Clinical Field Experience

The clinical field experience in athletic training is designed to give the athletic training student a wide variety of experiences in different settings. The clinical program is often designed in three levels of clinical advancement. Each level of advancement should include specific academic courses, the completion of a competency check sheet and involvement with athletes competing on a variety of athletic teams.

Level 1

Level I students are involved in basic science and introductory athletic training courses. At the completion of these courses, students will continue to observe upper level students and staff. They are expected to accumulate 100 observational hours in Level I. They often "shadow" an upper level student working with a varsity team. This experience stimulates interest in athletic training and introduces the student to the duties and responsibilities of the profession. Observational hours in Level I are not counted toward the required 800 hours of clinical experience required of the program. They also must complete the Level I section of the Competency Check Sheet. Transfer students should consult with the Director of Athletic Training regarding their academic and clinical expectations.

Level 2

Students begin Level II upon acceptance into the Athletic Training Education Program. The student's first assignment is to a low risk sport as the head student athletic trainer or as an assistant student athletic trainer with a high risk sport. The second assignment in Level II will involve a high risk sport as the head student athletic trainer. On occasion, if program faculty feel the student is ready, the second clinical field experience could be at an affiliate site during the junior year.

Level 3

All level III students should have a clinical experience with a collision sport. This experience is often at one of three affiliated sites supervised by Certified Athletic Trainers who work closely with the Director of Athletic Training Education. The Competency Check sheet in this level includes a "mock exam" that will be required of all graduating seniors. At all levels of clinical advancement the athletic training student will work in various Athletic Training Room assignments. The Head Athletic Trainer and Clinical Instructor in Athletic Training work with many athletes who are involved in off season or post surgical rehabilitation programs. Student athletic trainers are involved in these programs. Students work with a Physical Therapist who is present in the Athletic Training Room two days each week.