Athletic Training

Thank you for your interest in the SUNY Cortland Athletic Training Program. The growing demand in the United States for the employment of health care personnel in competitive sports has led to SUNY Cortland's commitment to the program in athletic training. Since 1975, Cortland has offered a special program for qualified students which leads to certification for athletic trainers through the Board of Certification (BOC). With a national reputation for quality and a long list of successful graduates, athletic training at SUNY Cortland continues to grow in popularity.

The bachelor of science degree program in athletic training at SUNY Cortland is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program also meets all the requirements of the New York State Education Department for registration as a license-qualifying program for professional purposes. Program graduates are eligible for licensure in New York as a certified athletic trainer.

The BOC certified athletic trainer is a highly qualified health care professional educated and skilled in the art and science of athletic health care. Specifically, the athletic trainer specializes in six domains that include the prevention, clinical evaluation and diagnosis immediate care, treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning, organization and administration, and professional responsibility (BOC Role Delimneation, 4th edition).

Career Opportunities

The BOC certified athletic trainer serves as an integral member of the health care team and functions as the primary on-site practitioner. Certified athletic trainers typically work in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports clubs and in a variety of settings that manage the health care needs of physically active people. The certified athletic trainer works closely with physicians and other allied medical personnel to provide athletes and others the best possible health care.

To Become a BOC Certified Trainer

To become certified as an athletic trainer, students must meet all the requirements established by the Board of Certification. Once a student is eligible for the BOC Examination, they must successfully complete all sections of the examination.

After passing this examination, a student must verify the completion of a baccalaureate degree before the ATC designation is awarded. The certified athletic trainer retains the status of certification by meeting the BOC requirements for continuing education.

Mission Statement

The Athletic Training Program at SUNY Cortland has a primary purpose to provide students with the intellectual and clinical foundation that will enable them to play an important role in the health care of physically active people. The program is committed to giving students the opportunities needed to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes, needed to become a highly qualified allied health professional. The program strives to ensure that students develop the following qualities culminating a positive role in a dynamic health care field.

1. Gain a breadth of knowledge and skill intrinsic to the areas of natural, behavioral, and exercise science.
   
   
2. To foster critical thinking and appreciate the need to communicate information and ideas.
   
   
3. Strive to gain depth and breadth of experience.
   
   
4. Strive to gain an appreciation for the profession of athletic training and the role of the athletic trainer.
   

Program Objectives

1. To provide the student the opportunity to identify injury/illness risk factors associated with participation in competitive athletics and to plan and implement all components of a comprehensive athletic injury illness prevention program.
   
   
2. To provide the student the opportunity to conduct a thorough initial clinical evaluation of injuries and illnesses commonly sustained by the competitive athlete and formulate an impression of the injury/illness for the primary purpose of administering first aid and emergency care and making appropriate referrals to physicians for diagnosis and medical treatment.
   
3. To provide the student the opportunity to plan and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation/reconditioning program for injury/illness sustained by competitive athletes.
   
   
4. To provide the student the opportunity to plan, coordinate, and supervise all administrative components of an athletic training program for the high school, college, or professional athletic organization including those pertaining to health care services, financial management, personnel management, athletic training room management and public relations.
   
5. To provide the student the opportunity to provide health care information, advisement, and counseling to athletes, parents and coaches on matters pertaining to physical, psychological, and emotional health and well-being of the athlete.
   
   
6. To provide the student the opportunity to interpret the role of the athletic trainer as a health care provider, to promote athletic training as a professional discipline, and provide instruction in athletic training/sports medicine subject matter areas.
   
   
7. To provide the student the opportunity to sufficiently meet the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor behavioral objectives of the above.
   
   
8. To provide the student with a clinical experience designed to provide sufficient opportunity to develop the specific competencies pertaining to the health care of the athletes.
   
   
9. To assist students in the preparation of the BOC Certification Examination.
   
   
10. To prepare students for the challenge of graduate school.
    
11. To prepare students to meet the expectations of an entry level athletic training position.
    

The Athletic Training Program

The program requires 124 credit hours, 54 which are specific to athletic training. The curriculum is an interdisciplinary program of study combining exercise, behavioral, natural, and health science.

In addition to the required course work, students will complete a comprehensive two-year clinical education experience. This aspect of the program is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to develop the specific skills and knowledge that an entry-level athletic trainer should possess.

Students admitted to SUNY Cortland will be advised into course work appropriate to the degree. However, to remain in the program and qualify for the clinical experience, students must complete an internal application and be reviewed by the selection committee. Final selection takes place at the end of the fall semester each year.

The number of students admitted into the program is governed by CAATE Standards. The ratio of students/instructor is maintained at approximately 8:1. Additional information regarding the selection process can be obtained by contacting the athletic training program director.

Criteria for Acceptance into the Athletic Training Program

1. Candidates must have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
2. Candidates must have a minimum grade of C- in all professional course work.
3. Candidates must earn a minimum grade of B- in ATR 221 and corresponding laboratory.
4. Candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in the courses used to calculate the major grade point average as defined on the Curriculum Advising and Program Planning (CAPP) report.
5. Candidates must show proof of current certification in the following emergency skills at the time of application: First Aid, Adult, Child and Infant CPR (including two-person CPR, pocket mask and bag valve mask skills), and AED Essentials. It is recommended that students complete the certifications through either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association as required by the BOC. Candidates may receive the correct certifications by completing the HLH 120: Responding to Emergencies course offered by SUNY Cortland Health Department.
6. Candidates must complete 75 hours of directed clinical observation.

