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Since joining the FCS faculty in 2014, Ellis has hosted a number of innovative programs such as the Death Café and Weight of the Nation which featured interactive sessions. In 2022, he earned CSC’s Teaching Excellence Award.

According to the CSPS website, certified specialists bridge the gap between fitness and healthcare by designing safe, individualized exercise programs that enhance recovery and quality of life.

Ellis said when an individual facing chronic or temporary health conditions has been cleared by his or her physician to engage in physical activity, an NSCA CSPS specialist is qualified to work with them. The conditions could include a wide range of physical, psychological, cognitive challenges, neuromuscular disorders, and cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and age-related issues.

Ellis said that one of the insights he gained from studying for the certification was realizing the importance of meeting people where they are in their journey towards better health and working with them to develop a roadmap that will help them reach their desired goals.

“It is important not to apply a cookie-cutter approach to those we train, as everyone is different, has different goals as to what they want or hope to be able to accomplish in life through physical training. ‘Improvement’ is relative to the individual, and you need to ensure they develop self-efficacy, confidence, and consistency,” Ellis said.

He would like to eventually arrange for CSC students to work with populations of varied ages, especially the elderly. Not only for the experience, but also to expose them to career paths they may not have yet considered.

Some professions listed on the CSPS website include adaptive fitness trainer, inclusive fitness specialist, special populations personal trainer, clinical exercise physiologist, exercise specialist, post-rehabilitation specialist, health and wellness coach, lifestyle coach, senior fitness specialist, active aging director, or therapeutic exercise specialist.

Ellis said he decided to pursue the certification because the skills and knowledge required to attain it were of professional and personal interest to him and would be valuable additions to the courses he teaches.

Studying for the certification exam took approximately six months and was more difficult than he anticipated.

“If I hadn't had my background in athletic training to rely on, I don't think I would have passed the exam. The exam has a 56 percent pass rate,” Ellis said.

As of December 2024, 208 professionals have earned the CSPS credential.