Professional Practice

Purpose of degree:

The Professional Practice Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is designed to enable the post-baccalaureate student the opportunity to demonstrate entry-level competency as an athletic trainer while exhibiting scholarship and advanced competency in specific areas of the sports medicine community.

A primary outcome of the Professional Practice Program is to prepare the student to challenge credentialing as an athletic trainer through Board of Certification (BOC®) and appropriate state regulatory bodies. Furthermore, there may be opportunities to acquire other value-added knowledge and skills within the program that would allow for potential candidacy of specialty certifications through the National Athletic Trainers' Association and other health, orthopedic, and fitness-related associations.

National accreditation(s) of the program:

The ESU Athletic Training – Professional Practice Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) through the academic year 2029-2030.

Outcome expectations of students and degree completion:

A primary outcome of the Professional Practice Program is to prepare the student to challenge credentialing as an athletic trainer through the Board of Certification (BOC®) and appropriate state regulatory bodies.

Demonstrate a sound evidence-based approach/understanding to (1) injury prevention and health promotion, (2) psychosocial strategies and (3) healthcare administration principles for best practice.

Demonstrate a sound evidence-based approach/understanding to (1) orthopedic clinical examination and diagnosis, (2) acute care of injuries and illnesses, and (3) therapeutic interventions for best practice.
Demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical behavior in relation to the NATA Code of Ethics, BOC® Standards of Professional Practice and state regulations and statutes.
Demonstrate, through a variety of clinical education experiences, athletic training knowledge, skills and clinical abilities that progress the student towards autonomous practice.
Complete the eligibility requirements for the Board of Certification (BOC®) for Athletic Trainers.
Demonstrate preparedness to become competent, marketable and highly effective health care providers who practice in the athletic training profession.

Special Degree Offerings for the Non-traditional student:

The didactic aspects of this program (i.e. course sequencing and scheduling) have been designed with sensitivity for the post-professional learner. Courses may be delivered on ESU campus or at ESU's Lehigh Valley Center in Bethlehem, PA. The program's coursework will be delivered through the traditional academic semester. The Professional Practice Program contributes to an innovative, convenient and flexible pedagogical format aimed towards degree completion and certification eligibility as a certified athletic trainer.

Program of Study

Admission Requirements:

Admission is competitive and is limited to those meeting minimum admission standards. Admission requirements for the M.S. in Athletic Training (Professional Practice Program) candidates are as follows:

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution
Official transcripts from all institutions provided on the admission application
Minimum undergraduate GPA 2.75 (4.00 scale)
Admission to the ESU Graduate Athletic Training Professional Practice Program
Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
Letter of intent and statement of professional goals with resume or curriculum vitae
Three letters of recommendation
Documentation of directed observation under the supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer(s)
For students who do not consider English as their primary language, official scores must be submitted from the IELTS/TOEFL examination

Successful completion of the following pre-requisite coursework
3.0 GPA required in pre-requisite coursework with no grade lower than "C" acceptable
- Anatomy & Physiology with Lab (2 semester sequence)
- General Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General Psychology
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutrition

Following official acceptance to the MS in Athletic Training – Professional Practice Program, student must complete the additional clearance requirements:

Professional liability insurance
Pennsylvania Act 34 & 151 (Criminal Record and Child Abuse Clearances) and Act 114 (Fingerprinting)
Pennsylvania Act 24 Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form
Drug Screening and immunization verification
Other program clinical forms and documentation as required by the Athletic Training Department to meet accreditation mandates
Possess reliable transportation
Additional costs for clinical experience travel, uniforms, and athletic training equipment, as well as other related costs within academic plan (information available on AT program website).

Typical time to finish:

6 academic semesters (2 years)

Summer #1

ATEP 501	Foundations in Athletic Training Practice	3 credits
ATEP 510	Clinically Oriented Anatomy	3 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	0-6

Fall #1

ATEP 502	Contemporary Issues in Athletic Training	2 credits
ATEP 529	Evaluation and Measurement of Lower Extremity Injuries	3 credits
ATEP 533	Therapeutic Exercise in Sports Medicine	3 credits
ATEP 594	Athletic Training Clinical Laboratory I	1 credit
	Total Credit Hours:	0-10

