You are about to start an amazing journey in didactic and clinical education in the field of Athletic Training.  Always keep in mind that this is an academic program that has a clinical component.  It will not be an easy journey, but, if you follow the prescribed path with diligence, it will be a very rewarding journey.  The rewards are in the form of education, clinical experience, and companionship with your fellow athletic training students, preparation for the BOC Exam, preparation for graduate study, and preparation to take your place in the profession of Athletic Training. 

Your education will take place in the classroom and in clinical experiences.  You will follow the paths of Learning Over Time and Seamless (Integrated) Learning.  Those terms will mean virtually nothing to you as you start the program, but will become ingrained in your mind as you proceed through the program.  You will begin by listening and watching and progress to listening and hands-on experience with increasing responsibility under the direct supervision of ACI’s and CI’s.  You will also learn from each other, which may be one of the most important aspects of your athletic training education.  The discussions must go beyond the classroom and clinical site to become shared and critiqued experiences for all athletic training students. 

We demand much of you, but you should demand even more of yourself.  Historically, athletic training students have succeeded in direct proportion to what they are willing to put into the program.  You will have ample opportunities to make the most of your education through ATS blogs, your clinical experience journals, the Athletic Training Student Society and special events such as the ACES Workshops, SEATA Student Symposia, Hall of Fame Lecture Series, presentations by the ATEP Medical Director, and coverage of special events like the First Light Marathon, AFL spring training, summer camp positions working with Certified Athletic Trainers and the opportunity to do remote Senior Clinical Experiences. 

You cannot succeed in this program by being a “sponge” and hoping just to soak up enough information to meet the minimum criteria.  You will succeed by giving everything you have for four years to fully prepare yourself far beyond minimal competency.  Strive to be your absolute best and you will become an integral part of the best. 

The faculty and staff of UMobile ATEP are here to help you.  One of the big advantages of a small University is the individual attention it affords.  Take advantage of it.   

Athletic Training Course Description

The Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degrees are offered in Athletic Training. This degree qualifies graduates to pursue careers in professional athletic organizations, physical therapy clinics, commercial athletic training settings, as wellness centers, and as school athletic trainers.

ATHLETIC TRAINING CAREERS

Look around you - people these days are on the move. We’re learning more, trying more, doing more. And when the level of physical activity increases, the risk for injury rises as well. That’s where the certified athletic trainer comes in. Whether it’s an athlete of any age or an industrial worker performing physical tasks or even an average citizen delving into recreational athletics, the certified athletic trainer can help. Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are medical experts in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. Athletic trainers can help you avoid unnecessary medical treatment and disruption of normal daily life; if you’re injured, they can help you return to activity and keep you on the move.  Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health care profession, and the AMA recommends certified athletic trainers in every high school to keep America’s youth safe and healthy. Specifically, the ATC specializes in five practice areas or domains:

• Prevention of athletic injuries
• Recognition, evaluation and immediate care of athletic injuries
  
• Rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries
  
• Health care administration
  
• Professional development

• Secondary schools: Public and private secondary schools offer special job opportunities for ATCs. Parents and administrators are discovering the benefits an ATC can offer in preventing and caring for injuries. Many certified athletic trainers also teach classes at the high school level.
• Colleges and universities
• Professional sports franchises