Athletic Training Education Mission Statement

The Waynesburg University Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) seeks to prepare Athletic Training Student’s for successful careers by instilling a comprehensive liberal arts education and in-depth study in Athletic Training.  The program provides opportunities for students to achieve balance between academic scholarship and the acquisition of skills necessary for careers in athletic training and health care.  The curriculum design provides opportunities for the development, synthesis, and demonstration of cognitive competency and professional behavior.  The curriculum is guided by the Athletic Training Educational Competencies established by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association along with the Judeo-Christian principles on which the University was founded.  The NATA Code of Ethics guides our efforts to provide the means, inspiration and values that will enable our ATSs to pursue successful, productive and compassionate lives of service.

The ATEP seeks to provide flexibility within the major to meet the different career selections within the sports medicine field. Our program continued its accreditation status in 2006 by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).The first function of the Athletic Training Education Program is the education of students who have chosen athletic training as a major course of study. The education program consists of two phases.

1. Athletic Training Basic Program (ATBP):
This program consists of basic course work and directed clinical observation taken during the first year to build a foundation of basic knowledge in athletic training. Students must then apply for admission into the ATAP during the second semester of the freshman year.

2. Athletic Training Advanced Program (ATAP):
For students admitted, the last three years entail advanced specialized courses and clinical practicum experiences. Both the ATBP and ATAP consist of formal course work and clinical observation/proficiencies requirements.  Students must fulfill these requirements and progress from ATBP to ATAP.  Selection of Athletic Training Students into the ATAP is based on specific guidelines set forth by Waynesburg University Athletic Training Education Program (see admission policy). A ratio of 8:1 is recommended (eight students to one certified athletic trainer) to ensure adequate clinical instruction and supervision of students within the ATAP.  As such, Waynesburg University has established academic and clinical requirements for progression within the Athletic Training Education Program with a selection process into the ATAP program. (See clinical education requirements)

Educational Goals:

• Prepare each athletic training student for a successful career as a certified athletic trainer.
• Produce athletic training students adequately prepared to succeed on the BOC examination.
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• Produce athletic training students/graduates who are prepared in using technology in the delivery of athletic training services.
  
  
• Produce athletic training students/graduates who are prepared for pursuing graduate degrees in athletic training or a related area of other allied health professions.
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• Produce athletic training students/graduates who are adept in interpreting and utilizing research in the delivery of athletic training services.
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• Provide an atmosphere that is conducive to quality education for Athletic Training Students.
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• Follow guidelines and standards established by the NCAA, NATA, and CAATE.
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• Expose the Athletic Training Students to a variety of injury treatments and rehabilitation techniques.