Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Kinesiology
Committee Chairperson
Melissa A. Reed, PhD, FACSM
Committee Member
Patrick Heagey, MPAS, PA-C
Committee Member
Laura Lonergan, MHS, PA-C
Committee Member
Meghan G. Ramick, PhD
Abstract
Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity (PA) for physical and mental health, as well as its role in preventing chronic disease and reducing mortality, most individuals fall short of meeting recommended PA guidelines. Although medical professionals recognize the value of PA counseling, several barriers, such as limited academic coverage, time constraints, and lack of reimbursement, have hindered its consistent implementation in clinical practice. To address these challenges, initiatives like Exercise is Medicine (EIM) promote integrating PA as a vital sign and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, including referrals to Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs), to support PA promotion. This evolving approach presents an opportunity for emerging healthcare professionals to take a more active role in PA counseling. Given their expanding roles, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners (NP) can bridge the gap between clinical care and PA promotion, leveraging PA as an essential clinical tool. However, limited research has explored the degree to which PA education is integrated into Physician Assistant and NP academic programs or how prepared these future providers feel to prescribe PA. This study surveyed students from 184 Physician Assistant and 206 NP programs across the United States to assess familiarity with the EIM initiative, awareness of CEPs, curricular exposure to PA-related content, and confidence in implementing PA. Results revealed inconsistent exposure and moderate confidence levels, with many students calling for more structured PA education. These findings highlight an opportunity to enhance PA content in Physician Assistant and NP education, better equipping future clinicians to incorporate PA into patient care.
Recommended Citation
Snyder, Barrett, "A Survey of Nurse Practitioners' and Physician Assistants' Students' Preparedness and Interest in Utilizing Physical Activity in Patient Care" (2025). West Chester University Master’s Theses. 351.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_theses/351