Mission

The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at Bridgewater State College has as its foundation, a strong educational program rooted in theoretical knowledge and the clinical application of current procedures and techniques in sport injury management. As athletic training students (ATSs) gain this knowledge and expertise through required course work and clinical experience, they will be prepared to make successful contributions to the athletic training profession.

The Program combines classroom education and clinical experiences in a process that culminates in the ATS graduating with eligibility to sit for the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Board of Certification (BOC) Examination. Students who graduate from this Program and subsequently pass the BOC examination, will be qualified to be employed as an athletic trainer in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional athletic teams, sports medicine clinics, or in industrial medical clinics. In addition, students who complete the prerequisite class requirements may pursue post-graduate education in athletic training, exercise physiology, physical therapy, or other related fields. Once certified, you will be eligible for licensure in Massachusetts, which is required to practice athletic training in the Commonwealth.

Goals of the Program

The goals of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at Bridgewater State College are to provide a quality education program which meets or exceeds the standards and guidelines delineated by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAATE). This philosophy balances the content knowledge base with prescribed psychomotor and cognitive skills. In addition, we want to develop competent athletic trainers who can effectively provide quality health care to physically active individuals, and in doing so, improve the quality of life for these individuals.

Inherent in these goals is an understanding of how individuals develop and learn; a congruency between theory and practice, the value of diversity in society, as well as professionalism and ethical behavior in the workplace and society.

To attain these goals, the following objectives have been defined for the CAATE ATEP.

1. Recognize and demonstrate the role of a responsible entry-level athletic trainer in today's society.

2. Demonstrate competence in all entry-level competencies through the extensive didactic and clinical educational experience.

3. Communicate appropriately with regard to age, activity level, gender, race, ethnic, linguistic, socioeconomic and special needs background.

4. Stimulate interest in the physically active individual to become an active and productive part of their injury management plan.

5. Foster creative and analytical thinking in meeting the health care needs of the physically active individual.

6. Communicate appropriately with the medical team to facilitate needed advanced care for the injured or ill physically active individual.

7. Value, practice and encourage lifelong learning (See one, Do one, Teach one).

8. Understand the legal, professional and moral responsibilities of being an athletic trainer and staying current in the profession.

 

Last Modified: November 17, 2006