![MEXP student working with patient]()
Students graduating from Carroll University’s Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (MEXP) program are coming out a step ahead thanks to an innovative program.
The Carroll University Rehabilitative Exercise (CURE) program offers unique experiential learning opportunities to students, and subsequently serves different populations in the greater Waukesha area, including practical opportunities both on and off campus.
Students receive a diversified clinical experience during two semesters conducting individualized, exercise interventions on patients diagnosed with cancer, chronic disease and the geriatric population—both directly in patients’ homes and in the state-of-the-art College of Health Sciences Clinic. The clinic houses multiple pieces of aerobic and cardiovascular resistance training and balance equipment, as well as body weight mat tables for stretching and exercises. The MEXP Clinical program also partners with the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, ProHealth Care and Team Phoenix to expand the program offerings, providing another opportunity to broaden patient skills and network.
“What is really unique and special about our MEXP curriculum is that our students graduate with well over 1,000 hours of experiential, practical learning and real patient contact,” said Jessica Brown, Carroll’s assistant professor of exercise science. “Even more important is that this extensive hands-on practice is with several diverse patient demographics and populations.”
The free, 10-week exercise program gives chronically ill clients the opportunity work one-on-one with MEXP students to develop an individualized program that meets the unique needs and fitness goals of each person. A large component of the program focuses on developing motivational techniques and education for lifelong fitness.
When MEXP students graduate from Carroll University, they will have worked with cardiac, pulmonary, cancer, chronic disease, and geriatric populations.
“That gives them a huge arsenal of clinical skills and experiences to take with them into the workforce, and allows them to be some of the most qualified, diversified, and competitive clinicians in exercise physiology,” Brown added. “Our MEXP coursework not only prepares our students for these practical opportunities, but it helps us serve our community. Many of our patients either cannot afford, have exceeded coverage, or do not have access to exercise prescription and exercise physiologists. CURE is mutually beneficial for our students, our patients, our community, and Carroll.”