New Concentration Prepares C.W. Post Physical Education
Majors to Develop and Teach Sports Medicine in High Schools

March 29, 2006 – Brookville, N.Y. – A new specialization available to physical education majors at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University will enable them to develop and teach sports medicine at the high school level, where the subject is rapidly increasing in popularity in schools throughout New York State.

New this year, the Sports Medicine Design Specialization consists of five courses within the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education program.

“High school students taking sports medicine courses are learning how a wide variety of health professionals use their medical knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, treat and rehabilitate injuries related to sport, exercise and recreational activity. These experiences provide opportunities for students to achieve high levels of collegiate and professional success,” said Richard Zapolski, coordinator of the Sports Medicine Design Specialization at C.W. Post. The courses are also helpful for student athletes and for people interested in serving as trainers or coaches at the college level.

“Thirty-two Long Island high schools now offer sports medicine courses, and an additional 35 schools are interested in starting programs,” said Zapolski.  Physical education chairpersons are looking for teachers who can bring innovative programs like sports medicine to their schools.  Knowing how to teach sports medicine may give job candidates an edge when applying for a teaching position.

For more information on the Sports Medicine Design Specialization, contact the
C.W. Post Department of Health, Physical Education and Movement Science at (516) 299-2671.