Athletic Training:

Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize physical activity of their patients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. Bridgewater State University is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and provides both undergraduate and graduate entry-level programs. Accredited programs include formal instruction in the following areas:

Basic and Applied Sciences

Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Statistics and research design
Rehabilitation
Biomechanics/Kinesiology
Exercise Physiology

Professional Content

  Risk Management and Injury Prevention
Pathology of Injuries and Illnesses
Orthopedic Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
Medical Conditions and Disabilities
Acute Care of Injuries and Illnesses
Therapeutic Modalities
Conditioning, Rehabilitative Exercise, and Pharmacology
Psychosocial Intervention and Referral
Nutritional Aspects of Injuries & Illnesses
Health Care Administration

Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. More than 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree.

The skills of ATs have been sought and valued by sports medicine specialists and other physicians for more than 60 years. More than 50 percent of athletic trainers work outside of school athletic settings; they provide services to people of all ages. Athletic trainers may work in physician offices as physician extenders, or may work in rural and urban hospitals, hospital emergency rooms, urgent and ambulatory care centers, military hospitals, physical therapy clinics, secondary schools, colleges/universities, youth leagues, commercial settings and professional sports teams. As the U.S. continues its focus on reducing the effects of obesity and other chronic diseases, it is important that people have access to health care professionals who can support lifelong, safe physical activity. Athletic trainers are an important part of this health care workforce, especially as the demand for workers is projected to greatly increase over the next decade.

Bear Essentials:

Enjoy the latest education of our newsletter.