Athletic Training
Program Director James Murdock, ATC ; Clinical Coordinator Jennie Kruger, ATC; Associate Professor Eduardo Hernandez, ATC (Sports Medicine Chair), Lecturer Gregory A. Jancaitis, ATC; and Lecturer Justin P. Zabroski, ATC
The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training uses a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical settings. Using a medical education model, athletic training students gain experience in a variety of educational domains to prepare them to serve as allied health care providers for the physically active population. Certified Athletic Trainers have specialized education in the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries and illness affecting physically active populations. Educational content is based on cognitive (knowledge), psycho-motor (skills), and clinical proficiencies (professional, practice-oriented outcomes). The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) incorporates hands-on experience in various professional settings. The Athletic Training Education Program (NU-ATEP) is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Board of Certification (BOC) examination.
Goals:
- Develop competent athletic training students, by preparing them for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and a successful future as athletic trainers.
- Provide high quality education to athletic training students to prepare them to pursue graduate education in athletic training,
- Foster a professional work ethic and responsibility in athletic training students.
- Encourage athletic training students to take responsibility for and value their education.
- Encourage students to utilize their didactic knowledge and incorporate it appropriately into their skills for clinical education experiences.
- Encourage student use of technology in the classroom and clinical education experiences.
- Provide students with an understanding of the value research plays in the growth of the athletic training profession.
Outcomes:
The measurement of the NUATEP is passing the National Athletic Trainers Board of Certification National Examination.
Careers for this Major:
The following areas are opportunities where Certified Athletic Trainers are being employed.
- Colleges & Universities
- Hospital & Clinical Settings
- Occupational Health
- Military
- Performing Arts
- Physician Extender
- Professional Sports
- Public Safety
- Secondary Schools
B.S. in Athletic Training - Curriculum Map
- Students may declare as an Athletic Training Freshmen Fall Semester, but they must apply for entrance into the professional phase of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) during the Freshmen Spring Semester.
- By the Freshmen Spring Semester, students must have completed, or be enrolled in and achieved a minimum of a C grade in the following courses: SM 128, SM 136, SM 138 SM 129, SM 220.
- Students not meeting the minimum criteria (classes and grades) will need to correct any deficiencies before being considered for entrance into the professional phase of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP). Athletic Training students (ATS) must adhere to the policies and procedures of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) and of clinical sites.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 |
| SM 128 Clinical Anatomy Ic | 3 | PY 211 Introduction to Psychology (General Education Social Science) | 3 |
| SM 136 Emergency Care, Injury/Illnessc | 3 | SM 129 Clinical Anatomy IIc | 3 |
| SM 138 Introduction to Sports Medicinec | 3 | SM 139 Health Science Research Methods | 2 |
| MA 232 Elementary Statistics (General Education Math) | 3 | SM 220 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuriesc | 4 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SM 212 Health Promotion | 3 | CH 101 Introduction to General Chemistry (General Education Lab Science) | 4 |
| SM 200 Clinical Education in Athletic Training I | 1 | SM 201 Clinical Education in Athletic Training II | 2 |
| SM 228 Clinical Physiology I | 4 | SM 232 Lower Extremity Injuries | 3 |
| SM 230 Fundamentals of Evidence-Based Practice | 2 | SM 229 Clinical Physiology II | 4 |
| SM 231 Management of Spine and Pelvic Conditions | 3 | PE 260 Personal and Community Health | 3 |
| MA 235 Clinical Mathematical Methods (General Education Math) | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CH 102 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (General Education Lab Science) | 4 | BI 253 Foods and Nutrition | 4 |
| SM 233 Upper Extremity Injuries | 3 | PE 371 Physiology of Exercise | 4 |
| SM 300 Clinical Education in Athletic Training III | 4 | SM 301 Clinical Education in Athletic Training IV | 4 |
| SM 420 Therapeutic Modalities | 4 | SM 422 Therapeutic Exercise | 4 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Education History | 3 | General Education Arts & Humanities | 3 |
| General Education Literature | 3 | SM 401 Clinical Education in Athletic Training VI | 4 |
| SM 439 Leadership & Management in Sports Medicine (General Education Ethics) | 3 | SM 451 Capstone Experience II | 1 |
| SM 400 Clinical Education in Athletic Training V | 4 | SM 460 Emerging Practice Skills | 3 |
| SM 450 Capstone Expericence I | 1 | Free Elective | 3-4 |
| Free Elective | 3 - 4 | ||
| 17-18 | 14-15 | ||
| Total Credits: 124-126 | |||
| C | By the Freshmen Spring Semester, students must have completed, or be enrolled. |
Courses
SM 128 Clinical Anatomy I 3 Credits
This course is part one of a two part series of anatomy courses in a modular format aligned with clinical practice. It provides an introduction to human anatomy with a basic survey of the body and pathological processes. Students will learn basic concepts related to anatomy, pathology and medical assessment of the head, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, back, and upper extremities. Classroom 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Offered fall semesters. Prerequisites: Freshmen Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 129 Clinical Anatomy II 3 Credits
This course is part two of a two part series of anatomy courses in a modular format aligned with clinical practice. It provides an introduction to human anatomy with a basic survey of the body and pathological processes. Students will learn basic concepts related to anatomy, pathology and medical assessment of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, cranial nerves, and lower extremities. Classroom 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Offered spring semesters. Prerequisites: Freshmen Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 136 Emergency Care, Injury/Illness 3 Credits
This course follows the national standards for Advanced First Aid, CPR for Professional Rescuers, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Recognition, care, and temporary treatment of injuries and illness are discussed and the associated skills are practiced. In addition, this course will introduce basic concepts of emergency actions plans and initial injury evaluation. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be awarded national certification cards for: Advanced First Aid, CPR for Professional Rescuers, and Bloodborne Pathogens training. Classroom 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours.
