Program Codes:
BSSPPOT
Bachelor of Science
Introduction
The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine to meet the increased need for people educated in this important field related to health care of the physically active individual and athlete. This degree encompasses the healthrelated professions which prevent and manage injuries and illnesses related to active individuals and organized sports. The pre-health curricula in Sports Medicine prepare and qualify the student for entrance into post baccalaureate professional health degree programs.
The Sports Medicine major at Mercyhurst is interdisciplinary in nature and is designed to prepare undergraduate college students for graduate studies and/ or licensure or certification necessary to be hired in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant and medicine. Our guidelines have been provided by The American College of Sports Medicine, American Physical Therapy Association, the National Strength Coaches Association and the National Athletic Trainers Association and the Committee of Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, Accreditation Review Committee on Education for Physician Assistant, and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
The Sports Medicine student must declare a professional concentration upon entrance into the Department. Students have the option of declaring a dual concentration or a dual major. Students are required to take courses from seven disciplines arranged in four optional concentrations with a core of courses common to each concentration. In all concentrations, there is a strong emphasis on Sports Medicine, the sciences, social sciences, observation of health care professionals and acquiring the specific hands on skill set related to specific health care professionals.
Each concentration requires specific clinical experience related to that specific profession. Students enrolled in Sports Medicine or any of the pre-health concentrations within the Sports Medicine major are encouraged to pursue a double major with Exercise Science and/or Pre-Athletic Training.
Evidence-based medical principles are emphasized throughout the academic experience as well as completion of a student-focused baccalaureate research project.
Students enrolled in the Sports Medicine major should be full time students and must be enrolled in the designated sequence of courses for each declared concentration.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Sports Medicine Department is to provide the student with the necessary didactic competencies, psychomotor skills, clinical proficiencies, clinical experiences, research design, application, presentation and certification through a holistic approach. It is the goal of the Department also to develop the student in the areas of citizenship, stewardship and self-awareness. The mission will be accomplished through student completion of curriculum student learning outcomes.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Describes the duties, responsibilities and skill set of health professions that compose the Sports Medicine health field
Admissions Requirements
Freshmen students should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in high school plus a 3.0 in each of the following six subjects: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or General Science. At least 500 Math and 500 Writing or Reading scores should be achieved for a total of 1000 on the SATs. Prior to entering their freshman year, it is suggested to complete the American Red Cross Professional Rescuer/CPR certification, proof of which is a signed certification card.
Transfer students, either from another department at Mercyhurst or from another college/university, are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and a 3.0 in an introductory biology course, an introductory psychology course, and a human development course, (if previously taken.) A total SAT score of 950 is necessary. American Red Cross Professional Rescuer/CPR certification is strongly suggested.
Final Acceptance Requirements
Students declaring a Sports Medicine major must apply via the Sophomore Review Board in spring of the sophomore year. Failure to do so results in an automatic change of status to “pre-major.”
Responsibility
An above average level of achievement in responsibilities within the major should be demonstrated. Measurement will be determined by the letters of recommendation, documentation of required clinical observations and career portfolio.
Cooperation
An above average level of teamwork with all members of the Sports Medicine faculty and with fellow students should be achieved. Determination of achievement will be reflected in the recommendation letters.
Problem Solving and Decision-Making Skills
Applicants will demonstrate the ability to make accurate and reliable decisions in theory and in practical or clinical situations.
Communication Skills
Students will demonstrate ability to express thoughts and ideas both verbally and in writing.
Academic
For Pre-Athletic Training and Exercise Science: Achieve and maintain an overall QPA of 2.85 or better.
For Pre-Medical, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-Physician Assistant: Achieve and maintain an overall QPA of 3.1 or better in the sophomore year, 3.20 in the junior year and 3.30 in the senior year.
Review Board
Deliberations of the Board will take place near the end of the student’s sophomore year and at other times when Department Chair deems necessary.
