
Overview
Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. The athletic trainer’s professional preparation is based on the development of specified educational competencies and clinical proficiencies through a combination of formal classroom and clinical instruction and clinical experience. Athletic trainers’ work settings can include high schools, colleges, universities, professional sports teams, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, physicians’ offices, corporate and industrial settings, military and law enforcement, and the performing arts (NATA, 2008).
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Athletic Training
- Taping, Padding and Wrapping
- Evaluation of Upper/Lower Extremities
- General Medical Aspects of Physical Activity
- Therapeutic Exercise and Modaltities
- Fitness and Rehabilitation for Special Populations
- Organization and Administration of Athletic Training
- Research and Clinical Decision Making
Program Highlights
Clinical experience in a variety of settings including on-campus (with our athletic teams) and in the surrounding community (high schools, colleges, universities).
Schedule of Coursework
Clinical rotations begin during the first academic year.
Outcomes
Preparation for a career as an athletic trainer in a variety of work settings, including high schools, colleges, universities, professional sports teams, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, physicians’ offices, corporate and industrial settings, military and law enforcement, and the performing arts (NATA, 2008)
Admission Requirements
Once in the Sports Medicine and Human Performance Major students must apply to be formally accepted into the program.
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120
Credits
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4 YEARS
Clinical Rotations
Requirements
Accreditation
Our athletic training concentration is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and prepares students for the National Athletic Trainer’s Board of Certification Exam.

Related Clubs & Organizations
Athletic Training Club
Advisor
Sports Medicine Club
To provide the students with information concerning the sports medicine field and its various related professions. To allow the students various service learning and civic engagement opportunities through at least one (1) service project and one (1) professional development event each semester.
Advisor
Still have questions?
Program Director:
Dr. Paul Higgins
phiggins@westfield.ma.edu