BS NEP | Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine | Washington State University
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College of Medicine
Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
BS NEP
The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (BS NEP) provides an in-depth understanding of the roles of nutrition and exercise in health and disease. The BS NEP program is unique in that it seeks to provide a strong grounding in both nutrition and exercise science.
Students in the program learn to use nutrition and exercise as a form of medicine and as a wellness practice when working with patients and clients.
Who You Are
Students are eligible to take the Exercise Physiologist (EP) certification exam offered by the
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
. ACSM EPs are qualified to pursue careers in university, corporate, commercial, hospital, and community settings. They are exercise specialists with the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting fitness assessments and interpreting results to prescribe appropriate, personalized exercise programs.
Because of the unique inclusion of both nutrition and exercise-focused curriculum, graduates can also competently conduct nutritional analyses and provide nutrition education to clients.
Get Certified as an Exercise Physiologist
What You’ll Do
Career Paths
Get the tools you need to launch into a variety of successful careers. Many NEP graduates find related jobs promptly upon graduation. Employers include:
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinics
Specialty Gyms, including those catering to Athletes
YMCAs
Strength and Conditioning Centers
Public Health Agencies
Health Care Facilities
Occupational Therapy Offices
Physical Therapy Offices
Medical Centers
Read 7 Careers in Exercise Physiology You Never Knew About
Prepare for Graduate School
For those interested in pursuing an advanced degree, the bachelor’s in nutrition and exercise physiology prepares students for application to graduate school in clinical programs such as our
Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics
and research-focused studies in the nutritional and exercise sciences, including our
Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
and
PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
Prepare for Medical School
Interested in becoming a doctor? As health care providers adopt an increasingly holistic approach to patient care, a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and exercise physiology provides a comprehensive academic foundation and clinical experiences that prepare graduates to stand out during medical school admissions and succeed as physicians. Learn more about what WSU looks for in medical school applicants by visiting the
MD program
website.
Schedule
View Full Academic Calendar
Resources
BS NEP Student Handbook
Internship Manual
Cost & Financial Info
Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid
Scholarships & Assistance
Spokane Housing
Establishing WA Residency
Contact
nep@wsu.edu
Our Curriculum
Students establish a strong science-based foundation in their junior year with courses such as Exercise Physiology, Macronutrient Metabolism, and Pathophysiology. They learn practical applications of content in courses like Strength Training & Conditioning and Food Preparation for Health Sciences. Application continues with Exercise Testing & Prescription and Nutritional Assessment.
Courses diversify in the senior year, including Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Population Health, and Management & Facilities. Practical experience in the BS NEP is integral to preparing students for a successful career. In their senior year, students run the campus NEP Health and Fitness Clinic in which they practice their skills with community members. The final requirement for the degree is a 400-hour internship at a related site of the student’s choice.
Required Courses
Research Opportunities
Students gain hands-on experience with nutrition and exercise physiology research through curricular and extracurricular research opportunities. Our faculty study genetic and environmental influences on health and weight, nutrition and the gut microbiome, vascular and pulmonary health, spatial epidemiology, and more. For more information about faculty areas of expertise, explore profiles on the
Faculty & Staff
page.
Learn More About Extracurricular Student Research
Program Outcomes
Over the past six years.
86%
of students who attempted the ACSM Exercise Physiology exam passed
97%
of graduates promptly got jobs in the field and/or were accepted into graduate school
100%
of employers surveyed are satisfied with BS NEP alumni as employees
100%
of BS NEP alumni report being satisfied with their education
BS NEP Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (
www.caahep.org
) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences.
CAAHEP Contact Information:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
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