Athletic Training Clinical Education

Our athletic training program is designed to prepare entry-level athletic trainers for future employment in colleges and universities, secondary schools, clinics, hospitals, professional sports, as well as emerging settings like the performing arts, public safety, military, and occupational health. We provide an effective blend of classroom, laboratory instruction and clinical experiences, which are designed to prepare you in the prevention, management, rehabilitation and referral of injuries and illnesses sustained by patients or clients. As a part of our program, you will take part in clinical experiences in a collegiate athletic training setting, outreach rehabilitation setting, supplemental setting, and two immersive settings. The first immersive experience will take place during the first summer semester of our program. The second immersive experience will occur in your last semester of the athletic training program. During the collegiate athletic training, outreach rehabilitation, supplemental, and first immersive experiences, you may be required to drive up to 50 miles to your clinical experience. For the second immersive experience, you may have an opportunity to travel distances greater than 50 miles which may include out of state. You are required to cover these travel-related expenses.

Clinical experience progression

You will spend two years in various clinical experiences. You are required to complete two immersive clinical experiences, six clinical experiences, and supplemental experiences. The goal of clinical experiences is to provide you with a range of clinical opportunities within athletic training. You should develop progressive independence each semester.

Summer 1

• You will complete your first immersive clinical experience with preseason collegiate athletics at CMU, Northwood University, or Alma College. The immersive clinical experience will provide a four-week, full-time athletic training experience under the supervision of a preceptor. You will have opportunities to observe and practice athletic training skills and abilities related to injury prevention and professional behaviors.

Fall 1

• You will complete their first athletic training clinical experience in collegiate athletics at CMU, Northwood University, or Alma College under the supervision of a preceptor. You will develop and progress clinical reasoning skills in musculoskeletal examination, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions.

Spring 1

• You will complete two eight-week athletic training clinical experiences, one in CMU collegiate athletics and the other in our Injury Care Center (ICC). You will have opportunities to put theory to practice and synthesize their athletic training knowledge and skills. You will be able to examine patients, interpret findings, and formulate a comprehensive plan of care.

Summer 2

• The second summer is devoted to a supplemental clinical experience with allied health care professionals in urgent care clinics and emergency rooms. You will also participate in a clinical experience associated with high school preseason athletics under the supervision of a preceptor. Both experiences will allow you to advance your critical reasoning, communication, and leadership skills along with athletic training clinical skills.

Fall 2

• You will complete two eight-week athletic training clinical experiences, one in the ICC and the other at a high school. Additionally, you will complete a supplemental clinical experience in a rehabilitation facility. You will integrate your athletic training knowledge, skills, and clinical decision-making into patient care under the supervision and guidance of a preceptor.

Spring 2

• You will complete a 15-week immersive experience at an athletic training program-approved agency. Sites include colleges, universities, secondary schools, clinics, hospitals, professional sports, or occupational health. You will be given opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in athletic training skills and abilities related to domains of athletic training.