Athletic Training Overview

North Park University is committed to furthering the development of the Athletic Training Education Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). We currently have four certified athletic trainers who assist in the educational program, as well as with the NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic teams. In 2006, our new a $12 million indoor athletic complex which includes a state-of-the-art athletic training facility opened for use.

As of January 1, 2004, the athletic training internship route at colleges and universities was discontinued. Therefore, a student must graduate from a school offering a CAATE accredited athletic training program in order to be eligible for the Athletic Training Board of Certification (BOC) examination.

Mission

The mission of North Park University seeks to “build lives of significance and service” as understood in the Christian tradition.  A career in athletic training affords opportunities to honor and implement this vision.

The Athletic Training Educational Program prepares students to successfully challenge the Board of Certification Examination.  The four-year curriculum blends dynamic didactic and clinical experiences with an emphasis on learning over time.  Graduates will have mastered a large body of knowledge and skills, including:

1. Risk Management and Injury Prevention
2. Pathology of Injuries and Illnesses
3. Orthopedic Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
4. Acute Care of Injury and Illnesses
5. Pharmacology
6. Therapeutic Modalities
7. Conditioning and Rehabilitative Exercise
8. Medical Conditions and Disabilities
9. Nutritional Aspects of Injury and Illness
10. Psychosocial Intervention and Referral
11. Health Care Administration
12. Professional Development and Responsibilities

These 12 content areas are structured into a learning environment conducive for the student to master the cognitive and psychomotor competencies with their associated clinical proficiencies.  Upon leaving North Park University, graduates will continue to seek greater understanding of athletic training as a discipline and will be given the tools to become lifelong learners and scholars capable of contributing to the evolution of the field and to societal health.

Objectives

1. The graduate will have the ability to perform on-field/clinical assessments and evaluate the results to determine clinical impressions consistent with an entry-level athletic trainer.
2. The graduate will have the ability to develop, monitor, and modify rehabilitation programs consistent with an entry-level athletic trainer.
3. The graduate will have the ability to develop and operate an athletic training program complete with budgeting, policies & procedures, and human resource management consistent with an entry-level athletic trainer.
4. The graduate will have the ability to communicate effectively to coaches, parents, patients, student-athletes, and other medical personnel in ways consistent with an entry-level athletic trainer.
5. The graduate will promote professional conduct of the athletic training profession in compliance with the code of ethics set forth by the NATA and the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulations.
6. The graduate will appreciate the importance of continued learning and have the ability to identify resources that will facilitate additional scholarship.
7. The graduate will convey a strong values system reflected in ethical practice, Christian principles and leadership.
8. The graduate will have the ability to articulate and synthesize the urban, international, and Christian perspectives of the North Park University experience.

Goals

The Athletic Training Educational Program (ATEP) at North Park University challenges its students and staff by setting a high standard of excellence.  Our continual goal in setting these standards is to resist complacency.  The program is continually assessed to ensure that every aspect of the curriculum contributes to the affirmation of the goals listed below.  This assessment is considered an integral part in North Park’s continuing desire to produce exceptional athletic training graduates.

1. Achieve a 90% passing rate on the BOC examination for every ATEP class that graduates from North Park University and challenges the exam.
2. Achieve a 90% placement rate in the allied health field for every ATEP graduate desiring an entry-level position in allied health.
3. Adequately prepare every ATEP graduate for post-graduate education.
4. Provide each student with the necessary guidance about state practice acts so that he/she may practice as an athletic trainer in any state of their choosing.