University of Mary’s Biomechanics-Strength and Conditioning Program 1st in North Dakota to be Accredited
BISMARCK, ND — The Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning (CASCE) recently awarded University of Mary’s Biomechanics-Strength and Conditioning undergraduate program with North Dakota’s first certification, and one of the first in the US.
“Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment,” stated Colin Wilborn, CASCE chair. “We anticipate ongoing success for your strength and conditioning program. The CASCE Board extends its gratitude to you and your colleagues for your unwavering dedication to providing exceptional strength and conditioning education of the highest quality. Based on the evidence presented and a comprehensive assessment, we are delighted to grant full initial accreditation status for a period of 5 years.”
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design, and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, CSCSs consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate.
“This means our students at Mary can sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association exam to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist,” remarked Dr. Rachel Johnson Krug who has over 20 years of experience as an athletic trainer and is chair of Athletic Training and Kinesiology at the University of Mary. “The market for Strength and Conditioning Specialists is expanding across the country. Many programs and schools are hiring these professionals to help the athletes get ready for their sport or activity. In addition, many people are seeking out these professionals to help them with specific goals they want to achieve. We are excited to be accredited and want to see our students be leaders in the field.”
The University of Mary biomechanics program began in 2018, with strength and conditioning coming online as a concentration in 2023. Previously, the biomechanics program had a variety of graduates going into different career paths. After input from students and faculty, Mary made the strategic decision to offer a variety of concentrations that allow students to choose their specific career path. Now, the program includes concentrations in sports medicine, nutrition, applied research, and strength and conditioning.
“We are excited to see our students achieve this nationally recognized certification,” said Alicia Wells, University of Mary’s strength and conditioning coordinator. “With this on their resume, they will be able to set themselves apart in today’s job market. Being a certified strength and conditioning specialist will allow them to take their career to the next level. In Bismarck and Mandan, all our area high schools have a certified strength and conditioning specialist working with athletes and teams on a daily basis. This creates many opportunities for our students when they graduate.”
Accreditation is new for strength and conditioning programs across the country. To raise educational standards and formalize the process, the Board of Directors at the 2018 National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Conference announced their decision to pursue accreditation.
“Effective 2030, all CSCS exam candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a strength and conditioning related field or be enrolled in their last semester in such a program. In addition, candidates will need to obtain those degrees from a college or university that has a program accredited by an NSCA-approved accrediting agency,” announced the NSCA Certification Committee.
For more information about this program, they can visit the Biomechanics-Strength and Conditioning website, or contact us at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030.
Mary now also offers a master’s in Kinesiology with a new concentration in strength and conditioning starting this fall,
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Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at www.umary.edu or by contacting an admissions representative at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 15 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US.
SWAGƵ the University of Mary: True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers nearly 60 bachelor’s, 18 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 20-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), and the USA College Clay Target League. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.