Tactical Strength & Conditioning

Design and facilitate physical fitness testing and training programs for tactical and first responders. Prepare for the NSCA TSAC-F certification exam.

The Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC) program prepares students to design and facilitate physical fitness testing and training programs for tactical and first responder occupations, including military, law enforcement, fire, and search and rescue.

Students will use the foundational principles of nutrition, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and biomechanics to improve physical training, reduce injuries, increase operator longevity, and lower employer healthcare costs.

Program Completion will prepare students to take the Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator Certification Exam offered by the National Strength & Conditioning Association.

Locations & Learning Options

  • Online

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Rebecca Kudrna

Dr. Rebecca Kudrna

Department Chair
Associate Professor, Parkville Campus
rebecca.kudrna@park.edu

Mike Swoboda

Dr. Mike Swoboda


Program Coordinator, Gilbert Campus
mswoboda@park.edu

Ashley Bloodgood

Ashley Bloodgood


Assistant Teaching Professor, Gilbert Campus
ashley.bloodgood@park.edu

Park University logo placeholder image

Gini Fite


Adjunct Instructor and Program Coordinator, Parkville Campus
gfite@park.edu

What is tactical strength & conditioning?

A specialized approach to physical fitness training

Tactical strength and conditioning is a specialized approach to physical fitness training that focuses on improving the physical performance and health of military, search and rescue, law enforcement officers, and firefighters. Exercise Science based training programs can improve strength, endurance, power, agility, speed, mobility, and overall fitness. It can also reduce the risk of some common injuries and will prolong occupational lifespans too.

Evidence-based exercise programs

Tactical Strength & Conditioning Coaches write effective evidence-based exercise programs and utilize a toolset of practical approaches to overcome the unique challenges faced by tactical athletes. They solve the unique problems of tactical athletes, for example the physical implications of working night shifts, the large amounts of time a police officer spends sitting in their patrol car, or a lack of time equipment and for training when working or deployed to remote locations.  Through holistic and scientific knowledge, Tactical Strength & Conditioning Coaches will develop practical and effective solutions for their clients.

trainer in gym working out

Program Highlights

We believe the people best equipped to navigate the unique challenges in each specific tactical strength and conditioning program are those who understand and work in those locations themselves.

The Tactical Strength & Conditioning Certificate program is offered fully for maximal flexibility. Furthermore, you’ll learn the scientific principles of effective training and evaluating how those theories apply differentially to different training scenarios. This will give you the tools to create effective training programs despite the unique challenges in tactical careers.

  • There are so many barriers preventing TSAC related organizations and individuals from building the best fitness training and maintenance programs (limited budgets, limited time, employment laws, etc.). Those best equipped to navigate the unique challenges in each specific location also understand and work in those locations themselves.
  • The certificate program is designed for those who are already working in a tactical or first responder field; whereas, most programs are for advanced students in Exercise Science or even graduate students. Our goal is to equip those already working in a tactical or first responder field the tools they need to create their own best physical conditioning programs.
  • The program is offered fully online.
  • Upon completion of the program, be prepared to sit for the NSCA TSAC-F certification exam (National Strength & Conditioning Association Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator Certification).

Careers

Tactical Strength & Conditioning coaches are hired in various capacities by the military and municipal fire and law enforcement, and can help advance opportunities with tactical careers among those who desire to create effective training and academy experiences for recruits.

  • Municipal Police, Fire & EMS Responders
  • Trainers
  • Coaches
  • Fitness Instructors
group of students in class

Related programs

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.