York Achieves Reaccreditation for Movement Science Program

Congratulations to the School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs(SHSPP)on its latest achievement! 

The school’s Movement Science program recently received “continued accreditation” by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) until 2032. This is good news for the college and for the School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs as Movement Science joins the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSN) in a similar success this summer. Upon receiving the great news on the Bachelor of Science in Movement Science, Dr. Maureen Becker, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs could not contain her joy. 

“What a great way to start a Monday!” Dean Becker said. “Congratulations are in order for receiving reaccreditation. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and hours that went into this reaccreditation process, and applaud all, for your work as a team.” 

The news is all the more important given the rarity of the major in New York and the United States.  

“It is amazing that we are one of three accredited programs in New York State, and one of seventy-eight accredited baccalaureate programs in the country,” said Dean Becker. “When I heard this quote ‘Accreditation is not only an indication of the quality of our education, but more importantly, of the commitment of our faculty to keeping the field of Movement Science on the leading edge, our students’ competencies current, and our practice evidence-based.’ I absolutely believe this to be true of our Movement Science Program here at York College. 

 Dr. Galilia Werber-Zion, director of the Movement Science Program, added that for those “looking to develop a career that helps others to reduce their health risks, restore their physical function, or to improve an athlete’s physical performance, then the York College Movement Science program is the one for you. The Movement Science program course work includes a well-rounded curriculum in the behavioral, functional, nutritional, physiological, psychological, and structural adaptations to exercise.” 

 And indeed, the program’s mission statement says it all. “The Movement Science Major in the Department of Health and Human Performance at York College is dedicated to providing a rigorous and informative environment that promotes education and practical applications of exercise science, thereby enhancing physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.” 

 Dr. Werber-Zion emphasized that “the Movement Science major demonstrates academic excellence as the first in CUNY and the third in New York state to obtain accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). 

Career opportunities in the field include exercise physiologist, clinical exercise physiologist, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist, collegiate strength and conditioning coach, sport coach, physical education teacher, personal trainer, and more. 

The department also explains that “a bachelor’s degree in Movement Science can be a stepping-stone for pursing a graduate degree in an allied healthcare field like Physical or Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training or Physician’s Assistant.  

The SHSPP received other good news in September as well. “US News and World Report” named York’s Nursing Program as one of three in CUNY amongst the best in the United States.