IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724-738-4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Athletic training graduates outpace national averages 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The most recent athletic training graduates from Slippery Rock University proved the program provides a Rock Solid education. The December graduates scored significantly higher than the national average on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification Exam, according to Bonnie Siple, athletic training program director.

Students must pass the three-section exam to work as athletic trainers. SRU seniors outpaced the national average in all sections by posting the following results:

• 80 percent passed the written section, compared to 35 percent nationally
• 100 percent passed the written simulation, compared to 56 percent nationally
• 90 percent passed the practical, compared by 61 percent nationally
• 70 percent passed overall, compared to 26 percent nationally, in 2005 (2006 overall results are not yet available).

“We nearly broke the program’s first-time pass record,” Siple said.  “The results show we prepare students with both the intellectual skills and practical experiences they need to succeed on this exam. We have always known our athletic training students were outstanding professionals. The students demonstrated their competence with their success on the certification exam.”

March is National Athletic Training Month. To learn more about the profession of athletic training visit at www.nata.org or www.sru.edu/ers.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.