Student Handbook: Section I, Introduction

“Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.”

For more information about the profession of athletic training: www.nata.org

The Athletic Training Program (ATP) at Boise State University is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The ATP is part of the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Health Science.

The athletic training student (ATS) is a person who is engaged in a professional program of study that may lead to national certification as an athletic trainer by the Board of Certification (BOC), Inc. (http://www.bocatc.org). The Athletic Training Program (ATP) is an intense, demanding, and rewarding program of study. The ATP prepares students for successful completion of the BOC examination and for future careers in athletic training. The MAT requires that students complete prerequisite courses through a Master’s degree and submit an application for review. Once accepted in the ATP, students begin academic coursework and clinical education portions to complete the degree. Students’ progress in a specific course sequence. In addition, students are engaged in various clinical education experiences that provide each student with practical learning designed to strengthen both professional preparation and career placement.

Upon completion of the degree including clinical requirements and granted endorsement by the program director, students will be eligible for the BOC Inc. examination for Athletic Training. (Students must also comply with state practice acts prior to practicing the profession of athletic training.)

Being an athletic training student at Boise State University is a significant opportunity and comes with great responsibilities. While you are responsible for assisting in the health care of the athletes and patients with your clinical assignment, you also represent the entire ATP and Boise State University in all that you do. Any misconduct that compromises the image or integrity of the ATP, Boise State University, or puts the health of your patients at risk constitutes grounds for dismissal from the ATP. The policies and procedures of the ATP are clearly outlined in the following pages. Violations of these policies and procedures will be treated as described in the handbook, or as described in other sections that address particular academic or clinical education issues.

It is the intention of the entire athletic training faculty and staff that your experiences with this program be educational and enjoyable. We will attempt to provide you with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be an outstanding Athletic Trainer. We ask for and expect your cooperation, dedication, loyalty, and enthusiasm in return.

Acknowledgement is given to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) for the resource materials contained within this handbook. The ATP realizes the importance of fostering a positive clinical learning environment and encourages students and instructors to use their collective talents to promote clinical excellence in learning, thereby optimizing the clinical education experience.

The mission of the Athletic Training Program at Boise State University (ATP) is to prepare students through a comprehensive academic and clinical program to exceed the entry-level education standards established by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) for an Accredited Educational Program for the Athletic Trainer. Graduates from this program shall embody the shared values of the University in life-long learning and clinical practice, which are essential for continued development as a health care professional. Graduates of this program are expected to be candidates able to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) national certification examination.

The Boise State University Athletic Training Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, marital status, or disability in the administration of admission and educational policies.

Students with disabilities needing accommodations to fully participate in this class should contact the Educational Access Center (EAC). All accommodations must be approved through the EAC prior to being implemented. To learn more about the accommodation process, visit the EAC’s website.