The Clinical Exercise Science program at Winona State University has achieved a significant milestone by receiving initial accreditation.
The accreditation came from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in November of 2024.
That makes Winona State’s program the first undergraduate or graduate Clinical Exercise Science program to receive accreditation in the tri-state region.
“This allows employers to recognize students completing a degree from a program that meets the standard for the profession and will be able to sit for the certification exam required by many employers across the nation,” said Teresa Lee, Program Director of Clinical Exercise Science. “Graduates of accredited programs are more likely to secure employment and gain admission to graduate schools.”
This recognition, granted upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES), underscores the program’s adherence to rigorous educational standards and commitment to preparing students for excellence in clinical exercise science.
“Not only did our Clinical Exercise Science program earn this accreditation status, it did so with outstanding comments from the review team,” said Brian Zeller, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The accreditation followed a thorough evaluation by CoAES, which assessed the program’s compliance with CAAHEP Standards which were collaboratively developed by leading organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
This distinction highlights the university’s dedication to quality education, equipping students with knowledge and skills for diverse roles in healthcare and exercise science.
Key strengths of the program include its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on labs, and real-world experiences through the campus Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program. Modern lab equipment ensures students are well-prepared for clinical practice. Faculty members foster a supportive, inclusive environment, emphasizing student success and academic excellence.
The program, originally established in 1983 as “Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation,” transitioned to “Clinical Exercise Science” in 2015 to align with modern clinical practices and certifications. This evolution reflects WSU’s ongoing commitment to advancing the education of health professions.
