College of Health, Fitness & Sciences
Athletic Training Department Home Page
Athletic Training (ATN)
The athletic training curriculum at Dakota Wesleyan University is designed
to prepare students to become professional athletic health care practitioners.
Specifically, the DWU athletic training faculty strives to comprehensively
educate students in the concepts of athletic training; train students
in the provision of competent, high quality care to physically active
populations; prepare students for employment and/or continuing education
in an environment of responsible, personal growth; and positively equip
students in the personal and professional tenets of ethical and moral
conduct. Due to its extensive interdisciplinary nature, the athletic
training major is considered a major and a minor for DWU graduation
requirement purposes.
The athletic training major at DWU is accredited through
the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE),
and prepares students for the national certification exam given by the
Board of Certification (BOC). The National Athletic Trainers Association
(NATA) serves as the governing body for athletic trainers in the United
States, and DWU is one of a limited number of approved undergraduate
curriculums in the field of study.
As a discipline, the field of sports medicine is founded
upon a body of knowledge derived from several areas of study, including
medicine, athletic training, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, motor
learning and control, health, nutrition, fitness, psychology and performance
training. Dakota Wesleyan’s athletic training curriculum is focused
upon providing students with a fundamental academic background in sports
medicine with specific preparation in the field of athletic training.
The American Medical Association defines athletic training
as the allied health care field concerned with the management of health
care problems and issues associated with physically active populations.
Occupationally, and in cooperation with physicians and other allied
health care providers, athletic trainers are viable members of health
care teams within secondary schools, higher education, professional
athletics, sports medicine clinics and other health care settings.
The athletic training curriculum at Dakota Wesleyan University
also requires students to complete various clinical experiences in the
DWU athletic training rooms, local clinics and high schools. All of
these clinical experiences are supervised by a trained Approved Clinical
Instructor (ACI). This may include an off campus rotation for which
it is the student’s responsibility to arrange for transportation
to and from the clinical/field experience site. Upon successful completion
of the athletic training curriculum, the student is eligible to sit
for the BOC certification exam. Once the student successfully passes
this examination, he/she can practice as a nationally Certified Athletic
Trainer and seek employment opportunities at the professional, collegiate,
secondary, clinical or corporate level. Students may pursue a master’s
degree in athletic training or another related field of study from another
institution following graduation.
Admission Procedures
for the Athletic Training Program
To preserve the integrity of instruction and mentorship, clinical space
is limited. Admission to the athletic training program is selective and
competitive. Admission to the athletic training major is initiated by
rotational observations within a specialized mentorship program. Following
successful completion or enrollment of required introductory courses (ATN
110, ATN 250, BIO 211 and HLT 310) and mentorship observational hours,
students may submit an application to the clinical education coordinator,
with student applications subsequently reviewed by the Athletic Training
Review Committee (ATRC). Students who are not approved for admission to
the major after their first year may reapply the following year. Once
admission in the major is approved, students must annually meet the requirements
for academic progression or risk delaying their progress in the major.
More information on the retention and the appeal process in the athletic
training major can be found in the DWU Athletic Training Student Handbook.
For all additional costs to athletic training students, see the appropriate
section of the DWU Athletic Training Students handbook or www.dwu.edu/admissions/tuition.htm.
Admission to the athletic training major is contingent upon the student
satisfactorily completing these prerequisites:
- written application;
- two rotations of directed observation in athletic training through
the student mentor experience, including two observational evaluations
submitted to the clinical education coordinator;
- completion of one year of full-time enrollment at Dakota Wesleyan
University (transfer students will be considered on an individual basis);
- minimum of a 2.3 cumulative GPA;
- minimum of a 2.5 GPA in the athletic training major, to include all
athletic training prerequisite courses and all athletic training required
general education courses, which includes PSY 237 and CHM 150
- successful completion of or enrollment in ATN 110, ATN 250, BIO 211
and HLT 310 with a minimum grade of C in each course. It is highly recommended
that students complete CHM 113 or CHM 150, MTH 125 (or equivalent);
- two letters of recommendation (excluding members of the ATRC); and
- demonstration of appropriate clinical conduct and performance, to
include:
- productive and reliable work habits;
- ability to work in harmony with athletes, coaches, peers and
certified faculty members;
- self-motivation and the commitment to execute tasks and responsibilities
as assigned and directed;
- professional grooming, dress and appearance;
- punctuality;
- patience;
- willingness to assist others in the completion of tasks and responsibilities;
and
- efficient and productive use of time.
