Undergraduate Program
Objectives
These goals and objectives of the Accredited Athletic Training Educational Program (the Athletic Training Major) are the guiding policies and procedures of the Program. The goals are in a loosely sequential order; but are not in a rank order. The objectives under each goal are also listed in no order of relevance.
1.0 To recruit students, and screen for appropriate candidates, to enter the Athletic Training Major.
1.1 Disseminate information about the Major to high schools.
1.2 Potential students will be screened according to established University and Departmental criteria.
1.3 Student recruitment and admission practices shall be non-discriminatory with respect to race, color, creed, sex, age, disabling conditions, and national origin.
2.0 Student attainment and mastery of the minimal competencies necessary to function as an entry-level athletic trainer.
2.1 The student will know, understand, and be able to apply the competencies and skills listed in the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Competencies in Athletic Training.
2.1a The student will be able to identify injury/illness risk factors associated with participation in competitive athletics and plan and implement all components of a comprehensive athletic injury/illness prevention program.
2.1b The student will be able to conduct a thorough initial clinical evaluation of injuries and illnesses commonly sustained by the competitive athlete and formulate an impression of the injury/illness for the primary purposes of (1) administering proper first aid and emergency care and (2) making appropriate referrals to physicians for diagnosis and medical treatment.
2.1c The student will be able to provide appropriate first aid and emergency care for acute athletic injuries/illnesses according to accepted standards.
2.1d The student will be able to plan and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation/reconditioning program for injuries/illnesses sustained by the competitive athlete.
2.1e The student will be able to plan, coordinate, and supervise all components of an athletic training program for a high school, college, or professional athletic organization including those pertaining to (a) health care services (physical examinations and screening, first aid and emergency care, follow-up care and rehabilitation, etc.), (b) financial management, (c) athletic training room management, (d) personnel management, and (e) public relations.
2.1f The student will be able to provide health care information and advise and counsel athletes, parents, and coaches on matters pertaining to the physical, psychological, and emotional health and well being of the student-athlete.
2.1g The student will be able to interpret the role of the Certified Athletic Trainer as a health care provider, to promote athletic training as a profession, and to provide instruction in athletic training/sports medicine subject matter areas.
2.2 The student will successfully complete at least five semesters of clinical experience under the supervision of a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer.
2.2a At least one semester must be at a high school; the other experiences will occur at UNH
2.2b At least one semester must be with an “equipment intensive” sport.
2.2c At least one semester of experience must be with a sport of the opposite sex.
2.3 The student will demonstrate competency in the academic and clinical settings via periodic evaluation. (see goal #6)
2.4 The student will successfully complete the Board of Certification, Inc. Certification Examination in a timely fashion upon meeting Certification requirements.
3.0 To keep the Athletic Training Major up-to-date and current.
3.1 Continually improve the curriculum (course work and clinical experiences) using the most up-to-date and relevant technologies and methodologies.
3.2 Continually improve and enhance the off-campus clinical experience sites.
3.2a Work with local school districts to employ Certified Athletic Trainers to increase student clinical experience sites. (see goal #4)
3.3 Develop short- and long-range plans for the Major
3.4 Monitor and adapt the Major to the current status of the University, School, and Athletic Department.
3.4a Adhere, and contribute, to the mission of the University.
3.4b Modify according to the size of the University/Athletic Department.
3.4c Modify according to the financial status of the University.
3.5 Keep the Major within guidelines to maintain Accredited status. (see goal #6)
3.6 Continually analyze and update equipment and facility needs and changes.
3.7 Continually update library holdings and Major instructional aids.
3.8 Continue to provide maximum student exposure and interaction with physicians.
3.8a Utilize and enhance relationship with UNH Student Health Services.
3.8b Utilize and enhance relationships with local community physicians.
3.8c Utilize and enhance relationships with local sports medicine clinics.
3.9 Continually seek out and utilize inter-departmental relationships between other University programs to expand and/or enhance the Major.
3.10 Survey / observe athletic training education programs at peer institutions for current methods or techniques.
3.11 Program Director and clinical instructors attend conferences and seminars to gain new insights / methods.
3.12 Strive to improve financial support to the Major and maintain funding at an adequate level to allow optimal functioning of the Major.
3.13 Monitor the Major by administrative, student, and advisory committee feedback and modify the Major as needed. (see goal #6)
4.0 To function as the premier resource for disseminating relevant information and expertise regarding athletic training.
4.1 Enhance public relations so communities in area are aware of the Major.
4.2 Conduct seminars for community coaches and student athletic trainers.
4.3 Provide speakers (UNH staff and student athletic trainers) bureau to community groups, etc.
4.4 Provide qualified athletic training students to Certified Athletic Trainers
4.4a University Athletic Department
4.4b Local high schools with Certified Athletic Trainers.
4.5 Improve awareness of local media to utilize the Major as an information resource in area of sports medicine/athletic injuries.
5.0 To promote scholarship of individuals associated with the Major.
5.1 The students in the Major should expand their outreach through papers and presentations.
5.2 Major personnel (Program Director/Clinical Instructors) will continue to strive for personal and professional academic growth.
5.2a Continuing education in athletic training techniques and methods.
5.2b Continuing education in curricular/teaching effectiveness.
5.2c Encouragement in working towards advanced degrees.
5.3 Monitor student growth through attainment of competencies, G.P.A., graduation, etc. (see goal #6)
5.4 Keep all clinical instructors (including those off-campus) current and up-to-date on status of the Major.
5.5 Disseminate information developed from the Major through research projects and presentations.
6.0 To continually monitor and evaluate the Major to insure it is meeting and accomplishing it's goals and objectives.
6.1 Collect and process input data.
6.1a Quality of student entering the Major (G.P.A., course performance, previous experience, etc.).
6.2 Collect and process education data.
6.2a Student attainment of competencies.
6.2b Student G.P.A. and course grades.
6.2c Student clinical experience evaluations.
6.2d Document student achievement.
6.2e Course instructor evaluations.
6.2f Clinical instructor evaluations.
6.3 Collect and process output data.
6.3a Student passage of BOC Certification Examination.
6.3b Student graduation G.P.A.
6.3c Student acceptance for advanced education.
6.3d Student post-gradute evaluation of entire Major.
6.3e Employer evaluations.
6.4 Collect and process data from internal and external advisory committees.
6.4a Develop internal University advisory committee to monitor the Major and offer suggestions for improvement, etc.
6.4b Develop external advisory committee to monitor the Major and offer suggestions for improvement, etc.
6.5 Monitor and evaluate off-campus clinical experience sites to insure optimal student learning experience.
6.6 Monitor and evaluate physician and other allied health/medical professionals interaction to insure optimal student learning.
6.7 Complete and submit appropriate Accredited Program reports to accrediting agency office.