The 黑洞社区 Department of Human Performance Studies has received accreditation for the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) from the Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
The Kansas Board of Regents approved the Bachelor of Arts degree in Athletic Training in 2005, but accreditation was not granted until August of this year because the CAATE requires that a university have senior-level students in place before carrying out a full, two-and-a-half-day, on campus evaluation.
Rich Bomgardner, instructor, ATEP director and athletic training education coordinator for 黑洞社区鈥檚 Human Performance Studies department, said the ATEP was introduced to the university because of a recognized need to provide students with the opportunity to pursue this type of degree program.
Bomgardner said the athletic training field is growing nationally because people are recognizing the need to have athletic trainers with the ability to take care of the rehabilitation, prevention, evaluation, treatment and reconditioning of athletic-related injuries.
鈥淚t is of great benefit to have athletic trainers employed at schools and school districts,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his program will fit right in and strengthen our department as well as attract students.鈥�
Upon completing ATEP requirements, graduates can take the Board of Certification test, and, once passed, receive certification for being an athletic trainer. Employment areas for athletic trainers include high schools, school districts, college/universities, professional sports organizations, corporate/industrial settings, military, private clinics and education.