PennWest and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) have expanded their long-standing partnership to give fitness and wellness professionals an accelerated, affordable path to earning a college degree.
Through this collaboration, NASM-certified professionals can now translate their certifications into academic credits — saving significant time and more than $5,000 in tuition toward PennWest’s 100% online Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. Tuition discounts also apply to PennWest’s online bachelor’s degree in exercise science.
“Together, PennWest and NASM are creating a clear and affordable path from certification to a college degree,” said Dr. Barry McGlumphy, professor in PennWest’s Department of Exercise, Health and Sport Sciences. “This partnership makes it easier for working professionals to build on their expertise and advance their careers.”
"At NASM, we’re committed to helping fitness professionals build long, successful careers,” said Dave Correia, head of sales at NASM. “This partnership with PennWest is a game-changer. It creates a direct, affordable pathway from our industry-leading certifications to a respected university degree — designed specifically for certified professionals looking to take the next step in their education. Whether they’re aiming for leadership roles, specialized coaching, or integration into healthcare settings, this initiative empowers them to unlock new career opportunities and long-term growth.”
The PennWest–NASM partnership was established in 2003, making PennWest NASM’s premier and longest-standing academic partner. More than 6,000 graduates of PennWest’s exercise science programs now work across the nation and around the world in fitness, healthcare, and sports performance, including with professional and collegiate organizations such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Duke University, UCLA, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Learn more at pennwest.edu/lp/nasm.php.
About NASM
The National Academy of Sports Medicine® (NASM) is a global leader in evidence-based learning and certifications for fitness and wellness professionals. Building on over 35 years of expertise, NASM programs create a roadmap for fitness and wellness professionals to help their clients achieve better physical and mental performance in athletics and everyday life. NASM provides an industry-first training system, with the Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) model, creating robust courses and content based solely on science-backed research. Learn more at www.nasm.org.