the athletic training program fully accredited during the year 2003.  However, accreditation is not guaranteed. It is the intention of the NMU athletic training program to ensure a solid clinical experience that includes exposure to a wide variety of athletic training experiences.

Health Education and Management of Health and Fitness

There are three major programs in this division:  Health Education, Secondary Education Health Education and Management of Health and Fitness. These professional programs are designed to:  promote the development of health literacy; prepare students for entry level health promotion/health education positions in line with appropriate professional standards; build upon liberal studies foundations; and, prepare students for graduate school, should it be desired.

Students selecting these majors will learn to use health promotion and disease prevention interventions in ethical ways to affect the health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of various target populations in a variety of settings (worksites, schools, hospitals/clinics, public health agencies, health clubs, geriatric centers and others). Content areas involve the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational components of health promotion and disease prevention. Selection of major depends upon what the overall goals and interests of the student are relative to career objectives, content areas liked, population the students want to work with, and career setting desired.

An internship, field experience, or student teaching experience is included in each major. These majors also help students prepare to earn certifications such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health and Fitness Instructor Certification, the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Accreditation, and relevant Michigan Teacher Certifications. It is recommended that students take HL 110 (Introduction to Health and Fitness Education) to further explore these majors and career opportunities in the field.

Physical Education

The primary aim of the undergraduate professional physical education program is the preparation of physical education majors through the acquisition of knowledge, the development of skills, and the development of a positive attitude toward activity and fitness that will enable them to perform effectively in a teaching role. More specifically, the major students: (1) obtain knowledge about human movement, such as physiology of muscular activity, the neural and kinesiological basis of movement, measurement and evaluation of motor performance, and methodology of teaching motor skills; (2) develop personal skills in a variety of activities in addition to teaching skills; (3) acquire sensitivity to, and understanding of, human relations in the learning environment by participating in a variety of laboratory and field experiences.

Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management

The outdoor recreation leadership and management major is for students who expect to pursue a career or graduate work in leisure services, outdoor recreation, protected area management, or related fields.  The major provides an academic foundation which meets professional standards in leisure studies, in general, and outdoor recreation, in particular.  Also, the major provides varied opportunities for students to develop additional competencies for more specialized entry-level positions in leisure and outdoor recreation settings.  The learning environment is small scale and friendly and uses both traditional and experiential learning strategies.

The student organization, Organization for Outdoor Recreation Professionals (OORP) exists to address student interests and concerns and provide leadership experiences.  A variety of career-relevant jobs and volunteer work exist in the department and on campus.  Graduates may be self-employed or may find employment in interpretive or outdoor education centers, organized camps, resorts, outfitters and guide services, colleges, adventure programs, county and city recreation and parks departments, state and federal land and water resource management agencies, and a variety of nonprofit organizations and businesses related to the field of outdoor recreation.

Sports Science

The sports science major is a graduate school preparation program of study for students who have focused interests in sport and exercise science. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in the basic sciences of human biology, chemistry, and physics and introductory-level study in the applied areas of exercise physiology, kinesiology/biomechanics, and sport nutrition. Successful graduates will have completed prerequisites for graduate study in more specific exercise science disciplines.

Department/Program Policies

Admission to the Baccalaureate Athletic Training Sequence

Before applying for admission to the athletic training program, applicants must:

1. Be admitted to Northern Michigan University

2. Have completed, or be in the process of completing the following courses:  ATR 100, HL 101 and HL 242.

3. Achieve a cumulative Northern Michigan University grade point average of 2.75 or better in their first semester, with a minimum of 3.0 in ATR 100.

4. Complete required athletic training observation hours under a member of the Northern Michigan University certified staff, during the first year of enrollment.

5. File an application with current transcript of grades and three letters of recommendation with the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department by February 1 for the succeeding fall semester.

6. Sit for a formal interview with the director of the athletic training program and additional certified athletic training staff members, after application has been filed.

7. Meet technical standards for admission.

Technical Standards for Admission to the Athletic Training Program

The technical standards set forth by the Northern Michigan University athletic training educational program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the programs accrediting agency; The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs [CAAHEP].  The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the athletic training education program.  In the event the student is unable to fulfill these technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program. Compliance with the program's technical standards does not guarantee a student's eligibility for the NATABOC Certification Examination.

Candidates for selection into the Northern Michigan University Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate the following:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.

2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.

3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.

4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.

5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.

6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.

7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty within the clinical situation.

8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

The Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department admits a limited number of students to the athletic training program each year. If the number of eligible applicants exceed the number of placements available, the faculty reserves the right to select the applicants who shall be admitted. The remaining eligible applicants may apply for admission the following year. Ordinarily, students may expect to complete the entire program in approximately three academic years after being admitted to the athletic training program, assuming that they complete all of their courses satisfactorily and in sequence.

Retention in the Athletic Training Program

1. Maintain a minimum of 2.5 grade point average.

2. Successfully complete an athletic training (ATR) course on the first or second attempt (i.e., student may repeat an athletic training course only once).

3. Complete all courses in the major with a minimum grade of "C", except courses with the ATR prefix must be completed with a minimum grade of "B".

4. Adhere to the Northern Michigan University Student Code.

5. Demonstrate a pattern of safe clinical practice commensurate with their educational experiences.

Students who withdraw from the program and wish to re-enter must follow the same application and admission procedures as all pre-athletic training students.

Departmental Grade Requirements

Management of Health and Fitness majors must achieve a grade of "C" (2.00) or higher in all major courses. In addition, students are expected to follow a lifestyle commensurate with their professional aspirations.

Sports Science majors must achieve a grade of "C" (2.00) or better in all major courses.

Health Education Secondary Education Majors and Minors

Physical Education Secondary Education Majors and Minors

Students majoring in health education secondary education or physical education secondary education  or minoring in health education secondary education, physical education secondary education coaching emphasis, physical education elementary education, or physical education secondary education must maintain a grade point average of 2.7 or greater with no grade below a "C" in the professional education sequence, the major and/or minors and required cognates combined.

Health, Physical Education and Recreation Programs