BOTTINEAU — Dakota College at Bottineau has announced the addition of a certificate of completion in athletic coaching, starting in the fall of 2025. This certificate is designed to prepare students for coaching roles in recreational, competitive and interscholastic sports, according to a DCB news release.

This eight credit certificate is in response to high student demand, the release stated. As more students participate in sports at the high school and college levels, the need for qualified coaches increases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for coaches and scouts is projected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033.

“With an on-campus student population that is roughly 50% student athletes, we’ve known for a while that students were interested in a program related to athletic coaching,” DCB Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer Carolyn Rygg said in the release.

The certificate includes coursework in first aid and CPR, injury prevention and care, and a new class in sport and performance psychology.

“Including a course that focuses on the mental aspect of sport and performance is very important, especially given the current landscape of sport and education. Students will learn about motivation, effective coaching and leadership within the Introduction to Sport and Performance Psychology course,” said DCB psychology professor, Dr. Lexi Kvasnicka-Gates in the release.

Rygg and Kvasnicka-Gates, along with Travis Rybchinski, men’s hockey coach and instructor, designed the curriculum to align with similar programs offered throughout the Midwest.