The School of STEM at St. Thomas Aquinas College is empowering the next generation of health and fitness professionals through immersive, hands-on learning. This November, Kinesiology students took charge of two impactful initiatives, showcasing their technical skills, leadership, and career-ready confidence.
Health Assessments at Spartan Take a Beat
During the College’s annual Spartan Take a Beat wellness event, students from the KIN 401 Adapted Fitness class put their training into action. These future health professionals conducted 23 comprehensive health screenings for faculty, staff, and students—entirely student-led. After weeks of preparation in health screening techniques and data analysis, students applied their skills in a real-world setting. Participants walked away with personalized health reports, while students gained valuable experience in health assessment, professional communication, and critical thinking.
Athletic Assessments for Lacrosse and Track & Field Teams
Bridging classroom learning with athletic performance, KIN 350 Strength and Conditioning students led two days of athletic assessments for the College’s Lacrosse and Track & Field Throwers teams. This dynamic collaboration between the Kinesiology department and Athletics allowed our Exercise Science students to perform needs analysis, select performance tests, and assess 18 student-athletes. From agility drills to strength evaluations, students brought classroom concepts to life while helping athletes maximize their performance.
“These experiences are a prime example of the power of experiential learning,” said Dr. Bianca Wentzell, Dean of the School of STEM at St. Thomas Aquinas College. “Our students are not only mastering technical skills but also building the confidence and professionalism that will set them apart in their future careers.”
Dr. Gabriel Martinez, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science adds: “These opportunities allow students to bridge the gap between the culmination of knowledge gained throughout their time at St. Thomas Aquinas College and the application of critical skills needed to excel as health and fitness professionals.”
Learn more about the Exercise Science program at St. Thomas Aquinas College here.