Nick Thompson
Sioux Falls
Summary
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, specializing in optimizing health for geriatric and orthopedic populations. Expertise in developing targeted interventions that improve mobility, strengthen functional independence, and promote long-term adherence to conservative care strategies.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dental Assistant
Impact Dental Implants & Dentures
Brookings
01.2024 - Current
- Assisted with dental procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety during implants, extractions, denture placements, and sedation dentistry.
- Reviewed patient health histories and medication lists to identify conditions that could affect treatment outcomes or healing.
- Gained expertise in systemic conditions affecting older adults, enabling tailored patient care for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and medication interactions.
- Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-operative care, enhancing understanding of long-term oral health practices.
- Built strong rapport with older patients who often required additional guidance, reassurance, and health education.
- Worked in a dental practice specializing in implant and denture care, serving a large geriatric population with complex medical histories.
Personal Training Manager
Anytime Fitness
Brookings
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Managed and coordinated exercise plans for 75+ active clients, while personally conducting ~35 coaching sessions per week.
- Led training department, coaching predominantly geriatric clients to enhance musculoskeletal health, functional movement, and long-term lifestyle adherence.
- Designed individualized exercise and mobility programs for a population where ~70% of clients were over age 65.
- Conducted structured assessments including posture evaluation, gait observation, balance testing, mobility screening, and functional movement analysis.
- Routinely evaluated functional capacity using tests such as single-leg balance, reactive stability drills (ball catch while balancing), deep squat mobility, floor-to-stand transitions, and overhead stability assessments.
- Developed conservative care exercise programs for clients with kyphosis, scoliosis, rotator cuff injuries, post-operative knee and hip surgeries, diabetes-related neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis.
- Implemented targeted interventions to improve spinal mobility and posture, helping several kyphotic patients progress from 6-8 inches above bench level when supine to near-neutral spinal positioning.
- Led goal-setting consultations focused on mobility restoration, strength development, body composition, and functional independence, establishing measurable progress benchmarks.
- Helped weight-loss clients achieve an average body fat reduction of ~6% through structured exercise programming and behavior-change coaching.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers including physical therapists and physicians to ensure safe exercise progressions for clients recovering from orthopedic procedures.
Assistant Manager / Sales Associate
GNC
Brookings
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Guided customers on evidence-based supplement use and lifestyle practices to enhance long-term health outcomes.
- Provided individualized guidance on nutrition and supplementation strategies related to joint health, metabolic health, recovery, and inflammation management.
- Supported older adults in addressing bone density, muscle loss, joint pain, and metabolic conditions.
- Managed inventory and merchandising processes at retail location to maintain optimal product availability.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science (Human Biology Specialization)
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SDSkills
- Patient care support
- Patient intake assessment
- Patient interaction
- Care coordination
- Treatment planning
- Client assessment
- Functional movement assessment
- Orthopedic rehabilitation support
- Goal setting
- Patient support and behavior change
- Patient dietary advice
- Musculoskeletal health coaching
Certification
- ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C), American College of Sports Medicine
- CPR Certified
Clinical Exposure
150, Orthopedic rehabilitation protocols, Post-surgical recovery programs, Geriatric mobility and fall-prevention training, Therapeutic exercise and functional movement assessment, Participated in advanced anatomical study including human cadaver dissection and musculoskeletal analysis., Developed strong understanding of joint mechanics, muscle function, and movement patterns applicable to exercise prescription and rehabilitation support.
Timeline
Dental Assistant
Impact Dental Implants & Dentures
01.2024 - Current
Personal Training Manager
Anytime Fitness
01.2023 - 01.2024
Assistant Manager / Sales Associate
GNC
01.2021 - 01.2024
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science (Human Biology Specialization)
South Dakota State University