Ottawa University

New OU Exercise Science Programs Recognized by NSCA

OTTAWA, Kansas - While Ottawa University has offered a major in Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) with an emphasis in Health and Fitness for 16 years, the need for a new Exercise Science major became clear to OU administrators in light of several emerging needs and trends across the country. The current obesity crisis, confusion over varying diet and exercise plans, baby boomer activity, increasing numbers in youth sports, and the emphasis on strength and conditioning within today's athletic world are just a few of the existing concerns whose solutions require a scientific approach. 

Head Athletic Trainer Jennifer Raybern explains OU's new offering. "With more students seeking careers in science-based fields like physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, strength and conditioning, and personal training, we wanted to offer them a respected Exercise Science degree with a curriculum that is both scientifically current and cutting edge," said Raybern. "We now have programs specifically for Strength and Conditioning and for Personal Training that are top notch."

Ottawa University's new Exercise Science programs for Strength and Conditioning and Personal Training have both been officially recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association's (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP). While 79 schools across the country have earned ERP for Strength and Conditioning, and 12 have earned ERP for Personal Training, Ottawa University is one of only four institutions nationwide to hold recognition for both programs. The other three are California State University-Fullerton, University of Oklahoma, and University of Louisville, all much larger NCAA Division 1 state universities. This recognition identifies that the curriculum and credentials of OU's instructors meet the standards set forth by the NSCA (http://www.nsca-lift.org/).

"Ottawa University is very proud to have both its Personal Training and Strength and Conditioning programs recognized by the NSCA's Education Recognition Program," said Raybern. The NSCA is the leading association for strength & conditioning and personal training professionals in the country. "Gaining these honors will help our graduates and students as they enter science-related professions and will help our University and department attract new students seeking a premier education in such fields," Raybern said.

An added boost to the Exercise Science program at OU is the addition of Dartfish ProSuite 4.5, the most advanced video analysis software available on the market. The software will be used in athletics to analyze technical performance, and in the science and physical education classrooms to study kinesiology and motor development.

Following graduation, OU's Exercise Science majors can sit for certification exams to become certified in personal training and/or strength and conditioning. Because the University's programs are recognized by the NSCA, students are eligible for a reduction in exam fees from $400 to $280. 

Students completing the new Exercise Science major at OU will leave thoroughly equipped to enter a variety of science-based graduate programs in preparation for careers in exercise physiology, performance enhancement training, coaching, rehabilitation, wellness, biomechanics, sports psychology, physical therapy, medicine, kinesiology, nutrition, or a host of other fields.  

At the Bachelor's level, students with an Exercise Science degree will be prepared for entry level positions as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, athletic coaches, or with corporate and community fitness programs or health clubs. To assist in their preparation, all Exercise Science majors at OU participate in an intensive internship program as a requirement for graduation.              

Kurt Williams is a current Exercise Science major at OU. "I knew this major was for me because sports and health have always been a part of my life," said Williams. "I feel obligated to learn as much as I can while I am here so I can apply my knowledge and expertise to help people become healthier," he added. "One goal of mine is to help overweight children turn their lives around both physically and nutritionally."

Iris Elfrink is an Exercise Major who left the University because of its lack of the major and returned once it was added. "I am interested in coaching college softball," said Elfrink. "To be a successful coach at that level, being educated and having experience in exercise science will be a big benefit for both me and the athletes."

For more information about Ottawa University's Exercise Science major, please contact Head Athletic Trainer Jennifer Raybern at 785-242-5200, ext. 5427 or jennifer.raybern@ottawa.edu; or Dr. Corkie Hedlund at 785-242-5200, ext. 5416 or corkie.hedlund@ottawa.edu.

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Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution. Ottawa University's educational mission brings together a residential campus in Ottawa, Kansas, and adult campuses in Kansas City, Missouri; Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe, Arizona; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jeffersonville, Indiana; as well as multiple international instructional sites.  For more information, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/.