Department of Health & Sport Sciences
Our goal is to create an inclusive, engaging, and dynamic educational experience for students.
The Department of Health and Sport Sciences will prepare students to become a competent, self-directed professional through sound curricular programming, dedicated faculty, and appropriate facilities and equipment. We are a professionally-based department with national accreditations that form the foundation of our curricula. Our athletic training program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The exercise science and health promotion major is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as an Education Recognition Program in Strength and Conditioning. Only four other institutions in Ohio are so recognized.
Take a look at this video produced entirely by HSS students to learn more about what they value about their department.
Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I started as a timid student who was hesitant to speak her mind. Now, I’m president of the Athletic Training club and I’m a future intern at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Sydney Fojas ’21
Athletic Training
Sydney says that her close-knit cohort group helps challenge her and hold her accountable in her studies.
HSS students have the opportunity for additional academic challenge by participating in Otterbein’s Honor Program. Joining this “Community of Scholars” provides important exploration and the chance for advanced research.
OtterFit lets Exercise Science and Health Promotion majors work as personal trainers for Otterbein faculty and staff. They can also lead group training classes, educational programming and events.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
I don’t owe my professional success to my destiny, courage, luck, belief, confidence, or fortune. I owe it to the wonderful scholar-teachers at Otterbein University. Nothing can come close to the inspirational presence of my instructors who placed me on this journey that has become Public Health.
Sheronda Whitner ’12
Students will learn about biomechanics using state-of-the-art technology and will be able to collaborate with faculty on research projects involving our athletes and community members.
Dr. Shelley Payne
Professor, DHS, PT, LAT, ATC
The new Biomechanics Institute at The Point will offer a state-of-the-art facility that will provide Allied Health and Athletic Training majors with exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
The type of student that is attracted to Otterbein is one that energizes me to not only come to work every day, but to be the best I can be.
Dr. Joan Rocks
HSS Department Chair and Otterbein Professor since 1992
Learn more about her story >
Department Features & Student Opportunities
Scholarships
HSS proudly offers additional competitive scholarship opportunities to recognize student excellence, service and leadership.
Facilities
HSS facilities include modern classrooms with integrated technologies and labs for students to conduct individual or group research.
Internships
Students enjoy the benefit and professional development that a wide-range of professional experiences and internships provide.
Fun with HSS
It’s easy to carve out time for fun and learning in HSS. Stay connected with department events – including the annual Pumpkin Carving Contest.
Leadership
The Black Student-Athlete Summit is a three-day gathering to openly examine and candidly discuss the numerous and complex issues surrounding black student-athletes.
Make a Difference
HSS students organize an annual run/walk 5K to raise awareness and funds. Their work supports charitable organizations and helps fund an Otterbein scholarship.
Health & Sport Sciences Department News
Otterbein Allied Health Professionals Make Impact during Pandemic
News - January 25, 2021
By Madelyn Nelson ’23 Derek Landes ’12 is fighting on the front lines of COVID-19 every day. Landes graduated from Otterbein with a degree in Allied Health, and is now one of the healthcare workers who have been working for months to fight the pandemic. Landes works as an emergency room physician assistant for Mount Carmel Health System, a job that is more important now than ever before. Dr. Shelley Payne, who started and oversees the Allied Health Program at Otterbein, says that it combines a foundation in the basic sciences and applied human anatomy and serves…
Students in Otterbein Health Professions Club Lead Project for Senior Citizens
News - November 20, 2020
By Madelyn Nelson ’23 Members of Otterbein’s Health Professions Club saw widespread feelings of loneliness and isolation among residents of assisted living facilities caused by COVID-19 restrictions, including limiting visits with family and friends. Otterbein students responded by writing over 90 cards with encouraging words and vibrant colors to brighten the days of those residents. “Many of these students work in skilled nursing facilities and in hospitals to gain valuable patient-care experience, and they have witnessed the toll that COVID has had on healthcare workers and senior citizens who miss visits from…Programs of Study in Health & Sport Sciences
B.A. or B.S.
Allied Health/Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Occupational Therapy
M.S.A.T.
Pre-Athletic Training/Master of Science in Athletic Training
The Athletic Training program at Otterbein is nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Additionally, the Exercise Science and Health Promotion major is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as an Education Recognition Program in Strength and Conditioning. Only four other institutions in Ohio have earned this recognition.
Contact Us
Center of Health & Sport Sciences
140 Center St
Westerville, OH 43081
Administrative Assistant
614-823-3528
otterbeinhss@otterbein.edu
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