Spring #1

ATEP 530	Evaluation and Measurement of Upper Extremity Injuries	3 credits
ATEP 531	Organization and Administration in Athletic Training	3 credits
ATEP 532	Therapeutic Modalities in Sports Medicine	3 credits
ATEP 595	Athletic Training Clinical Laboratory II	1 credit
	Total Credit Hours:	0-10

Summer #2

ATEP 540	Functional Rehabilitation and Sport Specific Conditioning	3 credits
ATEP 570	Introduction to Research	3 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	0-6

Fall #2

ATEP 513	Applied Statistics and Analysis in Athletic Training	3 credits
ATEP 550	Seminar in Sports Medicine	3 credits
ATEP 597	Athletic Training Externship	6 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	0-12

Spring #2

ATEP 536	Primary Care for the Athletic Trainer	3 credits
ATEP 545	Rehabilitation for Special Populations	3 credits
ATEP 574	Research Practicum	3 credits
ATEP 596	Athletic Training Clinical Laboratory III	1 credit
	Total Credit Hours:	0-10

Total Credit Hours: 0-34

Standards for Admission & Progression

Candidates in the Professional Practice Athletic Training Program at East Stroudsburg University must possess the necessary intellectual, physical, emotional, social and communication skills to provide safe and effective athletic training services. The Athletic Training Program has established Technical Standards for students interested in pursuing a career in athletic training. In addition to specific academic criteria, these Technical Standards are considered necessary for students are considered necessary for students engaged in all phases of the Athletic Training Program at East Stroudsburg University.

Prior to clinical engagement, any student selected into the Athletic Training Professional Practice Program must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts, and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments, and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.

2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.

3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds (in verbal and written form).

4. The ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgment and treatment information effectively.

5. The ability to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.

6. The ability to record the physical examination results and treatment plan clearly and accurately; the capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of stress.

7. The appropriate affective skills, flexibility and ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations, as well the demeanor, and conduct that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

8. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training program as outlined and sequenced

A student enrolled in the Athletic Training Program at East Stroudsburg University must verify and understanding an ability to meet these Technical Standards, or, that with certain reasonable accommodations can meet these technical standards. In order to request accommodations to meet these technical standards, a student may make the appropriate request of the Office of Disability Services: 570-422-3954.The Office of Accessible Services Individualized for Students will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the technical Standards with accommodations and confirm that the stated condition(s) qualifies as a disability under applicable laws. The Director of Disability Services, in consultation with the Director of the Athletic Training Program, and the student, will determine if the Technical Standards can be met with reasonable accommodations.

Clinical Education Plan

The Graduate PPP places equal emphasis on both the coursework and clinical fieldwork aspects of students’ education. The clinical fieldwork is a critical EDUCATIONAL requirement of the ATEP. Clinical fieldwork is where students learn to apply and refine the knowledge and skills they learn in their coursework. More importantly, clinical fieldwork is where they integrate all phases of Athletic training knowledge, skills, abilities and values to become competent practitioners. It is where students make the transition to clinical practice, develop a practice style and ultimately embrace the culture of the profession.

Clinical education will follow a logical progression that allows for increasing amounts of clinically supervised responsibility leading to autonomous practice upon graduation. The clinical education plan outlines the sequence of formal instruction and will provide students with authentic, real-time opportunities to practice and integrate athletic training (AT) knowledge, skills, and clinical abilities, including decision-making and professional behaviors required of the profession in order to develop proficiency as an Athletic Trainer.

Clinical education will allow the athletic training student (ATS) the opportunities to practice with different patient populations, health care providers, and in various health care settings relative to the ESU-Graduate Professional Practical Program (PPP) mission statement. Students enrolled in this program will be directly supervised by a clinical preceptor who will assist the student in their efforts to integrate theory into practice.

Athletic Training Professional Organization

The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers. Founded in 1950, the NATA has grown to more than 45,000 members worldwide today.

The Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association (EATA) formed in January 1949 when a few athletic trainers in the northeast decided to gather and share information. Today, the EATA encompasses all members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association who reside in either District I or District II. The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society (PATS) is a progressive organization of health care professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician.

Certified athletic trainers working in the Commonwealth protect and enhance the health and welfare of our clients through prevention, recognition, management, and rehabilitation of injuries.

For more information, contact: Dr. Keith A. Vanic at 570-422-3314 or kvanic@esu.edu.