NASM and CalU Announce New Higher Education Award Program for Military Service Members

New Award Program Prepares Military Service Members for a Career in the Health and Fitness Industry by Offering Higher Education Opportunity

Calabasas, Calif. (June 14, 2010)—The National Academy of Sports Medicine® (NASM ®), a global leader in personal trainer certification, corrective exercise, and sports performance training, and its higher education partner, California University of Pennsylvania (CalU), today announced the release of a new higher education award program for current and former Military service members interested in obtaining a Master of Science degree in one of CalU’s four health and fitness internet-based tracks:  Fitness and Wellness; Sports Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention; Rehabilitation Science; or Sports Psychology. 

“We are pleased to offer this higher education opportunity for an individual who has honorably served, or still does, as a member of the U.S. Military and has an interest in pursuing a career in the health and fitness industry,” said Dr. Micheal Clark, NASM CEO.  “The military instilled in these individuals the importance of health and physical fitness, in addition to a disciplined approach to the profession. Now, by way of this new program one individual will be able to share their knowledge in a way that will help others live healthier lives.”

Valued at more than $15,000, the inaugural Military Pursuit of Excellence in Health and Fitness Award program was developed as part of a collaborative effort between NASM and CalU.  Both recognized by G.I. Jobs as a Military Friendly School and powered by NASM’s industry leading, evidence-based fitness programs and research, this program provides past and current members of the U.S. Military a variety of convenient methods to advance their careers in several specialized areas.       

“Whether a former service member who is juggling the demands of civilian life, or an active member of the military, this award allows recipients the flexibility needed to advance their education and ultimately their career, anytime, from anywhere in the world,” said Dr. Barry McGlumphy, Program Coordinator and Associate Professor for Exercise Science and Health Promotion at the California University of Pennsylvania.  “CalU looks forward to working with the selected recipient as he/she will not only be a fine representative of what it takes to selflessly serve our nation, but also what it takes to touch the lives of others on a smaller scale through their work in the health and fitness industry.”  

Applications are now being accepted and are due November 1, 2010.  Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree prior to November 1, 2010 to be eligible. 

To learn more or to apply visit www.nasm.org/militaryPOE

Interested in a career in the health and fitness industry but not eligible for the Military Pursuit of Excellence award?  NASM offers a 20 percent discount on its Certified Personal Trainer (NASM CPT) certification as well as its Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM PES) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM CES) credentials for members of the U.S. Armed Forces.  Visit www.nasm.org/military for more details.

About California University of Pennsylvania

California University of Pennsylvania (CalU), a comprehensive regional institution of higher education and a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a diverse caring and scholarly learning community dedicated to excellence in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional studies that is devoted to building character and careers, broadly defined.  Founded in 1852, and now in its second 150 years of service, the University is committed above all to academic excellence and intellectual rigor in the context of personal and institutional integrity, civility and responsibility.  For more information visit www.calu.edu. 

About NASM®

Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been a global leader in providing evidence-based certifications and advanced credentials to Health and Fitness Professionals. In addition to its NCCA-accredited fitness Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification, NASM offers a progressive career track with access to Advanced Specializations, Continuing Education courses, and accredited Bachelor and Master Degree programs. The NASM educational continuum is designed to help today’s Health and Fitness Professional enhance their career while empowering their clients to live healthier lives. To learn more, visit: www.nasm.org or call 1.800.460.NASM (6276).