SM 138 Introduction to Sports Medicine 3 Credits
This course provides students with an introduction to the principles of pharmacology, medical terminology, and documentation used in the care of physically active individuals. Offered spring semesters. Prerequisites: Freshmen Athletic Training (SPA) or Health Science (HLS) standing.
SM 139 Health Science Research Methods 2 Credits
This course provides the foundation for understanding basic research methods and the application of research findings to health care. Current literature is used to demonstrate the fundamentals of research design, research ethics, basic biostatistics, and other research-related issues applicable to future health care providers. Classroom 2 hours. Pre-requisite: Freshmen Athletic Training (SPA) or Health Science (HLS) standing. Offered spring semesters.
SM 199 New Course 3 Credits
SM 200 Clinical Education in Athletic Training I 1 Credit
This course provides students the opportunity to integrate clinical proficiencies introduced in prerequisite courses during a supervised practicum in an athletic training setting. Clinical rotation(s) (3 hours/week) and clinical proficiency evaluations. Prerequisites: Sophomore 1 Athletic Training (SPA) standing, SM 136, SM 138, and SM 220.
SM 201 Clinical Education in Athletic Training II 2 Credits
This course provides students the opportunity to integrate clinical proficiencies introduced in prerequisite courses during a supervised practicum in an athletic training setting. Clinical rotation(s) (6 hours/week) and clinical proficiency evaluations. Prerequisites: SM 200 and SM 231.
SM 210 Assessment of Injury and Illness 4 Credits
Building on the assessment principles acquired in SM 138 and SM 220; this course focuses on the techniques necessary to evaluate body systems for injury/illness. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: Freshmen Athletic Training (SPA) or Health Science (HLS) standing.
SM 212 Health Promotion 3 Credits
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills essential for understanding the etiology and prevention of common injuries and illness. Special emphasis is placed on acute and chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system and chronic conditions of the cardiovascular, endocrine and respiratory systems. Classroom 3 hours. Offered fall semesters. Prerequisites: Sophomore Athletic Training (SPA) or Sophomore Health Science (HLS) standing.
SM 220 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries 4 Credits
Course provides students with the knowledge and skills essential for the proper prevention, evaluation, and treatment of common athletic injuries. Risk management and professional ethics are stressed. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: SM 136.
SM 228 Clinical Physiology I 4 Credits
This course is part one of a series of two physiology courses in a modular format aligned with clinical practice. It provides an introduction to human physiology with a basic survey of the physiologic and pathological processes. Students will learn concepts related to cellular, neuromuscular, renal, and cardiovascular physiology. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Offered fall semesters. Prerequisite: SM129.
SM 229 Clinical Physiology II 4 Credits
This course is part two of a series of two physiology courses in a modular format aligned with clinical practice. It provides an introduction to human physiology with a basic survey of the physiologic pathological processes. Students will learn concepts related to respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive physiology and temperature regulation. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: SM 228. Offered spring semesters.
SM 230 Fundamentals of Evidence-Based Practice 2 Credits
This course prepares students to make independent judgments about the validity of clinical research and implement evidence-based clinical practice in their careers. Focus is on concepts of evidence-based practice with emphasis on forming answerable clinical questions, effective literature search strategies, and structured evaluation of the strength and relevance of clinical evidence. Classroom 2 hours. Offered spring semesters. Prerequisite: SM 139 and MA 232.
