Athletic Training

ATHLETIC TRAINING (ATR)

Assistant Professors Bates; Instructors Bean, Keenan, Kunkel, and Musgrave.

Successful completion of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is necessary for the completion of the Athletic Training (ATR) major.

45 semester hours of ATR plus 23-24 hours of other required courses.

Major: ATR 171, 180, 213, 251(Junior level discipline specific communication requirement), 252, 270, 271, 290, 345, 350, 371, 372, 381, 382, 389, 425, 470, 471, 477, 485, 487 and 490(Senior capstone experience).
Allied Courses:
BIO 110, 363, 364; HPE 116, 306; MTH 210; and PSY 101.

Students interested in entry into the Athletic Training Educational Program (ATEP) must:

  1. Complete the following coursework with a grade “B-” or better: ATR 171 Prevention of Athletic Injury and Illness, BIO 110 Contemporary Biological Problems (Lab optional), HPE 116 Health and Wellness.
  2. Complete 75 hours of volunteer experience under the supervision of a NATA Certified Athletic Trainer at Heidelberg College. (Observation hours.) These hours do not count towards the 1,000 clock-hours required by the ATEP. Each candidate must earn an average score of 3 on the formal evaluation of their Observation Hours. (Based upon a Likert Scale 1-5.)
  3. Successfully complete the Observation Competencies in conjunction with the 75 hours of volunteer service. The competencies should be submitted with the formal application.
  4. A cumulative GPA of 2.75.
  5. The prospective candidate must have proof of current certification as a professional rescuer or enrollment in ATR 180 Professional Rescuer course.
  6. Demonstrate compliance with all Heidelberg College Athletic Training Education Program guidelines, conduct, and procedures, including agreement with the technical standards. The technical standards can be obtained from the ATEP Director. Proof of current physical examination must accompany the signed technical standards form.
  7. Hepatitis B vaccination and annual TB testing. These are available through the Stoner Health Center. The candidate is financially responsible for the cost.
  8. Complete a formal interview with members of the ATEP selection committee to assess the intellectual, social, and technical skills of the candidate. Candidates must also complete both the oral and written entrance examinations. All components are individually scored and incorporated into a cumulative score. The cumulative score determines the candidate’s ranking score for consideration of admittance into the ATEP.

Admission to the Athletic Training Education Program is competitive and selective. Completion of the application standards does not guarantee admission into the ATEP. Final admission into the program rests with the decision of the ATEP Selection Committee. Enrollment in the ATEP is typically limited to twelve per-academic year. The ATEP does institute an Ability to Benefit Policy. This policy allows a candidate to be considered for entry into the ATEP despite not meeting all requirements because of unusual and/or extenuating circumstances which may have potentially affected their application process.

Athletic Training Courses (ATR)

171. Prevention of Athletic Injury and Illness (3 sem. hrs.). This course is designed to teach the student the basic knowledge and skills utilized in athletic training. This includes the prevention and recognition of athletic injuries and conditions. (Spring and Fall)

180. The Professional Rescuer (2 sem. hrs.). This course is designed to teach individuals to respond in emergency medical situations. It includes training in first aid techniques, CPR, AEDs, oxygen administration preventing disease transmission. Prerequisite: Athletic Training candidates and majors only. (Spring only)

213. Anatomy for Orthopedic Assessment
(2 sem. hrs.). This course is designed to provide an introduction to the anatomy relevant to conducting an orthopedic assessment of a musculoskeletal injury. Prerequisite: one college-level Biology course. (Fall only)

251. Management of Athletic Injury and Illness
(2 sem. hrs.). This course explores various methods used to manage injury and illness to the athletic population. Will incorporate hands-on training in the implementation of emergency care techniques. Prerequisites: ATR 171 and entry into the Athletic Training Program. (Fall only)

252. Management Strategies in Athletic Training Lab (1 sem. hrs.). This laboratory course will teach students psychomotor skills involved with taping, bracing, splinting and other manual skills associated with the management of athletic injuries. Student must be co-enrolled in ATR 251. Prerequisites: ATR 171, ATR 180 and entry into the athletic training program. (Fall only)

270. Clinical Competencies I
(1 sem. hr.). This course is designed to teach the sophomore student athletic trainer the knowledge and application of clinical skills necessary for the development of competency in athletic training. Prerequisites: Admission into the Athletic Training Program. (Fall only)

271. Clinical Competencies II
(1 sem. hr.). This course is designed to teach the sophomore student athletic trainer the knowledge and application of clinical skills necessary for the continual development of competency in athletic training. Prerequisites: Admission into the Athletic Training Program and ATR 270. (Spring only)

