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Exercise Science course receives tick of approval

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Brigid Veale
Published
6 January 2011
Southern Cross University's Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science has received full accreditation from the peak professional body Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

The course, taught at the Lismore campus, is only the second regional program in the country to be fully accredited, and is one of only nine programs Australia-wide with ESSA accreditation.

Dr Kade Davison, lecturer with the School of Health and Human Sciences, said the course had achieved high standards in order to meet the accreditation criteria.

“Undergraduate course accreditation means a student who has completed the course is automatically eligible for full membership with ESSA at the level of exercise scientist,” said Dr Davison.

“Students embarking on a career in exercise and sports science can feel secure that our course content, facilities and academic capabilities have been benchmarked to a national standard, and they will graduate from an accredited program.

“This is vitally important for some of our students because from 2014 only graduates from ESSA accredited courses can apply to become accredited exercise physiologists and this degree is the first step for students wanting to go on to post graduate study in clinical exercise physiology. Our Masters degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology commences in 2011 and we will be applying for accreditation for this as well later in the year.”

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science student Mark Roberts is preparing to complete his studies next year after deciding to leave his 25-year career as a carpenter.

“The accreditation adds value to the course because instead of having to go through the process of applying for accreditation independently I’ll automatically get membership to ESSA, which simplifies everything,” said Mark.

“ESSA is the only body that accredits exercise physiologists, so taking a course that is recognised by them is a great advantage.

“The degree deserves to get the official tick – the course is great and the staff have been really helpful and willing to help with any problems.”

A former carpenter, Mark Roberts is now nearing the end of a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science degree.