Professional Education (entry-level)


Entry-level athletic training education uses a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical settings. Using a medical-based education model, athletic training students are educated to serve in the role of physician extenders, with an emphasis on clinical reasoning skills. Educational content is based on cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skill), affective competencies (professional behaviors) and clinical proficiencies (professional, practice-oriented outcomes). Students must receive formal instruction in the following specific subject matter areas:


Foundational Courses

Professional Course Content Areas
Human physiology
Human anatomy
Exercise physiology
Kinesiology/biomechanics
Nutrition
Therapeutic modalities
Acute care of injury and illness
Statistics and research design
Strength training and reconditioning

Risk management and injury/illness prevention
Pathology of injury/illness
Assessment of injury/illness
General medical conditions and disabilities
Therapeutic exercise; rehabilitative techniques
Health care administration
Weight management and body composition
Psychosocial intervention and referral
Medical ethics and legal issues
Pharmacology
Professional development and responsibilities


Professional Education Programs


There are 363 CAATE-accredited athletic training programs (undergraduate and graduate).  These programs are for students seeking to become a certified athletic trainer.   By clicking on the above link and then going to "Accredited Programs" on the main menu, a searchable database is available.

Certification


Graduates of an accredited athletic training program are eligible to sit for the certification exam adminstered by the Board of Certification, Inc. (www.bocatc.org).  Those who pass the exam are certified and their certification is retained as long as they meet the continuing education requirements set by the BOC.

The ATC® credential and the Board of Certification, Inc., requirements are currently recognized by 43 states for eligibility and/or regulation of the practice of athletic trainers. The credibility of the BOC program and the ATC® credential it awards is supported by three pillars; the BOC certification examination, BOC Standards of Practice and Disciplinary Process, and continuing competence requirements. These three areas will be addressed.


BOC certification is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and is the only accredited certification program for athletic trainers, who are allied health care professionals. To be certified, an individual must demonstrate that s/he is an athletic trainer capable of performing the required duties without threat of harm to the public.


The Board of Certification conducts annual examination development meetings during which certified athletic trainers and recognized experts in the science of athletic training develop, review and validate examination items and problems. The knowledge, skills and abilities required for competent performance as an entry-level athletic trainer fall into three categories:

      • A) Understanding, applying and analyzing;
      • B) Knowledge and decision-making; and
      • C) Special performance abilities.


BOC certified athletic trainers are educated, trained and evaluated in six major practice domains:

      • - Prevention
      • - Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
      • - Immediate Care
      • - Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
      • - Organization and Administration
      • - Professional Responsibility

For more information, the Board of Certification, Inc., at www.BOCATC.org.


Accreditation


Accreditation of undergraduate and graduate entry-level athletic training programs is conducted by CAATE (Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education).  The Education Council’s Professional Education Committee assists programs in conforming to these standards.

The following information is available from CAATE's website (www.caate.net):

  • Accreditation standards
  • Overview of the accreditation process
  • Self-study instructions
  • Other accreditation-related documents
To view a presentation on Accreditation, click the following link:

Obtaining and Maintaining Ongoing Accreditation (.pdf)