Program Outcomes
Annual Assessment Report (2020-2021) [PDF]
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P: 800-277-7020
E: grad@piedmont.edu
About Health & Human Performance
The Master of Science in Health and Human Performance is a full-time, residential program which follows a 14-month (36 credits), sequenced curriculum focused on improving access to and quality of health services provided to clients. The multifaceted MSHHP program builds upon foundation coursework in anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, psychology, and other science-based courses, and is designed for students who wish to explore the interaction between sociocultural variables, resource availability, and programming strategies that promote health and wellness. Throughout their coursework, students will assess population needs and use targeted behavior coaching and health education principles to address chronic and acute conditions, enhance team and individual physical performance, and promote a healthy lifestyle. All students complete both a culminating thesis project on a professionally-relevant topic and a 2 credit hour (minimum) internship with a community partner.
Upon program completion, students will also be prepared to take the CHES (certified health education specialist) and CSCS (certified strength and condition specialist) exams.
The MS in Health and Human Performance is appropriate for students from a variety of majors including, but not limited to:
- exercise science
- athletic training
- community and commercial recreation
- community health or health promotion
- applied health science
- physical education
- sport and fitness administration
Mission, Goals, and Objectives: Health & Human Performance
Program Mission
The health and human performance program seeks to prepare graduate students for careers focused on improving access to and quality of health services provided to clients by using the interaction between sociocultural variables, resource availability, and programming strategies to promote health, wellness, and physical performance. Furthermore, the program is dedicated to respecting individual diversity and engaging the community by exposing students to a variety of healthcare settings, practitioners, and patient populations.
RH Daniel College of Nursing & Health Sciences
The R.H. Daniel School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Piedmont University shall be recognized as an exemplary professional academic program. The Arts and Sciences are the foundation upon which the students’ intellectual endeavors are built, contributing to the provision of holistic care to clients that includes physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and environmental care. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences is dedicated to respect for diversity and to community outreach.
Program Goals
1. The Program is committed to recruiting >6 quality students into each cohort, retaining 90% of students each year, and graduating them 14 months after program admission.
a. Piedmont Goal Reference: GOAL 8. Piedmont University will provide students the resources to achieve their academic goals in a timely fashion and meet learning outcomes expected in their degree programs.
b. Outcome (non-student learning): The number of students who matriculate into each cohort and persist.
2. The Program is committed to supporting all students in an internship and/or other experiential learning experience each year.
a. Piedmont Goal Reference: GOAL 4. Piedmont University will offer traditional and innovative academic programs that are rigorous in content and flexible in real-world application.
b. SLO 1: Students will integrate knowledge, skills, and values from the arts and sciences to engage in critical and creative dialogue through discovery, analysis, and communication.
1.1 Propose and apply methods of injury/illness prevention and risk reduction for both healthy and at-risk individuals.
1.2 Design programming plans for both healthy and at-risk individuals that meet their performance or wellness goals.
1.3 Demonstrate oral, written, and visual communication strategies that are organized, coherent, accurate, and professionally prepared and delivered.
1.4 Critically evaluate research findings to develop programming strategies to address health, wellness, and physical performance.
1.5 Develop promotional strategies for healthy living and injury/disease prevention.
3. The Program seeks to provide high-quality instruction that integrates cognitive and psychomotor skills into active problem-solving abilities that will culminate in 90% of students having post-graduate placements (employment) within six months of graduation.
a. Piedmont Goal Reference: GOAL 1. Piedmont University will attract and retain students, faculty, and staff, and engage alumni and friends, by providing experiences with the College that inspire in them a lifelong affinity with the institution.
b. SLO 2: Students will work collaboratively through interprofessional teams to provide or accommodate quality care to clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings, while respecting the diversity of individuals, groups, and communities.
2.1 Apply clinical reasoning skills throughout the assessment process in order to assimilate data, select the appropriate tests, formulate programming options, provide intervention strategies, and make appropriate referrals.
2.2 Use psychosocial techniques to enhance client care and determine when abnormal behaviors require referral.
2.3 Adapt programming interventions using clinician– and patient-oriented outcomes with consideration to overall health and goals to maximize client participation and quality of life.
2.4 Implement, evaluate, and modify programming for both healthy and at-risk individuals that meet their performance or wellness goals through collaboration with allied healthcare providers.
2.5 Create, evaluate, and modify an environment conducive to safe activity participation.
2.6 Demonstrate cultural competence in the care of clients from diverse backgrounds.
4. The Program is committed to increasing the number of qualified full-time faculty and providing mentoring for students that includes professionally-relevant exploration and research opportunities.
a. Piedmont Goal Reference: GOAL 6. Piedmont University will educate the whole student through co-curricular programs, extra-curricular activities, and experiential learning endeavors.
b. SLO 3: Through civic engagement, personal growth, and ethical reasoning, students will demonstrate responsible, global citizenship by upholding high professional standards.
3.1 Identify state and national regulations and demonstrate professional, moral and ethical judgment when delivering client-centered care.
3.2 Adapt evidence-based practice concepts when making clinical decisions and critically examining professional practice.
3.3 Develop and evaluate facility design and management strategies in the context of a healthcare system (i.e. risk management, healthcare delivery mechanisms, insurance and reimbursement documentation, patient privacy, and general facility management).
3.4 Use effective documentation to develop, participate in, and lead client-centered care.
3.5 Use appropriate professional guidelines to develop, implement, evaluate, and modify emergency care strategies.
3.6 Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development.
Summary of assessments on target for each Student Learning Outcome (goal ≥ 75%)
