Students gain hands-on experience at McNeese’s HC Drew School of Kinesiology

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – McNeese State University alumni may know this department as the Department of Health and Human Performance, but that name is no longer available.

The newly named HC Drew School of Kinesiology opened its doors to the media to highlight some of the advanced classes they offer and showcase their students.

“So we felt as a team that kinesiology was a better fit for our program and would also allow us to be competitive with our other universities, so to speak.” Co-department head and Associate Professor Dr. Courtney Hebert.

The undergraduate program includes undergraduate programs ranging from Pre-Physical and Occupational therapy to sports and pre-chiropractic medicine. McNeese hopes this program will prepare students for success in growing healthcare fields

The department sent a survey to spring 2024 graduates, and the results were shared with Dr. It made Hebert proud.

“Reported data shows that 100 percent of our students who applied to any graduate program or professional school were accepted.”

Since Louisiana is a major player in sports, this program offers interested students the opportunity to immerse themselves in sports.

Sports medicine student Zachary Vineyard said: “I love sports and I love being around it and this (Kinesiology) is a way to keep me around sports, being around the athletes… like athletic training you’re on the field with the kid, PT, OT then you see the kid, you see them “You are rehabilitating.”

From sports to surgery, the program also offers students hands-on experiences in a hospital setting to help prepare them for their future endeavors.

Pre-occupational therapy student Abigail Meaux said one of her former professors was a surgeon. “He actually invited us to go into surgery with him, and I was able to undergo surgery and observe.”

The department also offers training courses for those looking to get into coaching, such as sports management student Ashari Jones.

“I want to be a coach and that’s why I think this is the best path for me.”

Registration for all students at McNeese opens October 31.

Bachelor’s Degrees offered at HC Drew School of Kinesiology:

Before Physical Therapy
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Chiropractic Medicine
Sports and Health Management
Sports Medicine
Health Performance Studies
Pre-Orthopedic Physical Assistant Studies
Health and Physical Education

Little ones offer:

Master’s Degrees Offered:

Promotion of Health and Wellness
Sports Performance