• Athletic Trainer
• Chiropractor
• Dentist
• Epidemiologist
• Exercise Physiologist
• Health for Consumers
• Laboratory Technician
• Nurse
• Nutritionist
• Occupational Therapist
• Optometrist
• Orthopedic Technologist
• Pharmacologist
• Physical Therapist
• Physician Assistant
• Podiatrist
• Radiologist

Q: Why choose Exercise Science as a major for a future in health care?
A: Altough you may select any major, health care professional graduate schools require specific courses that are prerequisite for admission. The ExSci curriculum encompasses the majority of these prerequisite courses. Thus you will fulfill most of the admission standards for health care professions as well as complete a major.

Q: What additional courses outside the ExSci major should I take?
A: Most health care professions require:

• at least a year of chemistry and some require an organic chemistry course,
• a year of physics or at least one semester of beginning physics,
• upper division psychology (for those interested in physical therapy),
• microbiology,
• statistics and research design,
• and many want evidence of writing and other communication skills.

Q: Is there a particular sequence that I should take the courses?
A: There is no required sequence, but the following are recommended:

• Take the introductory ExSci course (EXSCI 135) during your first or second semester. It will prepare you for the major; help develop your analytical skills, writing skills, presentation skills; and, determine your attributes for a future health care profession.
• An entry level biology course is highly recommended during your first two semesters as it prepares you for human anatomy and physiology.
• Take human anatomy between your second and fourth semesters.
• Take exercise physiology as close to human physiology as possible.
• Take human physiology immediately or within one semester after human anatomy.
• Take your chemistry series within your first four semesters.
• Take physics prior to biomechanics (if you are taking physics).
• Take statistics just prior to research design (EXSCI 356)

For more information on a recommended health care sequence, consult the curriculum timeline.

Q: I am a pre-med student. Should I consider taking Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses, even though medical schools do not require these courses?
A: Yes, because medical and dental programs are moving to requiring human anatomy and physiology. In addition, previous exposure to, and experience with human anatomy and physiology will make your anatomy and physiology classes at medical school significantly less stressful. Finally, if you decide to pursue a health-related career other than as a physician, these classes are usually required and certainly beneficial.

Q: I have decided to become a registered nurse, but Willamette does not offer a four-year nursing program. Should I transfer to another institution?
A: It depends upon the course work you have already completed at Willamette. You also need to consider that there are many accelerated nursing programs. Accelerated nursing programs are an excellent alternative to transferring and may be a better solution. You should consult an Exercise Science advisor to discuss your options.