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Hit the ground running with a degree in exercise therapy
17 August, 2004
(QTAC Code: 511744)
The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) is pleased to announce a new Diploma of Fitness/Bachelor of Science (Exercise Therapy) for 2005.
The joint program between USC and the Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE (CSIT), will offer a combination of practical hands-on experience from CSIT and a strong foundation of theory, laboratory testing and research from the University.
Aimed at creating graduates who are at the cutting edge of the fitness industry, the new program is in line with professional qualifications determined by Australia's leading agency in fitness, Fitness Australia.
Students will participate in a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars, practical laboratory and fieldwork, and computer-aided learning.
Courses in the four-year program include Functional Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Health and Rehabilitation, Sports Coaching and Performance Enhancement.
The result will be a highly marketable dual accreditation in a rapidly growing industry.
Dr Brendan Burkett, Lecturer in Biomechanics at the University, said the new program has been created with a significant amount of input from industry.
"The lecturers involved in the new program have real sports experience and come from organisations such as the Australian Institute of Sport, the South Africa Institute of Sport and USA Physiotherapy," Dr Burkett said.
"The course has industry accreditation and will be recognised nationally. It will combine the experience of international lecturers and practical involvement with local sporting teams on the Sunshine Coast."
"Not only will our students benefit, but so will local athletes who can access the Sports Clinic on campus," he said.
The new Sports Clinic offers fitness testing and counselling to elite and amateur athletes on the Sunshine Coast.
The Clinic has a sports medicine specialist, sports physiotherapist, sports dietician, and sports psychologist available and provides professional support and guidance for research into healthy activities and sport.
The new dual program will prepare graduates for a wide variety of exciting career opportunities in a booming industry including;
Exercise physiologist
Health/exercise/fitness consultant
Biomechanist
Cardiac/respiratory technician (eg stress testing, lung function testing)
Coaching or program development officer
Sports scientist
Sports physiologist