The limited-enrollment program is not to exceed 32 students. Approximately
eight to 10 new students are accepted into the program annually.
Transfer students see Tranfer Policy.
Following the completion of the prerequisites, the prospective candidate
participates in an interview process. The ATRC interview, chaired by the
athletic training program director, is considered the final step toward
application into the major. These interviews are scheduled for midway
through the second semester of the student’s first academic year
at DWU. The ATRC is comprised of the DWU classroom and clinical instructors,
a minimum of two students currently enrolled in the athletic training
program, team physicians, the medical director, and approved clinical
instructors. In the event one of the committee members is unable to participate,
the athletic training program director will select an alternate.
The ATRC is responsible for determining admission to and/or dismissal
from the athletic training program. Specifically, the ATRC is responsible
for reviewing student applications, student mentor program evaluations,
clinical instructor mentor program evaluations, transcripts, letters of
recommendation and any other materials pertinent to the evaluation of
candidates.
Following the ATRC interview, the committee will send the students written
notification of their acceptance or denial. Students accepted into the
athletic training major have 14 days to accept or deny their admission.
Students accepting their admission into the athletic training major are
officially admitted effective the first day of the subsequent academic
semester. Students who are not accepted into the athletic training major
will be advised to discontinue enrollment in athletic training coursework
in subsequent semesters, and will not be permitted to work in the university’s
athletic training facilities or affiliated settings, with the exception
of the mentor program.
Students may receive conditional acceptance into the athletic training
major at the discretion of the athletic training program director. If
at the conclusion of the conditional semester the student has not satisfactorily
accomplished all entrance requirements for the athletic training major,
the student will be dismissed from the program. In addition, students
on conditional acceptance may be subject to specific clinical and/or academic
requirements and limitations during the conditional semester.
Students not accepted into the athletic training major may continue to
make application on an annual basis, following the outlined process.
Immunizations are required and are the responsibility of each athletic
training student accepted into the athletic training major. Immunizations,
including Hepatitis B, are required before working in the university’s
athletic training facilities or affiliated settings.
DWU work study students receive the Hepatitis B vaccination at no cost.
Proof of athletic trainings student liability insurance is required before
working in the university’s athletic training facilities or affiliated
settings and is the responsibility of each student accepted into the major.
Technical Standards
The athletic training education program at Dakota Wesleyan University
represents a rigorous and intense curriculum that places specific requirements
and demands on each enrolled student. The objective of the program is
to prepare graduates for entry into a variety of settings that present
opportunities to render care to a wide spectrum of physically active populations.
The technical standards set forth by the athletic training education program
outline the essential qualities deemed necessary for enrolled students
to achieve the knowledge, skills and required competencies of an entry-level
athletic trainer, while also fulfilling the expectations of CAATE. All
students admitted to the athletic training education program are required
to meet the technical standards as outlined. In the event a student is
unable to meet these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation,
the student will not be admitted to the program.
Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee
a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification exam.
Candidates for the athletic training education program must demonstrate:
- the mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize and integrate
concepts and problem solve in order to formulate assessment and make
therapeutic judgments, while being able to distinguish deviations from
the norm;
- sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and
coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted
techniques, as well as for the purpose of accurate, safe and efficient
use of equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of
patients;
- the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with patients
and colleagues by establishing rapport with patients and communicating
treatment and judgment information effectively to individuals from differing
social and cultural backgrounds;
- students must be able to speak English at a level consistent with
competent professional practice;
- the ability to record physical examination results and treatment plans
clearly and accurately;
- the perseverance, diligence and commitment to successfully complete
the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced;
- flexibility and the ability to adjust to uncertainties and changing
situations in clinical situations; and
- affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate
to professional education and quality patient care.
Candidates for the athletic training education program must verify they
understand and meet the technical standards, or that with specific accommodations,
they believe they can meet the required technical standards. Dakota Wesleyan
University will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the athletic
training education program’s technical standards with accommodation
and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under
applicable laws. In addition, if a student states he/she can meet the
technical standards with accommodation, then the university will determine
whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with
reasonable accommodation. Such determination will include a review as
to whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, and taking into
account whether such accommodations would jeopardize clinician/patient
safety or the educational process of the student or the institution, including
all coursework, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential
to fulfill graduation requirements.
General Skills
Students within the athletic training major typically develop these skills
through their prerequisite requirements:
- effective communication skills;
- basic quantitative and technology abilities;
- background in history, social science and natural science; and
- knowledge and skills in technology.
