NSCA Foundation Assistantship

Candidates chosen to be part of this program should demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and show a focus in the field of strength and conditioning. The following criteria will be considered when awarding assistantships:

• Candidates must have completed a graduate or undergraduate strength and conditioning curriculum from an accredited college or university
• Candidates should be involved in the strength and conditioning field. Work and/or volunteer experience as an assistant strength and conditioning coach will be considered
• Applicants must possess current certification as a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and have CPR certification
• Applicants must be current members of the NSCA
• Applications must be completed via the application portal (no paper copies or emails will be accepted)

Round 1: Application

• Applications reviewed/graded by Coaching Advancement & Assistantship Committee Members               
• Applications who fall below the median grade will not move forward on to Round 2
• Applications must be fully completed and submitted for consideration 
• Application questions/requirements include: Membership Number, CSCS Number, Resume, CPR Certificate, Transcripts, three RSCC Preferences (applicants will select their RSCC preferences from the NSCA's RSCC registry) 3 Professional Letters of Recommendation, Education History, Employment History, Athletic Experience, Public Speaking/Authorships and completion of 2 essays. 

Round 2: Video Submission 

• Applicants will submit a 3-minute video of them coaching a variation of an Olympic Lift and a 3-minute video of them coaching a back squat
• Videos will be reviewed/graded by Coaching Advancement & Assistantship Committee Members. Areas of review will be: organization (provide a clear         objective, teaching sequence and time), presence (body language and setting) and Communication (voice, terminology, coaching communication style and execution)
• Applications who fall below the median video scoring will not move forward on to Round 3 

Round 3: Interview 

• The final applicants remaining will be scheduled for a 30-minute phone interview.

 Round 4: Final Decisions 

• The Coaching Advancement & Assistantship Committee Members will determine the final awardees based on applicant interviews.                         

Applications will be accepted and reviewed by the NSCA twice a year. 

Cycle 1
Applications accepted March 2-October 1 (through 12pm MTN) annually
Placement for Assistantship: January-May 

Cycle 2
Applications accepted October 2-March 1 (through 12pm MTN) annually
Placement for Assistantship: August-December 

The NSCA Assistantship program is not designed to serve as a ‘double dipping’ financial opportunity. Applicants may not:

• Be already currently employed with their RSCC requests
• Receive additional compensation from the company/organization/academic institution on top of the NSCA Assistantship stipend ($2,000 a month/$10,000 total)