Department of Athletic Training
Athletic Training is a recognized health care profession specializing in the prevention, evaluation, care, and rehabilitation of injuries resulting from physical activity. As the importance of wellness and physical activity grows, the need for skilled healthcare professionals such as athletic trainers is increasing rapidly.
The department of kinesiology at TLU offers a curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training. The TLU athletic training education program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Graduates of the athletic training education program are eligible for Texas state licensure and national certification through the NATABOC. Students may pursue a secondary school teacher certification or use the degree as a basis for further education in the healthcare field.
Career Opportunities The mission of the TLU Athletic Training Education Program is to provide students foundational education and clinical experiences withing the 12 competency areas set forth by the National Athletic Trainers Association Education Council giving graduated the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in athletic training. Emphasis is placed on maximizing individual learning styles to engage students in hands on learning situations to encourage development of knowledgeable and resourceful healthcare professionals. The program strives to prepare students to become BOC certified (ATC), state licensed (LAT) athletic trainers who will work, educate, and lead within the healthcare profession.
Athletic training is a rapidly expanding scientific field; its growth has been phenomenal in the last 10 years. This blossoming trend is expected to continue as more and more high schools and colleges/ universities are hiring athletic trainers for practical, moral and legal reasons. Other opportunities are expanding in private sports medicine clinics, industrial or corportate wellness, military and law enforcement, performing arts, and professional athletic organizations. In order to become a practicing athletic trainer, students must pass a licensing exam in Texas or other states with licensing laws. Successful completion of a national certification exam is necessary for employment in many states that do not require licensure. Upon completion of TLU's athletic training education program, students are eligible to sit for both state licensing and national certification examinations. The athletic training education program is a competitive entry program with separate application procedures. More information can be obtained through the program director.
Special Opportunities The athletic training staff consists of 3 state licensed and nationally certified athletic trainers and two team physicians. Clinical experiences are under the direct supervision of the staff requiring individual and group study. TLU has 14 NCAA Division III athletic teams with which students will gain experience. Experiences include travel with individual teams, evaluation of injuries, creating rehabilitation programs, meeting with coaches and other athletics staff, and observing physician office visits and surgical procedures. Athletic training students gain further clinical experience by working in physician offices, physical therapy clinics and local area high schools.
