Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (BS NEP)

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (BS NEP) at Washington State University (WSU) has a unique focus on the preparation of students for exercise- and nutrition-related careers in disease prevention and rehabilitation, as well as corporate and private health and fitness industries. In addition, it provides the student with the basic scientific preparation necessary for the pursuit of advanced degrees in exercise science, nutrition, and other allied health and medical fields.

Program Description

The BS NEP degree offers an interdisciplinary evaluation of the multiple effects of nutrition and physical activity on the health of individuals. Areas of study include exercise science, human nutrition, biological sciences, social and psychological sciences, and environmental factors. Students gain experiential learning through laboratory experiences, practicums, and a semester-long internship.

Mission Statement

The Department of NEP seeks to promote the health of individuals and communities through research, teaching, and service activities in human nutrition and exercise physiology, and the application of these sciences in academic, clinical, public health, and industry settings.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate effective verbal communication skills for a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrate effective written communication skills for a variety of audiences.
• Collect and apply assessment data to develop effective evidence-based nutrition recommendations.
• Collect and apply assessment data to develop effective evidence-based exercise prescriptions.
• Understand, interpret, and synthesize quantitative scientific evidence in the fields of nutrition and exercise physiology.
• Demonstrate professionalism including cultural humility, ethical behavior, compliance with regulations, and upholding professional standards of practice.

Exercise Physiology Certification

The BS NEP is designed to prepare graduates for certification as an Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The ACSM certification website provides additional information, content outlines, and study materials. Current requirements include a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or kinesiology, as well as CPR/AED certification.

Employment Opportunities

Exercise Physiologists work in a wide variety of settings such as:

• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
• Stress Testing
• Medical Fitness
• Specialty Gyms
• Private Practice
• Community Wellness
• Public Health
• Research

Admission Process

Current admission requirements for the BS NEP are listed on the website, along with a link to the application. All applications are reviewed to confirm that the minimum requirements are met (or could be met by the start of fall semester). Applications that meet the requirements are independently reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

Prior to Enrolling for Classes

Students are required to complete the following onboarding and advising requirements before beginning classes:

• All BS NEP Students (new and returning): Complete and submit required health sciences campus and departmental onboarding documentation, including all immunization requirements, prior to Student Orientation (unless otherwise noted by the NEP Administrative Assistant).
• New BS NEP Students: Attend New Student Orientation (NSO) in August to receive current information related to the program.

Immunization Requirements and BS NEP Onboarding

ALL Students Must Complete and Submit Required WSU Health Sciences Immunization Requirements and Departmental/Programmatic Onboarding Documentation by Student Orientation. To comply with the training site vaccination and health screening requirements, WSU Health Sciences students with a clinical experiential learning requirement must be vaccinated or show evidence of immunity for the following:

• Hepatitis B Vaccine – Must have 3-part series OR a positive titer test.
• Tetanus & Diphtheria (TDAP/TD) Vaccine– Must have been completed in the last 10 years.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine – Must have series with two vaccination dates OR a positive titer test.
• Varicella Vaccine – Must have series with two vaccination dates OR a positive titer test.
• Flu Shot – Annual.
• Tuberculosis Test (no exemptions allowed)

Costs and Fee Estimates for BS NEP Students

All students attending classes on the Health Sciences campus are subject to the tuition and fees described in the WSU Spokane Course Catalog. Books, course materials, housing, and transportation vary depending on individual course requirements and personal needs. The following course fees and additional expenses are approximate and subject to change.

Course Fees

• NEP 340 Essentials of Food Preparation for Health Sciences: $35.00
• NEP 427 Nutritional Assessment and Lifestyle Counseling: $28.00
• NEP 463 Exercise Physiology: $25.00
• NEP 476 Exercise Testing and Prescription: $25.00
• NEP 478 Cardiopulmonary Physiology: $45.00
• NEP 479 Nutrition and Exercise Practicum I: $40.00
• NEP 480 Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation: $40.00
• NEP 482 Nutrition and Exercise Practicum II: $40.00

Additional Expenses

• Housing Costs: Variable
• CastleBranch Onboarding: $137.00
• National Criminal Background Check: Included with CastleBranch
• WATCH Background Check: 1st is included with Castle-Branch. 2nd year is $51.
• Health and Wellness Services: Mandatory for students enrolled with at least 7 credits. The health fee, services covered, and clinic locations outlined on Cougar Health: $85.00 per semester
• Medical Insurance (Insurance may be required for internships. Students may purchase the WSU Spokane Student Medical Insurance Plan): Variable
• Student Liability Insurance (can be purchased through WSU): $15
• Automobile Insurance: Variable
• Books (This will depend on student’s resources and individual needs): Variable
• Computer meeting specifications and daily access to the Internet: Variable
• WSU Student ID Badge from Student Affairs (different from Cougar Card): $10.00
• Costs Associated with Printing: Variable
• Current Food Worker Card (Washington State): $10.00
• AND Student Membership (optional): $58.00
• Local AND (GSDA) Student Membership (optional): $10.00
• ACSM Student Membership (optional): $30.00
• ACSM Northwest Student Membership (optional): $15.00
• Final Official Transcript: $10.00
• ACSM Exercise Physiologist Certification Exam (with voucher) (optional): $276.00
• Vaccinations: MMR series, HEP B series or titer showing immunity, Varicella series, Tdap, annual flu vaccination, TB test: Variable
• Possible Additional Charges from Internship Sites: Variable

Computer Requirements

All students are required to have a working laptop computer or tablet for academic use and examinations. If you have one, or plan to buy a new one, make sure it meets university IT specifications.

