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 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 concentration after their first year may reapply
the following year. Once admission in the concentration is approved,
students must annually meet the requirements for academic progression
or risk delaying their progress in the concentration. 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 please 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 four
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, which includes BIO 102 and PSY 237; and all athletic training
required general education courses, which includes BIO 102 and
PSY 237;
- 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 above 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 student athletic trainer 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:
- Life Science: BIO 102
- Physical Science: CHM 113 or CHM 150
- Social, Psychological and Political Thought–Individual:
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
Program |
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 |
36 |
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 S08
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 S07
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 S07
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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