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Jan. 13, 2003
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854;
e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu
A ROCK STRONGHOLD,
DEPARTMENT OF EXERCISE AND REHABILITATIVE SCIENCES, LANDS NEW MAJOR
--
BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPROVES ATHLETIC TRAINING MAJOR AT
SRU
SLIPPERY
ROCK, Pa. – Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher
Education board of governors has approved an athletic training
major for Slippery Rock University, a move that will enhance the
credentials of Rock graduates seeking employment as high school,
clinic, college or professional athletic
trainers.
The
120-credit bachelor of science degree in athletic training upgrades
an area of specialization in athletic training that has been
offered at the university for more than 25 years. The major
prepares undergraduates with the knowledge, skills and abilities to
provide care to athletes and the physically active in six specialty
areas:
•
Prevention
of athletic injuries
•
Evaluation
and assessment of injuries
•
Immediate
care of injuries
•
Treatment,
rehabilitation and reconditioning after athletic
injuries
•
Health
care administration
•
Professional
development and responsibility
Enhancing a strong reputation
Graduates
of SRU’s Athletic Training Program have achieved a 100
percent placement rate in one of their top three choices for
employment, graduate school or physical therapy schools, says Dr.
Susan Hannam, chair of the department of exercise and
rehabilitative sciences. Nearly three-fourths of recent graduates
have enrolled in either graduate or professional
schools.
“Having an athletic
training major makes a stronger statement about quality,”
Hannam says. “We’ve always had a very solid reputation
in this area, across the country.”
The
U.S. Department of Labor and Industry projects the demand for
certified athletic trainers will increase 28 percent over the next
five years. Currently, 45 students are enrolled in The Rock’s
program.
"Athletic
training being a specialization instead of a major has not
detracted from the educational experiences of our alumni or limited
them in any capacity with regard to their professional
accomplishments,” says Bonnie Siple, coordinator of the new
major. “Being granted status as a major almost serves
as a reward for the reputation of educational and clinical
excellence established by those alumni and adds tremendous
credibility to the curricular standards we
practice."
Practical
experience
As part of their education, students attend conferences and
participate in various trips to professional medical affiliations,
surgical observations and physicians' clinics. They also
participate in a practicum four times over four consecutive
semesters, giving them clinical experience under the direct
supervision of a certified athletic trainer.
For more information on SRU's Athletic Training Program: Click Here
##PN, PR, PgN, PT
Hospital News, Academic Scene
PG Health Reporter Pohla Smith, Editor Virginia
Linn
Journal of Athletic Training
Athletic Therapy Today
Training and Conditioning
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