Few jobs are as physically demanding as being a soldier. Optimize your training, improve your performance and decrease your risk of injury with a Tactical Athlete Certificate from Georgia Southern University.
Locations
- Online
Why Earn a Tactical Athlete Certificate at Georgia Southern?
- Cut injuries and improve tactical readiness with this three-course certificate.
- Earn college credits and points toward promotion.
- No GPA/SAT requirements to enroll.
- Free for soldiers on active duty, in the National Guard or on reserve.
- 9 credit hours to completion.
In 2020, military officials estimated that as many as 58,000 soldiers suffered from injuries that prevented them from deploying. With as many as 25% of all soldiers experiencing musculoskeletal injuries, a tally that accounts for $557 million in acute patient care, Georgia Southern asked: How can we help soldiers train better, remain healthier and stay in service longer?
Through our partnership with the U.S. Army, Georgia Southern launched the online Tactical Athlete Certificate in 2020 to address these concerns and aid Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) objectives. In this program available to soldiers across the country, students learn to develop evidence-based physical training programs and minimize injury risks through a series of three college classes. Veterans and emergency and law enforcement professionals may also participate but will need to self-pay.
Each class is condensed into a three-week period, allowing students to complete the certificate in as little as one semester. Active-duty military members do not have to pay institutional fees associated with the program. The Army’s credentialing assistance program funds the courses and books for soldiers.
Once they have fulfilled all course and lab requirements, soldiers receive nine college credits from Georgia Southern, become eligible for promotional opportunities in the Army, and are prepared to sit for the TSAC-F™ exam.
Ready to Apply?
What Can You Do With a Tactical Athlete Certificate?
The skills you gain through the Tactical Athlete Certificate equip you to develop fitness and training programs not just for yourself but others. Soldiers who complete the program are equipped to pass the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator™ (TSAC-F™) certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association®. This designation shows that you’re ready to help military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and other workers in high-activity, high-injury professions take steps to improve their own performance.
Where our graduates work:
- United States Armed Forces
- Emergency medical services
- Fire departments
- Police departments
What our graduates do:
- Corporate fitness
- Fitness instructors
- Industrial fitness
- Personal trainer
- Private/commercial fitness
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Sport performance
- Tactical fitness
What You’ll Learn
All students take three three-week courses: Basic Tactical Athlete, Trainer Tactical Athlete and Programming Tactical Athlete. Students start by understanding how to fundamentally assess endurance, strength and mobility before learning to develop programming for endurance activities, mobility exercises and strength training.
See the CurriculumBuild Your Experience
Put theory into practice and see lessons come to life through synchronous Zoom-based practical assignments and a capstone project.
Want to Learn More?
Explore essential information about our Tactical Athlete Certificate, including application details, accreditation status, and licensing disclosures. Gain insight into the program’s credibility and requirements to help you start your journey toward success with the knowledge you need.
The next Tactical Athlete Certificate course series begins in January 2025. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15. Applicants must be serving on active duty, a veteran, a member of the National Guard, or a Reservist in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Apply NowThe next course series is the spring semester. The deadline to apply is November 15.
Courses
RHAB 3101
Tactical Athlete Basic Course (no prerequisites)
RHAB 3102
Tactical Athlete Trainer Course (prerequisite RHAB 3001)
RHAB 3103
Tactical Athlete Programming Course (prerequisite RHAB 3001 and RHAB 3002)
Course Schedule
- March 24-April 12, 2025– RHAB 3103 Programming Course
- Jan 27-Feb 15, 2025 – RHAB 3101 Basic Course
- Feb 15-March 15, 2025 – RHAB 3102 Trainer Course
Georgia Southern designed the Tactical Athlete Certificate to be completed around your schedule. Fully online coursework is paired with a laboratory component, allowing you to absorb and practice concepts and ultimately design training regimens that lower injury risks.
If you’re serving far from home or have career or family-care responsibilities that prevent you from taking classes in person, our online-only option can deliver the training you need on a timeline that works for you.
Learn More About Online ProgramsFor All Online Programs
Federal law requires colleges and universities to make certain disclosures to prospective students of these programs. These disclosures include information on the University’s authority to operate outside of Georgia, complaint processes, adverse actions and refunds.
For required disclosures in general with regard to online programs offered by the University, visit the Office of Legal Affairs website.
Many of the clinical programs offered by the Waters College of Health Professions require a clinical internship or practicum experience to fulfill degree requirements. Pursuant to the University’s legal agreements, participants in clinical experiences are required to abide by the workplace rules of the clinical site. The University is aware of recent federal requirements that would mandate vaccination against COVID-19 for those working in certain settings, including health care. At this time, we expect that these new requirements may significantly impact our ability to locate a placement for students who remain unvaccinated. As always, WCHP will continue to make every effort to place students at clinical sites. However, please be aware that we may be unable to locate a site to accept unvaccinated students, which may cause a delay or inability to progress and complete the program of study.
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Take the Next Step
Ready to train smarter, perform better and stay healthier? The Tactical Athlete Certificate not only upgrades your own routine but supplies you with the knowledge to support other soldiers, law enforcement and emergency professionals.
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Nancy Henderson, PT, Ph.D., DPT, OCS, Cert MDt