ATHLETIC TRAINING: Kent State’s Program

Kimberly S. Peer, Ed.D., ATC/L

Cary Hale, MS, ATC/L

What is Athletic Training?

Is it New to KSU?

What is Athletic Training?

Common terms used when referring to athletic training and athletic trainers:– Sports Medicine– Sports Trainer– Sports First Aid– Athletic Therapist– Coach / Trainer– Personal Trainer– Nurse

Athletic Trainer - Definition…a qualified allied health care professional educated and experienced in the management of health care problems associated with sports participation

…functions in cooperation…in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive athletic health care delivery systems

Providing Care for the Physically Active

Physically Active:“…individuals who engage in occupational, recreational or athletic activities that require physical skills and utilize strength, power, endurance, speed, flexibility, range of motion or agility.”

Domains in Athletic Training

What do we do?

Prevention of Athletic Injuries

Recognition, Evaluation, & Immediate Care of Athletic Injuries

Domains in Athletic Training

What do we do? Rehabilitation

and Reconditioning of Athletic Injuries

Health Care Administration

Professional Development and Responsibility

Program Phases

Pre-Professional Phase– Directed Observation– Year Long Process – Select in May

Professional Phase– 2.5 years of clinicals– Academic and Professional

Expectations

What do students need to know?

Accredited, Entry-Level Athletic Training Program

Evaluate the clinical & academic components

Is this a “Major”?

Can you choose electives? – Allow for

individualization

Expect to take these courses:

Principles of AT Physical

Assessment Therapeutic

Rehab Therapeutic

Modalities Advanced AT -

Organization & Administration

Practicum 1-4

Human Anatomy Human Physiology Sports Physiology Biomechanics Nutrition Personal Health Psychology

Courses Pathology and

Pharmacology

Clinical Experience

1000 - 1200 hours over a three year period

Supervised by a certified athletic trainer

Exposure to a variety of sports/settings

Practicing Athletic Training in Ohio

Certification by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA-BOC)

Written, Practicum and Written Simulation

Licensed by the Ohio PT, OT, and AT Board – Written

Examination on Ohio Laws

Grad School or Job?

Either is feasible depending on job venue of choice

Graduate Assistantships? Dual Credentials = Greater

Salary Potential PT – Reality or Dream?

Key Factors for Advisors

Need to See Dr. Peer EARLY FALL

Selective Admission (8:1)

Year-long Process beginning in Fall

Can’t take major at regional campuses

Transfer students – no core courses

Key Factors for Advisors

Must complete 6 – 8 hours of clinicals per week for Pre-Professional Phase

Required to complete 15 – 20 hours of clinicals per week in Professional Phase

Required to complete in-services – BBP, CPR & AED

Individualized study – Competencies Can’t be intercollegiate athlete

Unique Opportunities

Team Travel Individual Contact with Team MD’s Surgery Observations Cadaver Workshops Exposure to Allied Medical

Professionals within the Community

Priority Registration

Employment Outlook Expanding in

– High Schools – Clinic / Hospital– Physicians’ offices– Colleges &

Universities– Professional– Industrial

Starting Salaries: $27,000 – 32,000

What is a typical day?

Anything but typical!

High school– Teacher / ATC– ATC– Outreach ATC

Typical day…

College / University– Staff Athletic

Trainer Travel

– Faculty Teaching/Research

Clinic based– Outreach– In the clinic

Typical day…

Professional– NBA, NHL, MLB,

NBA, WNBA, MLS– Rodeo– X-Games

Corporate– General Motors– Nissan– Work hardening

Common Characteristics of the

Athletic Trainer Stamina & Ability

to Adapt

Empathy

Sense of Humor

Communication

Intellectual

Curiosity

Ethical Standards

Sincere Interest in Athletics & Well-Being of Athletes

Ability to Work with Hands

Get Along with Others

Strong Work Ethic Understand the

“Sense of Urgency”

Likes and dislikes Working with highly

motivated people Getting people back

to what they like to do

Being creative The job is different

every day

The job is different every day

Working on someone else's time table