NSCA Coach Practitioner Distinction
Why is the Coach Practitioner Distinction So Important?
Purpose
The Coach Practitioner distinction is designed to identify the elite Strength and Conditioning professional responsible for the physical enhancement of individual athletes and athletic teams at the professional, collegiate and high school levels. It recognizes the professional achievement and competence of Strength and Conditioning specialists via a formalized assessment of their practical/applied employment experience and their interest in, and contribution to, the profession of Strength and Conditioning.
Benefits
- Ability to partner with the NSCA Student Assistantship Program. The NSCA provides generous stipends to several interns each year. Assistantship recipients are awarded up to $10,000 over a 12-month period and supervised by an experienced strength and conditioning coach. As a recognized Coach Practitioner, you enter the exclusive pool of strength and conditioning coaches who are chosen to mentor these students.
- Recognition by the NSCA as an elite level strength and conditioning professional.
- You will receive a NSCA certificate of recognition and acknowledgment of your achievements.
Qualifications
- At least four years of employment as a full-time strength and conditioning coach at the high school, collegiate, or professional level. In addition, your job title must reflect this level of opportunity.
- Current NSCA Membership and current certification as an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS®).
- Current CPR certification.
- Risk Management guidelines in place that includes Pre-participation Screening Criteria and Emergency Response procedures as outlined in the NSCA Strength and Conditioning Professional's Standards and Guidelines.
- An affirmation signature from your Athletic Director, Principal, or immediate supervisor verifying the above information.
- Other professional services as described below.
Cost
- * A one time administrative fee of $100.00 for a three-year period is due with the completed application.
What are some of the accomplishments that potential Coach Practitioner candidates have achieved?
All applicants must earn at least 20 "points" by demonstrating professional service and accomplishment in the field.
These services and qualifications include, but are not limited to, such things as:
- Being a NSCA officer or member of a pre-selected Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
- Serving on a NSCA committee.
- Acquiring an advanced degree or taking additional course-work in an area related to strength and conditioning.
- Giving a presentation at the NSCA state, regional, or national conference or clinic within the last three years.
- Publishing an article within the past three years in the NSCA Strength and Conditioning Journal, The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, or any other journals specific to the field of strength and conditioning.
- Receiving recognition as a High School, Collegiate, or Professional Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year.
Anyone who meets the above criteria can apply to be considered for this distinction.
(Coach Practitioner Testimonial)
"With the extreme popularity of the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS®)
program, the number of people who are CSCS has increased dramatically, and this is a positive step for the profession. However, as a collegiate strength and conditioning coach with over 15 years in the profession, I appreciate the opportunity the Coach Practitioner program provides to distinguish that level of experience. Having the Coach Practitioner distinction available is a benefit to all who have put in the necessary time and effort into the profession."
--Allen Hedrick, MA, CSCS,*D, Coach Practitioner.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed by the NSCA twice a year. Application due date is March 1 or October 1. The NSCA is no longer accepting paper applications. Please submit your application & payment electronically.
For more information please contact: coachpractioner@nsca-lift.org