Specific Skills
Specific skills necessary for certification by the National Athletic Trainer’s
Association Education Council are included within the educational domains
listed below. These domains form the foundation of the athletic training
education program:
- risk management and injury prevention;
- pathology of injuries and illnesses;
- orthopedic clinical examination and diagnosis;
- acute care of injuries and illnesses;
- medical conditions and disabilities;
- pharmacology;
- nutritional aspects of injury and illness;
- conditioning and rehabilitative exercise;
- therapeutic modalities;
- health care administration;
- professional development and responsibilities; and
- psychosocial intervention and referral.
Additional Experiences
To enhance their marketability, students should:
- participate in and/or take leadership roles in extracurricular activities;
- take electives relating to their career goals (e.g., biology) or minor
in a supporting area;
- arrange for an internship related to the field;
- design professional experiences for credit through independent study
courses;
- assist in athletic training coverage for summer sport camp experiences;
and
- attend professional conferences, workshops and/or conventions.
Related Fields/Graduate Study
A large number of Certified Athletic Trainers possess a master’s
degree. Many colleges and universities offer graduate assistantships to
allow students to complete an advanced degree while gaining additional
experience in the field of athletic training. Related fields, including
physical therapy and medicine, require specific coursework in addition
to the entry-level athletic training program requirements.
Major
Students must earn at least a C in all athletic training prerequisites
and required General Education courses:
- Critical and Collaborative Thinking: Science Technology and Human
Experience, CHM 150
- Critical and Collaborative Thinking: Cognitive Analysis, PSY 237
A 2.3 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 GPA in the athletic training major (including
all athletic training prerequisite courses) is required for application
to the athletic training education program.
Athletic Training Core
ATN 110 Introduction to Athletic Training |
3 |
| ATN 297 Pharmacology in Athletic Training |
2 |
| ATN 298 Medical Aspects of Athletic Training |
3 |
| ATN 305 Evaluation and Prescription of Health and Fitness Programs |
3 |
| ATN 320 Human Nutrition |
3 |
| ATN 330 Pathology and Evaluation of Injury I |
3 |
| ATN 335 Pathology and Evaluation of Injury II |
3 |
| ATN 390 Therapeutic Modalities |
3 |
| ATN 395 Therapeutic Exercise |
3 |
| ATN 455 Research and Administration in Athletic Training |
2 |
| HLT 310 Professional Rescuer Skills |
2 |
| PED 240 Methods of Free Weights and Conditioning |
3 |
| Total |
33 |
Scientific Core
BIO 211 Human Anatomy |
4 |
| BIO 312 Human Physiology |
4 |
| MTH 200 Statistical Methods I |
3 |
| MTH 350 Statistical Methods II |
3 |
| PED 315 Kinesiology |
3 |
| PED 410 Physiology of Exercise |
3 |
| PSY 443 Abnormal Psychology |
3 |
| Total |
23 |
Clinical Experiences
| ATN 250 Clinical Applications in Athletic Training I |
2 |
| ATN 251 Practicum in Athletic Training I |
1 |
| ATN 252 Practicum in Athletic Training II |
1 |
| ATN 351 Practicum in Athletic Training III |
1 |
| ATN 352 Practicum in Athletic Training IV |
1 |
| ATN 451 Practicum in Athletic Training V |
1 |
| ATN 452 Practicum in Athletic Training VI |
1 |
| Total |
8 |
Course Descriptions
110 Introduction to Athletic Training 3 hours F
This introductory survey course in the discipline of athletic training
includes coursework in the basic components of a comprehensive injury
prevention program, common risk factors, the body’s response to
injury, elements of an emergency care plan, and fundamental aspects of
athletic injury recognition and treatment. Two lectures, one laboratory.
250 Clinical Applications in Athletic Training I 2 hours S
This course is focused on three objectives: the construction and application
of special protective devices; the application of tape as a means of support
and stabilization; and the palpable anatomy relevant to injury evaluation.
251 Practicum in Athletic Training I 1 hour F
This course focuses on the supervised clinical experiences associated
with established procedures regarding the prevention, evaluation, management
and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. In addition, this course deals
specifically with issues related to the protocols of HOPS, HIPS and SOAP.
252 Practicum in Athletic Training II 1 hour S
This course focuses on the supervised clinical experiences associated
with established procedures regarding the prevention, evaluation, management
and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, with specific emphasis on the
management and evaluation of lower extremity injuries.
297 Pharmacology in Athletic Training 2 hours S10
This is an introductory course in athletic training with a focus on the
principles of drug interaction and drug administration. A focus on the
legal and ethical responsibilities associated with using pharmacological
agents in active populations will also be included.
298 Medical Aspects of Athletic Training 3 hours S11
This course is designed to introduce students to the roles and responsibilities
of various medical, paramedical and allied health professionals and the
application of their area of expertise to the field of athletic training.
The main focus will be on general medical issues, including pharmacology
and skin disorders that may be seen by athletic trainers in the athletic
environment. Guest speakers will assist the instructor by presenting and
enhancing topics, in addition to regular class meetings.
299 Selected Topics 1-3 hours TBA
305 Evaluation and Prescription of Health and Fitness Programs
3 hours F09, F11
This course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge in
health and fitness assessment. Areas of study include population characteristics,
common fitness evaluation tools, test design, criteria for test termination
and documentation of results.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
320 Human Nutrition 3 hours F
This course is a comprehensive investigation concerning the basics of
nutrition, common eating disorders, methods of weight control and special
needs of athletes, including an examination of the common techniques of
body composition analysis.
330 Pathology and Evaluation of Injury I 3 hours S
This course is a comprehensive study of the commonly accepted techniques
used to clinically evaluate athletic injuries and illness for the purpose
of determining the type and severity as well as the prescription of appropriate
treatment and/or referral. Students will investigate typical symptoms
and common clinical signs associated with athletic injuries and illnesses,
including common contributing etiological factors. This course focuses
primarily on the upper body.
Prerequisite: BIO 211.
335 Pathology and Evaluation of Injury II 3 hours F
This course is a comprehensive study of the commonly accepted techniques
used to clinically evaluate athletic injuries and illnesses for the purpose
of determining the type and severity as well as the prescription of appropriate
treatment and/or referral. Students will investigate typical symptoms
and common clinical signs associated with athletic injuries and illnesses,
including common contributing etiological factors. This course focuses
primarily on the lower body.
Prerequisite: BIO 211.
351 Practicum in Athletic Training III 1 hour F
This course focuses on the supervised clinical experiences associated
with established procedures for the prevention, evaluation, management
and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, with specific emphasis applied
to upper extremity injuries, pharmacology and skin disorders.
352 Practicum in Athletic Training IV 1 hour S
This course focuses on the supervised clinical experiences associated
with established procedures for the prevention, evaluation, management
and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, with specific emphasis on the
application of therapeutic modalities.
390 Therapeutic Modalities 3 hours F
This course involves a comprehensive study of the physical principles,
physiological effects, indications, contraindications, safety precautions
and standard operating procedures of the therapeutic modalities commonly
used in the treatment of athletic injuries. It also includes current pain
control theories, the body’s personal response to trauma and inactivity,
as well as the role and function of various pharmacological agents used
in the field of sports medicine.
Prerequisites: ATN 330 and ATN 335.
395 Therapeutic Exercise 3 hours S
This course examines the components of a comprehensive rehabilitation
and reconditioning program. Subjects to be covered include determining
therapeutic goals and objectives, selecting therapeutic modalities, and
developing criteria for progression of therapy and return to competition.
Prerequisite: ATN 390.
399 Selected Topics 1-3 hours TBA
450 Internship in Athletic Training `1-12 hours TBA
The purpose of this course is to develop the student’s knowledge,
awareness and appreciation for work site requirements, structure and operating
procedures in an approved setting of the student's choice.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
451 Practicum in Athletic Training V 1 hour F
This course focuses on the supervised clinical experiences associated
with established procedures for the prevention, evaluation, management
and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, and provides a comprehensive
review of the requisite clinical skills of an athletic trainer.
452 Practicum in Athletic Training VI 1 hour S
This course focuses on the supervised clinical experiences associated
with procedures developed for the prevention, evaluation, management and
rehabilitation of athletic injuries. This course specifically addresses
the mastery of the entry-level non-orthopedic skills needed for senior-level
athletic training students. This course will also serve as a study preparation
course for the BOC exam.
455 Research and Administration in Athletic Training 2 hours
F
This course is designed to familiarize students with the various administrative
and management responsibilities of athletic training. The course primarily
focuses on the management dynamics of athletic training facilities, including
personnel, students, facility design, purchasing and budgeting of financial
resources.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
460 Independent Study in Athletic Training 1-3 hours TBA
This course requires individualized research, specialized study or other
scholarly writing in the field of athletic training.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
499 Selected Topics 1-3 hours TBA
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