Rehabilitation science students participating in a practical workshop.

Rehabilitation and Movement Science Major

Bachelor of Science

With a rehabilitation and movement science degree, you’ll prepare for rewarding healthcare career paths tied to exercise and firsthand therapeutic approaches.

Introduction to rehabilitation science with professor and students.
Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.S. in Rehabilitation and Movement Science, you’ll study movement systems, injury prevention, and sports performance. You'll learn to address a wide range of health needs related to lifestyle, aging, and diseases associated with inactivity. Your preparation will open doors to a successful career in physical therapy, chiropractic practice, athletic training, biomechanics sciences, and more.

Apply now Request info Visit campus

Why should I study rehabilitation and movement science at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Applied Health Sciences, where you’ll learn alongside fellow students from professors who will know you by name.

  • Faith-fueled learning
    Ground your rehabilitation and movement science education in Christian values and ethics, preparing you to serve with compassion and integrity.

  • Close faculty mentorship
    You’ll learn and conduct research in an area of your choice alongside professors who model how to merge your faith with your career. And you’ll have numerous opportunities to build a network and connect with professionals from around the region.

  • Holistic coursework
    You’ll gain a deep understanding of the traditional sciences, laying a strong baseline of foundational knowledge, while engaging in a hands-on approach through direct client interaction and experiential learning. 

Applied health science students involved in an interactive lab session.
Students practicing blood sugar testing techniques.
Professor supervising a student during a lab exercise.
Student undergoing an exercise science test on a treadmill.
Student running on a treadmill with a breathing apparatus.

Contact us

Request info

Interested in learning more about Bethel's rehabilitation and movement science major? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.

Hey! Looks like the form didn't load. If it doesn't load after a second or two, please refresh the page and you should see it. If that doesn't work, please let us know.
Introduction to rehabilitation science with professor and students.

Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

Throughout your journey in rehabilitation movement, you will develop a comprehensive set of skills essential for the healthcare field along with a strong foundation in the traditional sciences.

Students practicing rehabilitation skills under supervision.

Team development

You’ll gain effective communication and conflict resolution skills, cultivating cohesive and high-performing teams.

Time management

You’ll learn to balance coursework, lab work, internships, and extracurricular activities effectively to maximize your learning experience.

Analytical listening

You’ll develop the ability to closely listen to clients, understanding their fitness goals, limitations, and needs.

Community-based learning

You’ll actively engage in community-based learning initiatives within the exercise science program, gaining invaluable insights into diverse populations.

Collaboration

You’ll become equipped to work seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams in exercise science and related fields.

Clinical work

You’ll refine your clinical skills within exercise science, adeptly assessing, prescribing, and monitoring exercise programs for individuals across diverse populations and settings.

Students having a discussion in the Brushaber commons

Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, study abroad, apply what you’ve learned, and gain. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

${experienceImage__alt}

Research opportunities

You’ll conduct research with support and mentorships from your professors. You can also receive a summer scholarship to conduct research with a professor and pursue opportunities to present your findings at regional and national conferences.

Hands-on clinical experience

You’ll refine your clinical skills through direct client interaction, including patient assessment, exercise prescription, and monitoring. You’ll learn to effectively address health needs related to lifestyle, aging, and disease.

Preparation for life after Bethel

You’ll have opportunities for networking, volunteering, and peer mentoring to build connections with individuals both within and outside of Bethel.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with a rehabilitation and movement science degree?

A B.S. in Rehabilitation and Movement Science opens doors to promising future pathways in physical therapy, occupational, therapy, chiropractic practice, athletic training, biomechanics sciences, and research.

Exercise therapy

Design personalized exercise programs to aid in rehabilitation and wellness.

Personal care attendant

Provide support for daily activities and improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs.

Physical therapy aid

Assist physical therapists in rehabilitation processes and patient care.

Research

Contribute to research projects in rehabilitation and related fields, aiding in data collection and analysis.

Healthcare liaison

Facilitate communication and coordination among healthcare teams to ensure holistic patient care.

Health professional

Promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and injury prevention in communities and organizations.

Human performance specialist

Enhance physical performance and minimize injury risk through tailored training protocols.

Exercise physiologist

Develop exercise plans based on individual needs and goals, considering factors like cardiovascular health and muscular strength.

Students conversing on Lake Valentine dock

Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.

Department of Applied Health Sciences


Location

Hagstrom Center (HC) 400

Contact

Leah Jackson

Leah Jackson

Leah Jackson

Associate Professor of Applied Health Sciences

Bio >

Christopher Carroll

Christopher Carroll

Associate Professor of Applied Health Sciences

Bio >

Seth Paradis

Seth Paradis

Professor of Applied Health Sciences

Bio >

Leah Qubty

Leah Qubty

Assistant Professor of Applied Health Sciences

Bio >

Justin Byers

Justin Byers

Adjunct Associate Professor of Applied Health Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Andrew Fernelius

Adjunct Instructor of Applied Health Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Jon Herbrechtsmeyer

Adjunct Instructor of Applied Health Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Rick Meyer

Adjunct Instructor of Applied Health Sciences

Bio >

Jamie Dolieslager

Jamie Dolieslager

Associate Professor of Athletic Training Emerita

Bio >

Neal Dutton

Neal Dutton

Associate Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science Emeritus

Bio >

Steven Henkel

Steven Henkel

Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science Emeritus

Bio >

29%

of all recent undergrad alumni work in health care

- U.S. Census Bureau

90%

of first-year students say they feel valued at Bethel

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

Nursing students in lab

Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

Learn more

Woman smiling in classroom

Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

Learn more

Students working at whiteboard

Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

Learn more

Student group outside in front of the CLC

Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

Learn more

Overhead view of student working on laptop

Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

Smiling student wearing Bethel University beanie

Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

Start your application

Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements