Clinical Exercise Science at Aquinas College
Discover Clinical Exercise Science
Our Clinical Exercise Science program is for students who see movement as more than mechanics, who see it as a way to help others recover and return to what they love, and who want to understand the science behind every stretch and stride. Through hands-on labs and real-world experiences, you’ll dive into how exercise impacts the body, learning to prevent injury and support rehabilitation. You’ll study emergency response, therapeutic movement, and the principles that keep athletes and patients healthy and strong.
And when it’s time to take the next step, you’ll be ready—whether that means pursuing advanced study in Athletic Training, Occupational or Physical Therapy, or stepping into a career as a Corporate Health Advisor.
It's Your Time to Rise Up
Sturrus & Alksnis athletic and teaching facilities
In addition to being the home for many AQ athletic teams, Sturrus and Alksnis provide a great learning atmosphere including academic classrooms, fitness center, athletic training facility, locker rooms, and much more.Kinesiology Facilities
See the academic catalog for more specific information on degrees and courses
Majors |
Minors |
| Clinical Exercise Science Major (BS) | Clinical Exercise Science Minor |
**Optional concentrations in Pre-Athletic Training,
Pre-Occupational Therapy, or Pre-Physical Therapy.
| Name | Title | Department | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duane Ambrose | Assistant Professor | Kinesiology | (616) 632-2896 |
| Chad Bocian | Adjunct | Kinesiology | |
| Kaitlyn Bowen | Adjunct Lecturer | Kinesiology | |
| Scott Brown | Assistant Professor | Kinesiology | (616) 632-2441 |
| Leena Chalhoub | Adjunct | Kinesiology | |
| Claire Crowley | Adjunct Assistant Professor | Kinesiology | |
| Joanne Gorant | Assistant Professor | Kinesiology | (616) 632-2899 |
| Heather Kesselring-Quakenbush | Professor, Department Chair | Kinesiology | 616-632-2898 |
| Joseph Liblong | Adjunct | Kinesiology | |
| Mary Lohman | Adjunct Assistant Professor | Kinesiology | |
| Natasha Nienhuis | Adjunct | Kinesiology | |
| Katelyn Papineau | Adjunct Professor | Kinesiology | |
| Ally Richardson | Adjunct | Kinesiology | |
| Mikhail Sarkisov | Adjunct Professor | Kinesiology | |
| Jacci Storey | Adjunct | Kinesiology | |
| Emily Welles | Adjunct Professor | Kinesiology | |
| Lindsey Williams | Adjunct Lecturer | Kinesiology |
Career Preparation based on leadership
The Miriam Paquet-Rice Award is the highest honor given annually by the Department of Kinesiology at Aquinas College to a senior majoring Clinical Exercise Science. It is presented to the outstanding student who exhibits a combination of high academic achievement, along with college and community involvement and service.
The mission of the Kinesiology Department, in support of the mission of Aquinas College and grounded in the liberal arts tradition, is to prepare each student for a career that promotes movement, activity, and lifelong learning, and the role these factors play in the development of a whole person.
The department of Kinesiology offers interdisciplinary undergraduate majors in the areas of Applied Sport and Exercise Science, Business Administration/Sport Management, and Clinical Exercise Science. Minors are also offered in the areas of Applied Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise Science, and Coaching.
- Students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of human anatomy and the skills required for the assessment of the extremities as it applies to identification of common conditions in sport.
- Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to plan and execute physical fitness programming for various populations and at various stages of injury.
- Students will be able to exhibit effective communication skills and sound judgment when engaging with peers and clients in both verbal and written documentation.
- Students will be able to excel in graduate study for the areas of Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and other orthopedic allied health professions.
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
In Clinical Exercise Science students learn about the body’s response to exercise, how therapeutic exercise may be used to prevent injury or aid physical rehabilitation, and emergency response. This major may be used as a stepping stone to earning advanced degrees in Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or Recreation Therapy however students may also find work as Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Personal Trainers or Corporate Health Advisors.
For salary information for the orthopedic careers, see:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/athletic-trainers.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm
Graduate School
Aquinas has Early Assurance Programs with Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, and Northern Michigan University that allow AQ students to be admitted each year into graduate programs.Step into Grad School
News From the Kinesiology Department
Maegan Garlock didn't plan to go to Aquinas College. She had committed to Grand Valley State University for physical therapy when life shifted course: she was pregnant, her father worked on the AQ maintenance crew, and the small campus on Robinson Road suddenly made more sense than anywhere else. Aquinas... This summer and fall, three Aquinas College students – Cameron Moore, Kaitlyn Yonker and Carlota Arzabe Mecchia – are gaining invaluable experiences through the 2024 MCA-CLC Professional Development Program. Kyle Williams is now the academic coordinator for several athletic teams at Michigan State University. Tyler Szturm is a sports management and marketing major and a member of the AQ men's hockey team. This summer, Tyler interned in Grand Rapids with the sales department at Howie's Hockey Tape!
Three Degrees, One Community: The Aquinas Journey of Maegan Garlock '02, '11, '17
Aquinas Students Shine in the MCA-CLC Program
Meet Aquinas Alum Kyle Williams, ‘19
Spotlight on a summer internship with Howie's Hockey Tape