290. Pharmacology and Pathology in Athletic Training
(3 sem. hrs.). The student will gain knowledge on pharmacological applications including indications, contraindictions, precautions, interactions, and governing regulations relevant to the treatment of injuries to and illnesses of the physically active. Students will also gain knowledge in the pathology of injury and disease. Prerequisites: ATR 251 and entry into the athletic training program. (Spring only)

345. Lower Extremity Evaluation (3 sem. hrs.). This course is designed to teach the athletic training student the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for completing a musculoskeletal assessment for injuries to the lower extremity. Prerequisites: ATR 213 and ATR 251. (Spring only)

350. Upper Extremity Evaluation
(3 sem. hrs.). This course is designed to teach the athletic training student the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for completing a musculoskeletal assessment for injuries to the upper extremity. Prerequisites: ATR 213 and ATR 251. (Fall only)

371. Clinical Competencies III
(1 sem. hr.). This course is designed to teach the junior student athletic trainer the knowledge and application of clinical skills necessary for the continual development of competency in athletic training. Prerequisites: Admission into the Athletic Training Program and ATR 271. (Fall only)

372. Clinical Competencies IV
(1 sem. hr.). This course is designed to teach the junior student athletic trainer the knowledge and application of clinical skills necessary for the continual development of competency in athletic training. Prerequisites: Admission into the Athletic Training Program and ATR 371. (Spring only)

381. Therapeutic Modalities
(3 sem. hrs.). The physiological basis, set up, use and techniques of modalities (i.e. ice, heat and ultrasound) needed to rehabilitate common athletic injuries will be taught. Prerequisite: ATR 213 and 251. (Fall only)

382. Therapeutic Exercise
(3 sem. hrs.). The physiological basis, use and techniques of exercise needed to rehabilitate common athletic injuries will be taught. Prerequisite: ATR 381 (Spring only)

389. Principles of Strength, Conditioning & Exercise Prescription (2 sem. hrs.). This course is designed to expose the student to basic principles of exercise prescription and strength and conditioning. The student will learn how to design and carry out appropriate exercise prescriptions and e3xercise techniques (i.e. proper spotting, Olympic lifts, etc.), for various components of fitness for healthy individuals based on scientific principles. This course will also prepare the student for basic personal training certifications and provide a background for further growth in this area. Prerequisite: ATR 171, ATR 213 and Junior standing. (Spring only)

425. Medical Aspects of Sports
(2 sem. hrs.). This course is designed to introduce the student athletic trainer and HPE major to various medical conditions and disorders. It will involve lectures and discussions led by allied health professionals in different areas of specialization. Prerequisites: senior status. (Fall only)

426. Special Topics in Athletic Training
(1-3 sem. hrs.). The department offers a variety of mini-courses on special athletic training topics of interest to upper level students and staff. The topics concern areas not traditionally stressed in other department courses. In general, the courses will be offered in response to student demand and within the confines of faculty time. Prerequisites: Junior standing. (Spring and Fall)

470. Clinical Competencies V (1 sem. hr.). This course is designed to teach the senior student athletic trainer the knowledge and application of clinical skills necessary for the continual development of competency in athletic training. Prerequisites: Admission into the Athletic Training Program and ATR 372. (Fall only)

471. Clinical Competencies VI
(1 sem. hr.). This course is designed to teach the senior student athletic trainer the knowledge and application of clinical skills necessary for the continual development of competency in athletic training. Prerequisites: Admission into the Athletic Training Program and ATR 470. (Spring only)

477. Human Anatomy and Kinesiology (3 sem. hrs.). Study of human movement as it pertains to muscular actions, articulations and laws of motion. Emphasis placed on anatomical as well as mechanical considerations in movement. Prerequisite: ATR 213 or BIO 363. (Fall only)

485. Organization and Administration of Athletic Training (2 sem. hrs.). This course will provide the knowledge, skill and values required of the entry-level Certified Athletic Trainer to develop, administer and manage a health care facility and associated venues providing health care of the physically active. Prerequisites: entry into the athletic training program and senior status. (Spring only)

487. Exercise Physiology (3 sem. hrs.). An examination of the scientific basis of human physiology in relationship to exercise and work. Topics to be covered will be energy transfer in the body during exercise, neuromuscular, cardiovascular and pulmonary adaptations to exercise; and body composition. Prerequisites: junior standing and BIO 235 or 363. (Spring only)

490. Senior Seminar (2 sem. hrs.). This course will provide the knowledge, skills, and values required of the entry-level Certified Athletic Trainer to understand professional responsibilities, avenues of professional development, and the national and state regulatory agencies/standards. This course will also teach students skills to promote athletic training as a professional discipline and educate the general public regarding the role of a certified athletic trainer. Through this class, the student athletic trainer will also prepare for the national certification exam and professional job searches. This class will also serve as a forum to discuss current topics in the athletic training field and field discussion on matters in athletic training. Prerequisite: ATR Seniors only. (Spring only)