Waynesburg College Athletic Training Education

The athletic training students (ATS) clinical skills and proficiencies are developed based on the Learning Over Time Model. Clinical education experiences are assigned based on the ATS progression through three specific phases: Observation Student (first year), Pre-professional student (second year), and Professional student (third and fourth year). Pre-professional and Professional students are assigned to clinical education experiences that are part of six clinical practicum courses. The ATS will participate in choosing the type of experience by completing a Preferred Clinical Experience Form. The clinical coordinator will attempt to accommodate the ATS requests when appropriate taking into consideration the availability of the experience and the need of the student.

Advancement through each phase of clinical education is dependent upon the ATS completing all of the clinical proficiencies in their particular practicum level at a minimum of 70%.

Phase 1: Observation Student – basic skill acquisition and application

Phase 1 of the ATS directed clinical observation involves an orientation to the athletic training profession and to the policies and procedures of Waynesburg University Athletic Training Department. Each student that has declared athletic training as a program of study will be required to complete a minimum of 100 hours of directed clinical observation in the Waynesburg University Athletic Training Facility. During the spring semester of this phase students are enrolled in ATP 105 Introduction to Athletic Training and ATP 207 Emergency Response. During the directed clinical observation experience the student will have the opportunity to observe and practice basic skills that are supervised by a Certified Athletic Trainer and have been taught in ATP 105 & 207. The Clinical Coordinator will notify students of opportunities to observe. Student should average 3 hours a week through the first year in order to obtain the required 100 hours of observation.

Phase 2: Pre-professional Student – intermediate skill acquisition and application

Phase 2 of the ATS clinical experience involves instruction and evaluation of fundamental athletic training skills specific to an intermediate student. A minimum of 17 weeks of directed clinical experience is required during the academic year (seven weeks in the fall and ten weeks in the spring). These experiences will consist of an average of 15-20 hours a week throughout the semester in the Waynesburg University Athletic Training Facility. Each ATS is assigned to an appproved clinical instructor. The student will gain experience with the teams that the ACI covers. These pre-professional students have limited abilities and are permitted to practice and/or assist with tasks that are supervised by an ACI. During these clinical experiences students are enrolled in clinical practicum’s ATP 201 and ATP 202, where the student will be assessed in Athletic Training Clinical Proficiencies specific to transporting, medical care and emergency procedures, taping techniques, pre-physical exams, protective equipment, environmental conditions, and injury management.

Phase 3: Professional Student – advanced skill application and integration
Phase 3 of the ATS clinical experience takes place in the final four semesters when the ATS engages in clinical experiences focused on advanced skill application and integration under the direct supervision of an ACI/Clinical Instructor (CI). Each ATS will be assigned to an ACI affliated with the Waynesburg University Athletic Training Facility and off-campus affiliated sites in this phase. The ATS is assigned to these clinical experiences based on the type of clinical exposure the ACI provides. These experiences will consist of an average of 15-20 hours a week throughout the semester where each student will have a minimum of one day a week without clinical experience. During these clinical experiences, the ATS will have the opportunity to demonstrate integrated knowledge and skills while enrolled in Athletic Training Practicum (ATP 301, 302, 401 and 402), specific to assessment and evaluation of the human body, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, general medical, nutrition, pharmacology, psychosocial, professional development and administration.

• On-Campus Clinical Experience Settings
The Athletic Training Facility located in the Rudy Marisa Field House serves as the primary field experience settings in which the student will Progress through clinical education. The student will be assigned to an Approved Clinical Instructor who will oversee clinical education as the student gains experience with Waynesburg University’s intercollegiate sport teams. During the last four semesters of directed clinical education, the student will be required to complete 4-6 clinical experiences while interacting with a variety of Approved Clinical Instructors and athletic teams in all of the following areas:

• Equipment intensive (football or lacrosse)
• Upper extremity (volleyball, tennis, baseball or softball)
• Lower extremity (soccer, cross country, track, basketball)
• General medical (affiliated site rotation)
• High schools
• Medical clinic (Physical Therapy, Chiropractic)
• Team physician office

• Off-Campus Clinical Experience Settings
The clinical experience settings listed below will provide the student with exposure to the many roles and responsibilities of certified athletic trainers and other health care providers who work in environments other than intercollegiate athletics. The student will have the opportunity to develop specific skills in any of the following settings. It is the students responsibility to arrange for transportation to and from the affiliated clinical sites. Sits range from 1-25 miles away from campus.