Health and Exercise Science Program
Do you want to improve the lives of others in a rapidly growing field? By studying Health and Exercise Science at Simmons University, students are exposed to industry-leading technology used in the healthcare and wellness fields, which includes working with subjects on:
- Physiological Testing
- Biomechanical Movement Analysis
- Exercise Assessment
- Exercise Prescription
- Physical Activity and Reducing Chronic Disease Risk
- Data Acquisition and Analysis
CoAES Accreditation
- Seeking Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences* (CoAES) AY 25-26
- Through accreditation, we can share how our academic program meets defined professional standards for student outcomes.
*The Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences was established in April 2004 under the auspices of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Internship and Research
The Exercise Physiology lab contains high level research grade equipment for students to gain experience and develop hands-on skills in assessing determinants of health.
Our students master skills in areas such as measurement and assessment of oxygen consumption (VO2), neuromuscular activation (EMG), thermogenic, metabolic, pulmonary and cardiovascular responses to exercise, and more. Our newly renovated Science Labs and Holmes Sports Center serve as a living lab for acquiring skills in Exercise Assessment and Prescription, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Strength & Conditioning, and Foundations of Exercise and Health.
Simmons is located in the Longwood Medical area, home to world class medical, clinical and research facilities. Our students have completed a variety of research and internship experiences at regionally and world renowned organizations:
Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Boston Children's Hospital
- Boston Medical Center
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Mount Auburn Hospital
Clinical Research
- Brigham & Women's Hospital
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Dieli-Conwright Lab
- Harvard Medicine Ginty Lab
- Joslin Diabetes Center
- MGH Pediatric Oncology
- Tufts Nutrition Research Center on Aging
Physical & Occupational Therapy
- ATI Physical Therapy
- Boston Sports Medicine
- Bay State Physical Therapy
- Cray Physical Therapy
- Marathon Physical Therapy
- Motion PT Group
- PeopleFit Health and Wellness Center
- Professional Physical Therapy
- Spaulding Rehab Hospital
- YMCA-Huntington Ave
Athletic Training
Sports Performance
- Brandeis University Athletics
- D1 Training
- Harvard University Athletics
- MIT Athletics
- Northeastern University Athletics
- Simmons University Athletics
Fitness and Wellness
- Beacon Hill Athletics Club
- Clientel3
- Equinox
- Fitness Together
- Healthworks Community Fitness
- Human Powered Health
- Supportive Living, Inc
Industry Research
Career Pathways
Our major prepares students for a variety of graduate programs and professional careers, including:
- Physical Therapy
- Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner
- Public Health
- Behavior Analyst
- Nutrition/Dietetics
- Physician's Assistant
- Occupational Therapy
- Athletic Training
- Speech & Language Pathology
- Allopathic Medicine
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Chiropractic Medicine
- Optometry
- Podiatry
- Anesthesiologist Assistant
- Sports & Human Performance
- Exercise Physiology
- Personal Training
- Fitness, Health & Wellness
- Corporate Wellness
Graduate School Pathways in Science and Health Professions
Simmons University and A.T. Still University's College of Graduate Health Studies are now partners! Learn more about that and about other direct entry enrollment pathways available to Simmons students!
Health and Exercise Science Faculty
Michael Welch
Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of the Health & Exercise Science Program
Tim Hanway
Assistant Professor of Practice and Internship Coordinator for the Health & Exercise Science Program
Ling Xin
Assistant Professor
Health and Exercise Science in the News
Nutrition Professor Receives Award from Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation
Recognizing the professional achievements of Assistant Professor of Nutrition Dr. Jacqueline Beatty, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation honored her with the 2024 Margene Wagstaff Award for Innovation in Dietetics Education.
Congratulations to the 2024 SURPASs Scholars
Twelve undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs), a highly competitive, fully funded research and mentorship program. During this six week intensive, students will work with a faculty mentor to execute an independent research project of their own design and development.
Award Named in Honor of former Professor Randi Lite
The Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA) Annual Conference Committee has established the Randi Lite Lifetime Achievement Award. Named for former Biology Professor of Practice and Director of Exercise Science Randi Lite, who was a founder and first president of CEPA...
Students and Alums in the News
Athlete Discovers Value of Nutrition
Accelerated student Arianna Joyce ’26, ’27MS is a competitive figure skater who is passionate about nutrition. We spoke with her about the encouraging community at Simmons and the value of an accelerated education.
Aspiring Physical Therapist Researches Heart Health
A senior in the Health and Exercise Science + Physical Therapy DPT (4+3) program, Jennah Harvey ’26, ’29DPT is engrossed in her capstone project on the cardiac effects of caffeine. We spoke with her about research/internship opportunities and the welcoming atmosphere at Simmons.
PT Graduate Student Appreciates Accelerated Education
Zuzanna Misztela ’26, ’28DPT is a 3+3 student in the Department of Physical Therapy. We spoke with her about the value of an accelerated education and the supportive atmosphere at Simmons.
3+3 DPT Student on Timing and Transition
Ashley McGrath '25 '27DPT shares her experience in the Accelerated Program in Health and Exercise Science & Physical Therapy (3+3).
Physical Therapist Alumna Finds her Dream Job
Nina Testa ’23, ’25DPT is an outpatient physical therapist at the Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network in Haverhill, MA. To honor National Physical Therapy Month (October) 2025, we spoke with her about the value of Simmons’ accelerated education, her recent research, and the University’s inclusive atmosphere.
A 3+3 PT Alum on the NFL Field
A graduate of the Simmons Accelerated Program in Health and Exercise Science & Physical Therapy (3+3), Alexia Malone Oliver ’16 ’18DPT is Assistant Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist for the Denver Broncos. We spoke to her about what it means to treat players on and off the field.
PT Student Embraces Disability-Centric Approach
Bringing a distinctive methodology to her profession, Amanda Michel ’23, ’25DPT has already made headlines, gracing the cover story of American Physical Therapy Association magazine (July 2024). We spoke with her about disability-informed research, her love of dance, and the supportive atmosphere of Simmons.
3+3 Exercise Science/PT Student Shares the Gift of Sports
In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Simmons Shark Lauren Stenmon ’28 ’30DPT shares how she balances the intense studies of her accelerated degree program with her athletics schedule.
Contact Us
Michael Welch
Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of the Health & Exercise Science Program