Prepared for the Future: Exercise Science at Trevecca Prepped West for Success in Graduate Physical Therapy Program

Logan West's journey to graduate school to study physical therapy is more than just a tale of academic achievement. It's a story that he says can't be told without mentioning the preparation he received through Trevecca's exercise science program and his overall experience on the Hill.

West spent a year playing baseball at Louisburg College after high school, then transferred to Trevecca in 2022. It didn't take long for him to realize his passion for physical therapy, a career path that became clear through his time on the baseball field.

Since graduating from Trevecca in 2023 with a degree in exercise science, he's realized he is uniquely prepared for the challenges of graduate school because of the foundation he received as an undergraduate.

West credits Trevecca's exercise science program for offering a clear roadmap to his future career. "Everybody truly cares about who you are as a person," he says. "It wasn't just about grades-it was about building relationships with everyone in a small school community."

His professors played a significant role in shaping his academic approach. Dr. Aaron Hall and Dr. Ryan Schaefer, both practicing physical therapists, have made a lasting impression on him. "I could always sit down and have real conversations with them," West recalls. "They truly cared for me, and still do."

Through his experiences as a student and then as a graduate assistant in the exercise science program, West developed strong connections with both professors. "I really got to know them last year. After taking Dr. Hall's final, we went straight to the baseball field and played catch. It was just a great way to decompress."

West credits his time as a student-athlete for shaping his work ethic. Baseball taught him how to manage his time effectively, a skill that has proven invaluable in graduate school. "I think playing a sport in college really prepared me for the kind of workload I'm facing now," he says.

That work ethic, along with knowledge gained in the classroom, made an immediate impact for West at Belmont, where he's pursuing his graduate degree to become a physical therapist. "I could tell right off the bat that I had already learned a lot of the same information," he says. "It's not my first time hearing it, which I think has really helped a lot."

The demands of physical therapy school can be overwhelming, but West has felt well-equipped to handle the workload. "These classes can be tough, but when I take these tests, I never think, 'Man, I've never seen anything like this before.'" His background in Trevecca's program, particularly courses like kinesiology, have helped him stay ahead of the curve. "That class was hard, but I really enjoyed it, and I think it really helped me out a lot."

West is quick to note that his graduate workload, though intense, isn't overwhelming for him because of his strong foundation at Trevecca. He's witnessed some classmates facing greater challenges. "We're all getting a lot of information, but I feel like my undergrad experience really prepared me to handle it," West says. "The pace is fast, but I'm not facing it for the first time, so in that way I'm probably more prepared than others."

West's journey from Trevecca to Belmont is a testament to how the right academic environment can help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. With his solid foundation in exercise science, a strong support system of mentors and the life skills honed through his athletic experiences, he knows he's going to be ready to succeed in a demanding occupation.

"Trevecca is top-notch," he said. "It prepared me well to start my next chapter."