Evaluation Process
In the overall Pre-Medical, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-Physician Assistan evaluation process, the Review Board committee can award a maximum score of 300 points per student. A minimum achievement of 225 points will be necessary for acceptance into the Sports Medicine Major Program. An appeal process is available for students who are dismissed. The Pre-Medical, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant, and Pre-Physical Therapy student will receive official acceptance into the concentration if 225 review board points are acquired and an overall minimum GPA of 3.1 is achieved.
Probationary status will be granted if 225 points are acquired and an overall GPA between 3.00 and 3.10 is achieved. The probationary period for all Sports Medicine majors includes the upcoming academic summer sessions and the following Fall semester.
Refer to the notes of the Pre-Athletic Training or Exercise Science majors in to see the Board requirements for those students.
Note: It is made clear that a student who is advised to discontinue the Sports Medicine major will find that a lateral move to a related science major is very difficult without having to take more than 121 credits due to the stringent science requirements in related fields. This is a risk that the student knowingly assumes when he or she accepts initial acceptance into the Sports Medicine major.
Appeal Process
Any student dismissed from the Sports Medicine major may apply for readmittance to the program during the next session of the Review Board. The eligibility of the individual will be determined by the Board using the same criteria as is used for accepting a new student into the program.
Anyone using the appeal process should contact the department chair one semester prior to the Review Board session to initiate the process.
Graduation Requirements
Students who have been accepted into the Sports Medicine major by the Review Board must acquire the progressive G.P.A. for each year, which is 3.10 for sophomore year, 3.20 in the junior year and 3.30 in the senior year.
All students must complete the required clinical observation hours for their declared health profession. All required courses in the designated area of concentration must be successfully completed along with completion of the student’s baccalaureate research project in their senior year. All seniors are required to present their research proposals and findings in a department research symposium in the spring of their senior year.
Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Physician Assistant students must complete 200 hours of documented observation with various licensed health care professionals within their designated career field and one orthopedic surgery. Pre-Medical and Pre-Occupational Therapy students must complete 100 documented hours of physician observation and observe one orthopedic surgery. Pre-health major or pre-requisite courses cannot be taken on a pass-fail basis.
Note that some of the requirements for the major also satisfy specific Reach Curriculum requirements. Students who are not majors (including contract majors) may not take or challenge courses offered by the Sports Medicine faculty without written permission from the Department Chairperson.
Orthopedic Technician/Physician Extender: Professional Certification eligibility
This academic pathway provides eligibility for the Orthopedic Technician and Orthopedic Physician Extender certification exams through the American Society for Orthopedic Professionals. This academic pathway provides potential employment opportunities for all students within the Sports Medicine department. Successful completion of the certification exam via the American Society for Orthopedic Professionals must occur for employment opportunities. Orthopedic technicians assist orthopedic physicians with fitting and applying of casting and splinting devices, fitting of braces and orthotic splints, initial evaluation of patients, rehabilitation programs and health administration services related to scheduling of diagnostic imaging, as well as insurance approvals.
Required Courses Include:
ATR 222 Foundations of Athletic Training 3 credits
ATR 257 Medical Education I Laboratory 1 credits
SPMD 161 Assessment Injury Management I 3 credits
SPMD 162 Introduction to Sports Medicine 3 credits
SPMD 262 Assessment Injury Management II 3 credits
SPMD 264 Assessment Injury Management III 3 credits
The Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration prepares and qualifies the student for entrance into a master or doctoral degree level program in occupational therapy. This concentration will focus on the physically active population with special physical needs as well as orthopedic evaluation to the upper extremity. The Pre-Occupational Therapy student will observe registered occupational therapists for a required 100 observation hours, as well as observe one orthopedic surgical procedure. It is strongly recommended to have some form of transportation to attend clinical rotations.
A general introduction to the science of behavior and mental processes. Topics considered include learning, memory, perception, motivation, personality, psychopathology and social interaction.
