Athletic Training Education Program

In accordance with the 6th Role Delineation Study/Practical Analysis, students in athletic training at Illinois State develop knowledge and skills in the prevention, recognition, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. As professionals working closely with physicians, athletic trainers also act as a liaison between the patient and the physician (see Standards of Professional Practice).

Preparing Medical Professionals

Recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health care professionals, athletic trainers work in various settings including high schools, colleges and universities, professional sport venues, sports medicine clinics, corporations and industrial settings, health clubs, and nontraditional settings.

In addition, Illinois State's program meets the academic requirements necessary to become licensed as an athletic trainer in the State of Illinois once board certification is achieved. To earn a degree in athletic training, students are required to complete all major courses and 1,200 hours of supervised clinical experience divided over five semesters plus a comprehensive summer internship.

Nationally Recognized

The Illinois State University Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program meets or exceeds all standards for accreditation and upon successful completion of the program, the student is eligible for the Board of Certification, Inc. examination.

The Athletic Training major is designed in accordance with the Board of Certification, the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, and CAATE.

Program Mission

The mission of the Illinois State University Undergraduate Athletic Training Education Program is to develop graduates who possess entry-level knowledge and skills in the prevention, recognition, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries while emphasizing integrated learning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and professionalism.  By effectively delivering a nationally accredited curriculum, graduates will be prepared to successfully pass the Board of Certification exam and become productive certified athletic trainers who foster excellence, either by entering the work force as an athletic trainer or continuing educational pursuits in seeking an advanced degree.

Program Goals

Upon completion of this degree, the athletic training student will:

1. Understand evidence-based practice concepts and their application.
2. Possess the ability to develop and implement strategies and programs to prevent the incidence and/or severity of injuries and illnesses, optimizing patient overall health and quality of life.
3. Possess strong clinical examination and reasoning skills, based on an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics that will enable them to accurately formulate a differential diagnosis.
4. Be knowledgeable and skilled in the evaluation and immediate management of acute illnesses and injuries.
5. Be knowledgeable and skilled in the development and implementation of therapeutic interventions designed to maximize a patient’s participation and health-related quality of life.  
6. Recognize abnormal social, emotional and mental behaviors in their patients and possess the ability to intervene and refer these individuals as necessary.
7. Understand risk management, health care delivery mechanisms, insurance, reimbursement, documentation, patient privacy, and facility management.
8. Embrace the need to practice within the limits of state and national regulation using moral and ethical judgment, while working collaboratively with other health care providers, referring patients appropriately when such referral is warranted.