North Central's Strength & Conditioning Program Earns CASCE Accreditation

North Central College’s undergraduate strength and conditioning program earned accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE). In doing so, North Central is the first institution in Illinois to offer a CASCE-accredited strength and conditioning program, and one of just 22 institutions nationwide. CASCE is recognized as the worldwide authority on strength and conditioning education. Beginning soon, students must earn a degree from a CASCE-accredited program if they wish to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.

“North Central College has a tradition of developing future leaders in exercise science and in the rapidly growing areas of health, fitness and human performance,” said Dr. Mary Groll, dean of North Central’s School of Education and Health Science. “We are incredibly proud to be the first institution in the state of Illinois to offer an accredited strength and conditioning program. The Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education has determined that our program, led by experienced faculty, has both the academic rigor and practical excellence required of the field. This accreditation demonstrates our institution's commitment to providing students with a high-quality education and certification, which helps our graduates keep athletes healthy, safe and performing at high levels in a variety of different settings.”

Offered as an academic minor, North Central’s strength and conditioning program is combined with the exercise science major. Students with this background are prepared for careers in human and athletic performance at the high school, collegiate or professional levels. Others may go into private practice or into tactical training, such as for police, fire or military training.

“North Central has a proud history of developing alumni who are successful in the strength and conditioning profession, including several who are currently working in the NFL, NCAA Division I athletics, and the private business sector,” said Dr. Rachel Luehers, program director for exercise science at North Central College. “This accreditation underscores our institutional commitment to continuing to do this for future generations of North Central students.”

Students can also use their undergraduate degree in exercise science/strength and conditioning as a pathway to graduate health science programs, including physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy or nursing, where they can prepare to work in a wide range of health, fitness and medical careers.

Those studying strength and conditioning have access to cutting-edge facilities within the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center, including the College’s Human Performance Lab. Visit the College’s virtual tour to learn more.

To learn more about North Central College’s exercise science major and strength and conditioning minor, please contact Program Director Dr. Rachel Luehrs.