This course describes the physiological, behavioral and biomechanical effects of physical exercise. It builds upon the student's basic background in human physiology particularly in the areas of neuromuscular coordination and strength, cardiovascular fitness, respiratory and nutritional support, and hormonal and ph balance. The consequence of physical conditioning on these systems is also emphasized while also discussing the effects human factors and environmental factors have on physical performance.
BIO 250 or BIO 270 or BIO 360
BIO_381
Tests to evaluate conditioning and performance in general will be explained and tested in the laboratory. During laboratory the student will participate in an extensive series of exercises to assess and interpret muscle strength/endurance, anaerobic capacities and aerobic capacities.
SPMD-380
Whereas epidemiology is the science of public health, biostatistics is the "toolkit" of the epidemiologist and public health practicitioner with many applications across clinical, evaluation and research settings. Public health scientists must collect and use data to answer key questions about the effectiveness of interventions, monitor the health of populations and make decisions based on evidence. Buidling on a foundation of basic statistics, the course uses real-world health data and simulations to practice applying the same tools used by professional epidemiologists in the field and medical researchers investigating the causes of disease.
A laboratory class designed to demonstrate through models, microscopic work, and dissection the information presented in BIO 120.
BIO 120
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143
Introduction to the physiological and molecular techniques and methodologies for studying cells, organelles and macromolecules in relation to cellular activities and maintenance of life.
BIO 142
A survey of fundamental chemical principles. Satisfies a liberal studies and core requirement.
CHEM 102
Experimental work corequisite to Chemical Principles.
CHEM 101
This course is an algebra-based physics course designed both for students with science majors and as a laboratory science course in the core curriculum. A working knowledge of algebra and the basics of trigonometry are required. The major topics that will be covered include: Newtonian mechanics, circular motion, energy, momentum, rotational motion and Fluid mechanics. Though concepts of physics will be discussed in detail, the focus of the course will be problem-solving techniques.
MATH 112 OR MATH 118 OR MATH 170
PHYS 103
Laboratory experience to accompany Principles of Physics I.
PHYS 101
The major forms of psychopathology that appear in childhood and adult life. Topics include the symptomatology of mental disorders; their etiology from psychological, biological, and sociocultural perspectives; and issues pertaining to diagnosis, treatment, ethics, and the legal system.
This course covers an area in psychology known as developmental psychology, which is the scientific study of age-related changes in behavior, thinking, emotions and social relationships. The focus is on childhood, from conception to the teenage years. Areas of development include physical, cognitive and socio-emotional. The role of biological, maturational and socio-cultural influences on development are considered. This course is solidly grounded in psychological theory. Basic issues in development are explored, and research methodologies and findings are emphasized.
PSYC-101
This course introduces students to the discipline of sociology-the scientific study of human behavior as shaped by collective forces and self-reflections. The primary aim of this course is to enhance students' ability to interpret and evaluate the social and cultural influences around us. To achieve this aim, the course compares and contrasts sociological theoretical paradigms, as well as discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
A lecture and lab course introducing the student to the etiology, prevention and management of specific athletic injuries to the wrist/hand, elbow and shoulder. There will be a strong emphasis on anatomy of bone, muscle and ligament at each joint. Hands on clinical assessment of each joint will be taught and the student will be evaluated on their individual psycho motor skills.
SPMD 161
A lecture and lab course introducing the student to the etiology, prevention and management of specific athletic injuries to the hip, lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine. There will be a strong emphasis on anatomy of bone, muscle and ligament at each joint. Hands on clinical assessment of each body section will be taught and the student will be evaluated on their individual psycho motor skills.
SPMD 262
This course will emphasize treatment intervention related to occupational therapy. Communication skills, assessment skills, infection control, development of patient goals and outcomes will be stressed. Field experience will be required in the OT clinical environment.
SPMD 207
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143
Sociology course (200 level or above)