Exercise Science
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Located at Morris County School of Technology, Denville
The two-year Exercise Science program provides comprehensive education in fitness training principles and practical application skills for health and fitness professionals. Students develop expertise in theoretical exercise concepts, hands-on fitness techniques, and personal training methodologies while exploring scientific foundations and industry standards through both classroom instruction and physical participation experiences.
Morris County high school students in 10th grade may apply for their 11th and 12th grade year.
Ms. Whitehead
Katie earned a BS in athletic training from Springfield College, Massachusetts and an MS in exercise science from Montclair State University, New Jersey. She started at MCST in 2014 with the sports medicine academy and transitioned to the exercise science program when it started in 2020. Before teaching, Katie worked as an athletic trainer throughout the northeast with a variety of high school, college, and professional teams, and continues to work in the field on a limited basis. While she has enjoyed moving from the athletic field to the classroom and working with students in a different capacity, she occasionally misses working outside, but only when the weather is nice!
Overview of Program
Students attend the following sessions for this Share Time program
Year 1 Students: Morning Session 8:00-10:40 am
Year 2 Students: Afternoon Session 12:10-2:50 pm
Students earn: 20 Career and Technical Education credits per school year
Learning Experience
Students engage in active learning that combines theoretical exercise science concepts with hands-on fitness skill development and enthusiastic physical participation. The program emphasizes authentic fitness methodology through direct application of exercise principles to real-world training scenarios, culminating in preparation for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) examination.
Skills and Prerequisites for Success
Prospective students should demonstrate ability to understand high-school-level information and possess foundational knowledge of related science concepts for practical application. The program requires individuals who can take initiative both individually and as team members, follow multi-step instructions meticulously, and maintain commitment to learning with enthusiastic physical participation.
Important Considerations
- Active Engagement: Full participation in theoretical and hands-on learning activities
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding of high-school-level exercise science information
- Science Foundation: Grasp of basic scientific concepts related to fitness and exercise
- Multi-Step Instructions: Meticulous attention to detailed fitness training procedures
- Individual Initiative: Self-directed learning and personal responsibility for progress
- Teamwork: Collaborative skills and positive contribution in group fitness activities
- Physical Participation: Enthusiastic engagement in hands-on fitness and exercise activities
- Theoretical Application: Ability to connect exercise science concepts to practical scenarios
- Fitness Skills: Development of practical personal training and exercise instruction abilities
- NASM-CPT Preparation: Training for industry-recognized personal trainer certification exam
- Professional Standards: Understanding of health and fitness industry practices
This program is ideal for students who are passionate about health and fitness, enjoy both scientific study and physical activity, and are prepared to engage in comprehensive exercise science training leading to professional personal trainer certification.
Students learn/experience:
- American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Course (includes CPR, AED certification)
- Personal Trainer Certification
- Field Experiences
- Internship
- Business Simulation
- Articulated College Credits
- Business& Industry partnerships
- Networking opportunities
- Hands-on
- Active learning environment
Career Pathways- Students who complete this program are well prepared to pursue post-secondary education and/or employment-related to health and fitness. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Allied Health
- Athletic Training
- Biomechanics
- Cardiac& Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Corporate Wellness
- Entrepreneurship
- Exercise Physiology
- Fitness/Health Facility Management
- Group Fitness Instruction
- Health and Physical Education
- Nutrition
- Personal Training
- Research
- Sports management
- Strength & Conditioning
- Work collaboratively