Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences Department

The Health, Exercise, and Rehabilitative Sciences (HERS) Department prepares students for excellence and service in a variety of health career fields. Some of these include Athletic Training, Public Health, and Exercise Science. 

We are dedicated to graduating caring, ethical, competent, progressive professionals who are prepared to work with clients through health promotions, prevention, and caring during illness.

In addition to offering our professional programs, we strive to promote health awareness at WSU.

Essential Work with Critical Need

All HERS students have one mission in common: to ensure the ways we live, work, and play are healthy and safe.

Whether working behind the scenes analyzing data, or directly working with patients to improve their health, this field is full of meaningful positions that make a difference. 

HERS graduates protect, maintain, and promote society’s health by: 

  • detecting and controlling disease outbreaks
  • taking action to ensure that people live in safe and healthy environments
  • providing access to high-quality and affordable healthcare services
  • ensuring athletes perform safely by preventing and treating injuries
  • promoting healthy living through exercise, nutrition, and education

Fast Facts

WSU: Destination Public Health

WSU is the only public university that offers Public Health undergraduate degrees in the state of Minnesota.

95% First-Time Pass Rate

Since 2009, our Athletic Training students have achieved a 95+% first-time pass rate of the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.

Hands On Experience

Every HERS program has a hands-on learning to make sure you are prepared for the professional field.

While studying, you’ll have opportunities to assist area businesses, complete internships & practicums, be a health or wellness coach, and study abroad.

Winona Survivors Unite in Exercise

Winona State, Gundersen Health, and Winona Health have teamed up to offer a free, customized exercise program for cancer patients.

This program aims to help patients maintain or improve their strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall wellness post-treatment. Patients will be supervised by trained WSU Movement Science students.

If you’re interested in participating, check with your physician to determine if you’re ready for the program. Once your healthcare provider approves your participation, contact Justin Geijer at jgeijer@winona.edu to register.

This program runs each semester on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45-7:45am at the Integrated Wellness Complex.

Contact the HERS Department
Justin Geijer
Department Chair

Maxwell 358

507.457.5205

Email Justin Geijer
Kris Stevens
Administrative Assistant

Maxwell Hall 351

507.457.2600

Email Kris Stevens