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Exercise Science and Rehabilitation

Learn with Minot State
At Minot State, our new exercise science and rehabilitation major includes an element unique to similar programs: rehabilitation and health throughout the lifespan. Developed to promote thoughtful graduates who engage in the science, theory, and practice of enhancing the quality of life for individuals, you can choose from seven different tracks, ensuring a route best tailored to your desired career path.

Focusing on rehabilitation for all ages, the curriculum has a strong focus on hands-on experiences both in and out of the classroom. Valuable research collaboration with other departments on campus and institutions in the community ensure you will put learning into action, starting day one.

Seven major option tracks
Your career goals will determine the best track for you to pursue:

  • Option A: Professional Certification Route: Designed for the student who wishes to enter the workforce immediately following their degree, Option A will prepare you for National Strength and Conditioning Association exams, opening up opportunities to become a certified strength and conditioning specialist, certified personal trainer, and pave the way for other opportunities in cardiac rehab and exercise physiology.
  • Option B: Professional Route Pre-Athletic Training: Athletic trainers practice in the field of sports medicine. With national changes in requirements for athletic trainers, individuals interested in this career field who begin their studies in Fall 2022 or later will be required to hold a master’s degree. This option will prepare students for a master’s degree in athletic training with a background in rehabilitation.
  • Option C: Professional Route Pre-Physical Therapy: Physical therapists are movement experts, helping injured or ill clients improve movement and manage pain while focusing on achieving long-term health benefits. With physical therapists expected to have a 28% growth in employment, the need for PTs is continuing to rise. Meet your prerequisites for pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy, moving you toward your next step in becoming a physical therapist.
  • Option D: Pre-Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists focus on improving their clients’ abilities to perform activities of daily living, called ADL, by taking a holistic approach to healing. Occupational therapists work with all age groups, making our rehabilitation focus on the entire lifespan an important piece in your future career success.
  • Option E: Pre-Physician Assistant: Physician assistants can be found working in all areas of medicine alongside physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. As demand for healthcare services grows, employment of physician assistants is expected to grow 31% by 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  • Option F: Pre-Chiropractic: Receive your undergraduate degree in exercise science and rehabilitation with our pre-chiropractic option before moving on to chiropractic school. Find yourself at an advantage to most of your fellow chiropractic classmates with your strong background in rehabilitation and exercise focus.
  • Option G: Pre-Med: The best prescription for prevention and treatment of almost all diseases is exercise. Build a solid foundation for a future career in medicine by mastering the most powerful medication — exercise.

Career outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fitness trainers and instructors earn a median pay of $45,380 per year. Doctors and surgeons earn a wage equal to or greater than $229,300 per year.

Offered: On campus

Be inspired . . . earn your exercise science and rehabilitation degree

Demographic changes
Baby boomers will all be over the age of 65 by 2030, meaning one in every five residents of the U.S. will be of retirement age. For the first time in history, older people will outnumber younger people, making it more necessary for rehabilitation-focused degrees and professions.
Hands-on learning
With practical or internship experiences and practicums, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your chosen career path at Minot State, giving you an advantage not available to most undergraduate students in your fields.
Employment outlook
Careers in exercise science are growing faster than average. From athletic trainers expecting 23% growth, to medical doctors and surgeons anticipating 13% growth, to physical assistants looking at 31% growth rates, every track included in our degree will prepare you for a career experiencing ample job opportunities.
Experienced faculty
The Department of Teacher Education and Kinesiology features well-qualified instructors who are sought after for their scholarly expertise and contributions to the community. We provide the academic training and field experience you will need for a career in exercise science and rehabilitation.

Program options (Catalog Links)


Department website


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Accreditation
Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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