Advantages of Athletic Training Education at TLU
Athletic training students at TLU are exposed to clinical and situational learning from the first day they begin the educational program. Under the close supervision of Texas Lutheran's staff of nationally certified athletic trainers, students learn by actually doing and are allowed to progress as their proficiency grows
No Observation Period
TLU athletic training students begin the educational program in the first semester of their freshman year with no observation/application period. Freshman athletic training students begin their fieldwork experience immediately and become accustomed to TLU's policies and procedures through hands-on experience and weekly freshman meetings. Freshman athletic training students are accepted on a probationary status and must complete specific coursework to continue the educational program into their sophomore year.
Decision Making Situations
As athletic training students progress in competency and clinical proficiency, they are routinely placed in hands-on decision making situations under the close supervision of our athletic training staff. TLU athletic training students interact directly with all athletes in situations such as on-field evaluations, immediate care and referral, rehabilitation design, and return to play decisions. With feedback from the TLU athletic training staff, students build confidence in making immediate and challenging decisions for the care of their athletes.
Real World Experience
Athletic training students interact with the TLU medical staff, coaches and athletes to gain ample experience in real world athletic training situations. Presenting cases to physicians, observing surgical procedures, creating injury reports, and meeting with coaches are just some of the experiences athletic training students engage in during their education.
Small Class Size (Of Course)
Athletic training courses are some of the smallest classes offered at TLU. Curriculum courses taken in the sophomore, junior, and senior year will typically have less than 10 students and often as low as 4 or 5.