The College is now one of two New Jersey colleges and universities that the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) recognized for its education curriculum in strength and conditioning through the Educational Recognition Program (ERP).
ERP is a program designed to recognize higher education institutions. The recognition is good for three years and is granted to schools in the United States, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom.
William Paterson University is the other school recognized in New Jersey.
To be eligible, an educational program must at least offer a bachelor's degree. The program has to be a "formalized area of study," but not necessarily a major, minor or concentration.
The College has many NCSA-approved courses in sport and exercise science, anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, exercise technique and nutrition.
The College can use the accreditation on publications, recruiting materials and forms and will receive more exposure through Web sites and publications. In addition, the College will receive aid from NCSA to help market the educational program.
Jay Hoffman, associate professor of health and exercise science and vice president of NCSA, said that the award will help to promote the department's accomplishments.
Hoffman pointed out the prolific faculty in the department. "There are over 200 publications between four health and exercise professors," he said. "The faculty is outstanding."
Susan Crum, freshman health and exercise science major, said that it will help students learn more while getting the program and school recognized.
Crum plans to work as a physical therapist but said the training would be helpful.
"With the educational program, students can be high school strength and conditioning teachers, college trainers, professional trainers, strength and conditioning teachers as well as many other careers," Hoffman said. The program is not just about working with athletes-it's about enhancing an individual's health in daily or stressful situations, Hoffman said.
Hoffman said that he hoped the recognition would boost out-of-state attendance and, more importantly, allow the department to apply for more research grants.
"Over 250 students focus on physical education here and do go on to get certified, many transfer to allied health and physical therapy and the department offers all electives for pre-med. The focus is on human physiology," Hoffman said of the health and science department at the College. In addition, the College has Avery Faigenbaum, who is a board member of NCSA and associate professor of health and exercise science at the College.
According to NCSA's Web site, Faigenbaum has sat on many state, regional and national NCSA committees.
NCSA offers grants to students, professors and colleges that want to pursue careers and research in conditioning and strength. NSCA, a non-profit organization that has nearly 30,000 members in 52 countries, was founded in 1978 and is located in Colorado Springs, Colo.
