The Profession
 

Health promotion is a growing field.  Many companies offer this as a benefit for their employees, utilizing either in-house or contract (i.e. hospital-based) health promotion programs.  The main corporate management objectives for health promotion programs are to reduce medical care costs, to enhance productivity, and to enhance image.

A diverse background with various certification (e.g. CPR, first aid, certified aerobics instructor) is recommended.  Creativity, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic are essential.  A program may have on-site exercise facilities, therefore knowledge in this area is desirable.  Occasionally a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in exercise and sport science may qualify you; however, because of the attractiveness of these jobs and the in-depth knowledge needed, holders of master’s degrees are more marketable.  Upon completion of an advanced degree in a health-related field, students may seek national credentialing as a CHES, certified Health Education Specialist.  Undergraduate students in this track should plan to complete a minor in Sociology or Psychology.

Given the enormity of the health problems facing this nation and the possibility of future employment which emphasizes health promotion and wellness, the department has developed a professional track of study for the physical education major who wishes to expand his or her knowledge in the health promotion field.

Career Options

• Facility Management
• Hospital Health Promotion
• Theme Park and Resort Health Club
• Public Fitness and Recreation
• Corporate Wellness
• Community Health Educator
• Sport Camp and School Sport Club
• Patient Educator
• Research
• Public Health Agency

Skills Needed

Students in this track must be able to:

Work with people, both on an individual and group basis.
Assess current lifestyle behaviors, attitudes and knowledge.
Plan effective health education/promotion programs.
Implement a variety of health education/promotion programs.
Evaluate new programs as well as existing programs.

The Internship Experience
 

Students electing to take the internship, HEAL 403, must follow the procedures listed.  In the past, students have been placed in the following locations:  Roper Hospital, MUSC Wellness Center, MUSC Hospital, East Cooper Hospital, Fenwick Hall, the Coastal Center, the American Lung Association, St. Andrews Family Recreation Center, the Fitness Attitude Training Center, the Air Force Base, the Jewish Community Center, Carolina Center for Athletes, and the Pain Center, the Department of Environmental Control, and the Rehabilitation Centers of Charleston.

Admission Criteria for an Internship
 

Acceptance into the Department's Internship experience is extremely competitive and NOT automatic.  To be accepted as an intern in the Department of Physical Education and Health, you must:
 

1. Be a Physical Education major;
2. Be a junior (75 hours completed) or above;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.  Preference will be given to those students who have maintained a GPA of 3.00 or higher, as the number of internship sites are limited.
4. Complete an application form for the Internship at least one year prior to the fieldexperience.(All forms can be picked up from the Department secretary).
5. Complete TWO recommendation forms.  One form must be from a full-time faculty member within the Department of Physical Education and Health.  The second form  must be from someone in the professional area in which you are applying for an internship or a past employer. All forms must be received by the last day of classes one year in advance of the internship.
6. Current resume;
7. Have successfully completed the following PEHD major courses:  201, 330, and HEAL 216 AND be concurrently enrolled in  PEHD 340/L.
8. Receive a majority vote of approval by the full-time PEHD faculty; and
9. Agree to a contract outlining the terms of the Internship.

The Internship Review Process
 

After your application form and two letters of recommendation have been received by the Department Chair or the Health Coordinator, you will: 

A. Receive a letter indicating when approval of interns will be voted on by the PEHD faculty;

B. Receive a second letter indicating your status into the internship experience.  There are one of three categories for your application:

1. Immediate acceptance into the internship experience;

2. Probationary status of your application, with the faculty re-evaluating your academic performance one semester before your proposed internship; or

3.  Rejection of your application at this time.  You may reapply for an internship at least one year prior to the field experience.

C. Acceptance into the internship experience is an honor that also carries additional requirements and responsibilities for each student.  These include:

1. There will be a two hour meeting of all interns on the Reading Day of the semester preceding the start of the internship.  A letter will be sent to each intern identifying where the meeting will take place.  This meeting is MANDATORY and any student who misses this meeting may be dropped from his/her internship experience.

2. All interns must be currently certified in First Aid and CPR the semester in which their internship occurs.  

3. All immunizations must be current, especially TB and tetanus.  Students must bring a copy of their TB test to the health coordinator on the Monday immediately before classes officially begin.

Click on your field of interest to view other programs offered by the Department of Physical Education and Health.

Athletic Training

Exercise Science

Teacher Education