Integrative Physiology and Health Science
A holistic approach to health.
Alma’s integrative physiology and health science (IPHS) program focuses on the complex mechanisms underlying human function. As an IPHS major, you will:
- Study how physiology systems – such as skeletal, muscular and nervous systems – work together in the human body.
- Examine how lifestyle factors affect health at the individual and population levels.
At A Glance
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12:1Student-to-faculty ratio
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18Average class size
Possible Careers
A holistic approach to health.
Alma’s integrative physiology and health science (IPHS) program focuses on the complex mechanisms underlying human function. As an IPHS major, you will:
- Study how physiology systems – such as skeletal, muscular and nervous systems – work together in the human body.
- Examine how lifestyle factors affect health at the individual and population levels.
Get hands-on laboratory and clinical experience
By majoring in Integrative Physiology and Health Science, you will have the opportunity to work with many high-tech tools and gain hands on skills and experience that will help prepare you for academic- or clinically-focused graduate programs or immediate employment following graduation from Alma. Examples of equipment and laboratories our students work with/in for their classes and/or research include the following:
Laboratories
- Human performance laboratory
- Cadaver laboratory
- Cell culture laboratory
Equipment
- Blood flow restriction cuffs
- Blood glucose, lactate, and lipid testing
- Dual-Energy X-ray Absoptiometry (DEXA)
- EKG carts
- Force plates
- Isokinetic dynamometer
- Kinematic analysis
- Lower-body negative pressure box
- Metabolic analyzers
- NIRS system
- Public health databases
- Stationary bikes and treadmills
- Ultrasound
Explore
Student & Alumni Spotlights
No one describes the Alma experience better than those living it. Explore their stories, in their own words, below.
Our professors get to know your name, where you’re from and what you’re about.
You get to work with faculty members not only in a classroom but in a laboratory space. You can really get a good sense on how you do different techniques and what's out there in the field.
Our professors get to know your name, where you’re from and what you’re about.
You get to work with faculty members not only in a classroom but in a laboratory space. You can really get a good sense on how you do different techniques and what's out there in the field.
Get to Know Integrative Physiology and Health Science
Meet the Faculty
Student Opportunities
Learn more about the state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories that provide essential hands-on learning experience at Alma College.
Explore the high-tech equipment and laboratories at Alma College, where you can immerse yourself in crucial hands-on learning experiences that enhance your educational journey.
Explore the Curriculum
Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.
Practical experience. Real-world impact.
As an IPHS major, you’ll take core classes in physiology, anatomy, nutrition and exercise physiology. Beyond that, you’ll tailor your academic journey to the areas that interest you most, selecting from one of our four concentrations:
You’ll also get plenty of opportunities to learn through doing. Alma is one of the only Division III institutions with an on-site human anatomy laboratory where you can practice dissection. And in our community exercise program, you can work with local patients to assess health and devise and implement exercise plans.
What You Need to Know
The pre-professional tracks within our IPHS major are designed to prepare you for advanced study and work in various health and fitness-based careers.
Alumni of our program have gone on to qualify as physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, athletic trainers and chiropractors. Others opt for positions in public policy, healthcare administration and education.
However you choose to channel your expertise, you’ll be part of a thriving sector. Between 2021 and 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment in the healthcare industry will grow by 13%. This will create approximately two million new jobs.
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Student Organizations
Make friends, get involved in student government and find new ways to stay active in our 100+ clubs and organizations.