Insurance Requirements

Student Liability Insurance

BS NEP students are required to obtain liability insurance before they participate in any NEP experiential learning activities or internships. This insurance should be obtained, and documentation uploaded into CastleBranch at the specified deadline. Liability insurance must be maintained through the entire BS NEP program, including the internship.

Health and Wellness Services Fee

A student who is enrolled for 7 credits or more per semester is required by WSU to pay a mandatory health and wellness fee that entitles the student to basic local medical and health care services.

Medical Insurance

It is highly recommended that each BS NEP student maintains health insurance. Internship sites typically require health insurance for participation.

Automobile Insurance

Automobile insurance is the responsibility of the individual. Automobile liability insurance is required in the state of Washington.

Performance Monitoring

Assessment of Student Learning

The program’s assessment of learning policy is to evaluate each student on a semester basis in every course. The formal assessment of the student’s progress is based upon graded assignments, projects, and examinations.

Criteria for Receiving a Failing Grade

A failing grade will be issued under the following circumstances:

• The student’s earned grade is a course is below “C”.
• The student fails to make up an incomplete grade.
• Patient/client/participant or preceptor safety is compromised.
• Breach of professional standards.

Internship Requirements

Each BS NEP student is required to complete a 400-hour internship at an approved site of their choice, following the completion of their didactic coursework.

Student Responsibilities in Internships

The student’s primary responsibility during their internship is the care of the clients/patients. The student must remember that the client’s/patient’s welfare has precedence over personal educational objectives.

Academic Calendar, Vacation, Holiday, Working Hours, Absence Policies

The student is expected to observe the same holidays as the worksite employees during their internship. The assigned dates may include days or weeks when WSU is not in session.

Absence from Classes or Facility Rotations

The student is responsible for notifying preceptors, course instructors and facility personnel as early as possible in the semester if absence from classes or internships is anticipated.

Injury or Illness While in the Facility

If necessary, the student will be taken at their own expense to a medical clinic or an Emergency Room for treatment of an injury or emergent illness.

Student to Preceptor Communication

The student is required to contact their assigned preceptor and any additional contacts pertaining to site-specific onboarding requirements no later than two weeks prior to the start of an internship.

WSU Policies and Procedures

Liability for Safety in Travel

Students must assume the responsibility for transportation to and from off-campus activities such as practicum, internship, field trips, and travel to professional meetings.

WSU Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Transfer Credits and Course Offerings

Students who desire to transfer credit for courses from other institutions must consult the Academic Coordinator to facilitate the transfer process. Courses taken from other universities must meet the WSU and BS NEP transfer requirements.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Students enrolled in the BS NEP may be eligible to apply for internal scholarships, as well as for the industry scholarships. State and federal financial aid programs are available to those admitted as students.

Academic Integrity Violations

All academic integrity (cheating) violations will be handled in accordance with the academic integrity procedures in the WSU Code of Conduct.

Request for Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available for a student with a documented disability. Students wanting to request reasonable accommodations must work through WSU Spokane’s Access Services.

Retention and Remediation

WSU and the BS NEP program strive to assist students who may be poorly performing in the courses. Students may access writing assistance, tutoring, counseling, and other services through the Success Center and/or connect with the Academic Coordinator to discuss additional support options.

Withdrawal and Refund of Tuition and Fees

Students who withdraw from the program may be eligible for a refund of tuition and fees.

Department Policies and Procedures

Expectations with Respect to Electronic Communications

Faculty and staff are almost exclusively using electronic means to disseminate information to communicate with you. This information may be important and/or time sensitive.

BS NEP Student & NEP Department Communication

The student is required to maintain close communication (via phone or e-mail) with faculty and the Program Director regarding any issues or concerns pertaining to the BS NEP.

Confidentiality

Students must follow all HIPAA regulations regarding patient/client information and all confidential information learned during the experiential learning activities and internship.

Student Standards of Conduct and Standards of Professionalism

The WSU Standards of Conduct for Students (student conduct code) apply to students in the BS NEP.

Code of Professionalism

Ethical character is an important component of professional behavior and part of the overall assessment of a student’s fitness to enter a health care profession. Students in the BS NEP are expected to maintain ethical and professional behavior while in the classroom, when interacting with university employees, while completing experiential learning activities, when attending university-sponsored functions, and when serving as representatives of the university.

Violations of the Code of Professionalism

A violation of the Code of Professionalism, whether intentional or unintentional, requires intervention to mitigate future consequences.

Appeal Process – Violation of Code of Professionalism

Appeals from findings of violations or educational outcomes issued due to a violation of the Code of Professionalism may be made to the NEP Ad-Hoc Committee in writing.

Filing Complaints

If a student has a complaint about the program but does not feel comfortable presenting the issue directly to the director or faculty, the student may contact the Academic Coordinator directly via email or phone.

Satisfactory Academic Process

The BS NEP has established a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 program GPA for a student to be considered in good academic standing. All BS NEP courses must be completed with a score of C or better.

Termination of Enrollment

The enrollment of a student will be terminated under any one of the following conditions:

• If student has a cumulative GPA below 2.5 at the end of the first semester of study.
• If student has been provisionally admitted and has a cumulative GPA below 2.5 at the end of the first semester of study.
• If a student fails to establish and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above after more than one semester of study.
• If student has failed a course for a second time.

Voluntary Student Resignation

If it becomes necessary to resign from the BS NEP before completion, the student should consult with the Academic Coordinator, and complete the paperwork required from WSU.

Student Information

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of students’, both current and former, educational records.

Washington State University Resources

Supportive resources are available to students while they are enrolled in the program and students are encouraged to access these resources as needed.

Appendix A

BS NEP Onboarding Checklist

The WSU Health Sciences/NEP-specific onboarding requirements and instructions are listed below.

CastleBranch Registration ($136.74)

CastleBranch is your portal for completing, uploading, and tracking all onboarding requirements.

Easy Forms and Checks

• NEP Handbook Acknowledgement of Understanding
• WSU NEP Media Consent
• Authorization to Release Record
• PAR-Q+ Questionnaire
• Criminal and WA State Patrol Background Checks
• Office of Inspector General Background Check
• Criminal History Disclosure Form
• Student Professional Liability Insurance

Important Trainings

• HIPAA/Human Subjects Certification
• Blood Borne Pathogens Training AND Signed BBP Safety Plan Form
• CPR w/AED Certification
• Basic First Aid
• Washington State Food Worker Card

Vaccinations and Screenings

Many of these are also required by the university and will need to be uploaded to your Cougar Health Patient Portal, as well as to CastleBranch.

Onboarding Documentation Descriptions

Acknowledgement of Understanding

A signed Acknowledgement of Understanding (AoU) indicates the student has read the BS NEP Student Handbook and will abide by the policies and procedures of the university, campus, and program.

Media Consent Form

The media consent form allows the NEP department to use pictures and/or videos or other multimedia of students in class, at internship sites, and/or engaging in any NEP-related activity.

Authorization for Release of Record

The release of record allows NEP faculty and staff to share personal information necessary for students to onboard to internship sites.

Student Liability Insurance

To purchase the student liability insurance, students must visit CRMO.

PAR-Q+

The PAR-Q is the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.

HIPAA Training

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training is required of all BS NEP students.

Blood Borne Pathogens Training (BBP)

This training is designed to ensure students can properly handle bodily fluids and other tools to prevent the spread of disease.

First Aid

Basic first aid training is required from all incoming BS NEP students.

Food Handler’s Permit

All students are required to have a current Washington State Food Worker Card.

CPR (Adult, Infant, & Child) w/ AED Certification

Students need to make sure to get the American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR & AED certification specifically for health care providers.

National Criminal Background Check

All students are required to submit a nationwide criminal background check prior to orientation.

Washington State Patrol Background Check (WATCH)

Students are required to complete an annual Washington State Patrol Background Check (WATCH) in addition to the criminal background check.

Office of Inspector General (OIG) Background Check

The Office in Inspector General Background check can be completed online.

Immunization/Health Records

Each student must provide evidence of completed immunizations.

Appendix B

Acknowledgement of Understanding

Appendix C

Media Consent Form

Appendix D

Release of Record

Appendix E

Blood Borne Pathogens

Appendix F

NEP Faculty and Staff Contact Information

Name and Title | Email Address | Phone Number | Office ---|---|---|--- Ofer Amram Associate Professor | | | SHER 318B Franck Carbonero Associate Professor | | | SHER 416 April D Davis Associate Professor | | | SHER 320A Glen Duncan Professor and Chair | | | SHER 318C Nick Dunn Laboratory Coordinator | | | SHER 308 Kelli Frederick Assistant Professor | | | SHER 320B Hans Haverkamp Associate Professor | | | SHER 314B Lisa Heneghen Assistant Professor | | | SHER 314C Catherine Jarrett Assistant Professor | | | SHER 304 Julie Larsen Associate Professor | | N/A | SHER 302 Mark McMulkin Adjunct Instructor | | N/A | N/A Pablo Monsivais Professor | | | SHER 436 Duran Paasch-Catalano Administrative Assistant | | | SHER 308 Martine (Petey) Perrigue Assistant Professor | | | SHER 314A Patrick Solverson Assistant Professor | | | SHER 458 Jill Wagner Academic Coordinator | | | SHER 318A