SM 231 Management of Spine and Pelvic Conditions 3 Credits
This course will focus on a critical analysis of injuries and conditions that may affect the spine and pelvis in physically active individuals. The application of joint and musculoskeletal anatomy will be utilized to assess the various joints and body regions of the spine and pelvis to determine the appropriate management of these conditions. Classroom 2 hours, Laboratory 2 hours. Offered fall semesters. Prerequisite: Sophomore Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 232 Lower Extremity Injuries 3 Credits
This course will focus on a critical analysis of injuries and conditions that may affect the lower extremity in physically active individuals. The application of joint and musculoskeletal anatomy will be utilized to assess the various joints and body regions of the lower extremity to determine the appropriate management of these conditions. Classroom 2 hours, Laboratory 2 hours. Offered spring semesters. Prerequisite: Sophomore Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 233 Upper Extremity Injuries 3 Credits
This course will focus on a critical analysis of injuries and conditions that may affect the upper extremity in physically active individuals. The application of joint and musculoskeletal anatomy will be utilized to assess the various joints and body regions of the upper extremity to determine the appropriate management of these conditions. Classroom 2 hours, Laboratory 2 hours. Offered fall semesters. Prerequisite: Junior Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 299 Topics 1-3 Credit
SM 300 Clinical Education in Athletic Training III 4 Credits
This course provides students the opportunity to integrate clinical proficiencies introduced in prerequisite courses during a supervised practicum in an athletic training setting. Clinical rotation(s) including non-traditional seasons (12 hours/week) and clinical proficiency evaluations. Prerequisites: SM 201 and Junior Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 301 Clinical Education in Athletic Training IV 4 Credits
This course provides students the opportunity to integrate clinical proficiencies introduced in prerequisite courses during a supervised practicum in an athletic training setting. Clinical rotation(s) (12 hours/week) and clinical proficiency evaluations. Prerequisites: SM 300 and Junior Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 400 Clinical Education in Athletic Training V 4 Credits
This course provides students the opportunity to integrate clinical proficiencies introduced in prerequisite courses during a supervised practicum in an athletic training setting. Clinical rotation(s) including non-traditional seasons (12 hours/week) and clinical proficiency evaluations. Prerequisites: SM 301 and Senior Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 401 Clinical Education in Athletic Training VI 4 Credits
This course provides students the opportunity to integrate clinical proficiencies introduced in prerequisite courses during a supervised practicum in an athletic training setting. Clinical rotation(s) (12 hours/week) and clinical proficiency evaluations. Prerequisites: SM 400 and Senior Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 420 Therapeutic Modalities 4 Credits
Investigation of the physiological response of selected human body tissues to trauma and inactivity as well as the implications of said responses for the selection, use, and application of therapeutic modalities. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: Junior Athletic Training (SPA) or Health Science (HLS) standing.
SM 422 Therapeutic Exercise 4 Credits
Investigation of principles, objectives, indications, contraindications and progression of various modes of conditioning and reconditioning exercises. Methods for evaluation, progress assessment and development of criteria for return to activity. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior Athletic Training (SPA) or Health Science (HLS) standing.
SM 426 Internship 12 Credits
A course designed to provide the Sports Medicine students with an intern-type experience in a professional setting appropriate to their career goals. Prerequisite: Athletic Training (SPA) or Health Sciences (HLS) majors.
SM 439 Leadership & Management in Sports Medicine 3 Credits
Part of a two-semester capstone experience in sports medicine/athletic training. This course focuses on leadership, management, and professional ethics in sports medicine. Students will complete a series of organization and administrative projects and papers focused on personal and professional ethics. This course will satisfy General Education Goal 6 requirements. In addition, students will be required to lead the weekly discipline journal club discussion. Classroom 3 hours. Prerequisite: Senior Standing.
SM 440 Evidence-Based Sports Med 3 Credits
Part of a two-semester capstone experience in sports medicine/athletic training. This course focuses on the development and utilization of evidence-based practice research as it is applied to sports medicine. Prerequisites: SM 439.
SM 450 Capstone Expericence I 1 Credit
This course will focus on the development of two evidence-based practice projects that have direct application to clinical practice. Classroom 1 hour. Offered fall semesters. Prerequisite: Senior Athletic Training (SPA) or Health Sciences (HLS) standing.
SM 451 Capstone Experience II 1 Credit
This course will focus the presentation and evaluation of two evidence-based practice projects from SM 450. Classroom 1 hour. Offered spring semesters.
SM 460 Emerging Practice Skills 3 Credits
This course will focus on emerging topics in sports medicine practice. Included in the course will be advanced airway management, advanced wound closure techniques, IV therapy, advanced cardiac examination and advanced immobilization techniques. Classroom 2 hour, Laboratory 2 hours. Offered spring semesters. Prerequisite: Senior Athletic Training (SPA) standing.
SM 499 Intership 3 Credits