Athletic Training

An athletic trainer is a highly qualified allied health professional who is educated and experienced in dealing with the health care problems of high school, college, professional, recreational, and industrial athletes. The athletic trainer is responsible for injury prevention, recognition, treatment, and rehabilitation procedures designed to allow the injured individual to return to competition, work, or play as quickly and safely as possible. The athletic trainer, working under the direction of a physician, is an essential and integral part of any complete health care program.

Qualifications

First and foremost, the athletic trainer must have a genuine interest in athletics and a sincere concern for the total well being of the athletes. The athletic trainer must have confidence, integrity, a sense of humor, good communication skills, and common sense. They must be skilled in the areas of taping, wrapping, padding, and have knowledge of first aid and emergency procedures. The athletic trainer must also evaluate, treat, and manage various injuries. The athletic trainer may also be involved in such areas as development of conditioning programs, nutritional counseling, menu planning, equipment purchasing, equipment fitting, classroom teaching, budgeting, and administrative duties.

Certification

The National Athletic Trainers' Association, Inc. (NATA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the athletic training profession. Athletic trainers may meet the BOC's certification requirements through educational programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE). At present there are over 200 undergraduate accredited college/university athletic training education programs. To become certified as an athletic trainer, individuals must graduate from an accredited program and must successfully complete the (BOC) Board of Certification Examination, which includes a written, oral, and practical examination.

The Program

Anderson University offers a CAATE accredited athletic training curriculum. In 1988, Anderson University became the first private university in the state of Indiana with CAATE accreditation. Anderson University offers a student the rare opportunity to receive the benefits of a private school, Christian based education while participating in a nationally accredited athletic training education program.

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