two female students exam other female student's knee

Sports Medicine

Bachelor of Science

Mercyhurst offers a bachelor of science degree in sports medicine to meet a growing need for educated practitioners in this important field. The sports medicine major at Mercyhurst encompasses the health-related professions that prevent and manage injuries and illnesses affecting active individuals and athletes. The program’s curriculum emphasizes evidence-based medical principles, personal and professional responsibility, teamwork and cooperation, problem solving, decision making and improvement of communication skills. In addition, Mercyhurst students learn their discipline from a hands-on clinical approach, which includes: on-campus experiences with certified athletic trainers, off-campus clinical experiences at local hospitals, physical therapy and occupational therapy clinics, all while observing employed health professionals. Mercyhurst sports medicine students also complete a self-directed baccalaureate research project with the assistance of a department faculty member. The sports medicine major at Mercyhurst is interdisciplinary in nature; it's designed to prepare students for graduate studies and/or licensure or certification needed to be hired in the areas of athletic training, exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy and medicine. A Mercyhurst student who is interested in pursuing a sports medicine major must declare a professional concentration upon entrance into the department. Students have the option of declaring a dual concentration. In all concentrations there is a strong emphasis on sports medicine, the sciences and the social sciences.

Minors
    • BIO 240/241: Human Anatomy/Physiology I (3 credits) & Lab (1 credit) (Prerequisite of BIO 120/121 or 130/131
      and Elective Courses)
    • BIO 250/251: Human Anatomy/Physiology II (3 credits) & Lab (1 credit)
    • SPMD 162: Intro to Sports Medicine (3 credits)
    • SPMD 205/206: Exercise Assessment I (3 credits) & Lab (1 credit)
    • SPMD 370/371: Strength Training & Program Design (3 credits) & Lab (1 credit)
    • SPMD 380/381: Exercise Physiology (3 credits) & Lab (1 credit)
    • PUBH 101: Foundations of Public Health (3 credits)

    • PUBH 109: Health Education (3 credits)

    • FNUT 131: Food and Nutrition (3 credits)

    • SPMD 155: Personal Health Science (3 credits)

    • BIO 120/121: Human Biology (4 credits) (Option: BIO240/241 HAP I or BIO 334/335 Human Anatomy)

Learning Outcomes

  • List and describe the duties, responsibilities, and skill set of health professions that compose the Sports Medicine field
  • Recognize and evaluate the anatomical and physiological processes of the physically active individual
  • Apply the specific hands-on skill set that Sports Medicine health professionals utilize
  • Describe and apply the management, organizational, and leadership skills of health professionals
  • Think critically and solve problems about medical and scientific concepts
  • Comprehend, synthesize, and apply the proper research methodology process for health professions
Facilities
    • 2 Human Performance labs with Biodex Isokinetic System 4
    • Biodex Balance System
    • Bod Pod
    • 2 Parvo Med Gas analyzers
    • Treadmills