Selection Procedures

1. Candidates for the program must complete the internal application form, attaching a transcript (transfer students only) of courses completed, and a statement of related experiences and future goals.
2. Three recommendations from faculty members at Cortland or prior college and/or high school faculty/staff should be attached.
3. Students will verify that they understand the health requirements and the technical standards necessary for selection into the program.
4. A selection committee will evaluate the applications, evaluate the clinical abilities of the students, screen and interview students to determine acceptance into the program. Applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision, which will be final for that year. Students may reapply the following year.
5. Applications will be reviewed at the end of the fall semester.
6. Prospective students must be aware, that upon acceptance into the athletic training program, there will be additional costs to the student associated with items such as professional membership, uniforms, liability insurance, travel, etc.

Guidelines for Technical Standards for Entry-Level
Athletic Training Education
(Taken from the NATA Education Council Guidelines)

History and Rationale

The landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, P.L. 101-336 (“ADA” or “the Act”), enacted on July 26, 1990, provides comprehensive civil rights protections to qualified individuals with disabilities. The ADA was modeled after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which marked the beginning of equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. As amended, Section 504 “prohibits all programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance from discrimination against individuals with disabilities who are ‘otherwise qualified’ to participate in those programs.” With respect to post-secondary educational services, an “otherwise qualified” individual is a person with a disability “who meets the academic and technical standards requisite to admission or participation in the recipient's education program or activity.”

Given the intent of Section 504 and the ADA, the development of standards of practice for a profession, and the establishment of essential requirements to the student's program of study, or directly related to licensing requirements, is allowable under these laws. In applying Section 504 regulations, which require individuals to meet the “academic and technical standards for admission,” the Supreme Court has stated that physical qualifications could lawfully be considered “technical standard(s) for admission.”

Institutions may not, however, exclude an “otherwise qualified” applicant or student merely because of a disability, if the institution can reasonably modify its program or facilities to accommodate the applicant or student with a disability. However, an institution need not provide accommodations or modify its program of study or facilities such that (a) would “fundamentally alter” and/or (b) place an “undue burden on” the educational program or academic requirements and technical standards which are essential to the program of study.

The following Guidelines embody the physical, cognitive, and attitudinal abilities an Entry-Level Athletic Trainer must be able to demonstrate in order to function in a broad variety of clinical situations; and to render a wide spectrum of care to athletes and individuals engaged in physical activity. The Guidelines serve to recognize abilities essential to the development of these Entry-Level abilities. Further, the Guidelines reflect the necessary and required skills and abilities identified for the Entry-Level Athletic Trainer as detailed in the NATA Athletic Training Educational Competencies and the BOC, Inc., Role Delineation Study.

SUNY CORTLAND
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION
Approved January 2001
SUNY Cortland Student Disability Services

The Athletic Training Educational Program at SUNY Cortland is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Educational Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program's accrediting agency. The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Educational Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.

Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Educational Program must demonstrate:

1. the cognitive 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; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
4. the ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
5. the capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
6. the perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
8. Effective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the athletic training educational program will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with specific and reasonable accommodations, they can meet the standards. The SUNY Cortland Office for Student Disabilities will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the program’s technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws.

If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the College will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review a whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether an accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all course work, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation.

Medical and Health Requirements

The SUNY Cortland Athletic Training Program requires all students selected into the program to have on file at the Student Health Service office, a completed Health report and Physicians Certificate. This certificate must also include all state-mandated immunizations. In order to register for class and be permitted to practice in the clinical experience, the student must show proof of immunization against measles, mumps and rubella.

Students must also meet the requirements of the New York State Department of Health for students observing in hospitals and medical facilities. These additional requirements include:

1. Up-to-date annual physical health examination
2. Laboratory Evidence that Rubella/Rubeolla immunization is active
3. PPD prior to participation
4. Proof of Hepatitis B and Laboratory Evidence that the series is active

Course of Study for the B.S. in Athletic Training

General Education and Liberal Arts

CPN 100: Academic Writing I
CPN 101: Academic Writing II
PSY 101: General Psychology
BIO 301: Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 302: Anatomy and Physiology II
COM 210: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Additional General Education Courses

*Dual majors in Biology may substitute BIO 324 for BIO 301 and
BIO 414 for BIO 302. Liberal Arts Electives Quantitative Skills
Requirement

Professional Education

HLH 110: Personal and Community Health
HLH 323: Foods and Nutrition or EXS 357 Nutrition and Sports Perfrormance
EXS 346: Sport and Exercise Psychology
EXS 387: Biomechanics
EXS 397: Exercise Physiology
EXS 489: Exercise Science Research Methods

*Dual majors in Health may substitute HLH 203 for HLH 110 and
HLH 232 for HLH 323.

Athletic Training Requirements

ATR 101: Foundations of Athletic Training
ATR 102: Basic Techniques in Athletic Training
ATR 221: Introduction to Athletic Training
ATR 222: Recognition and Evaluation of Injury
ATR 317: Practicum in Athletic Training
ATR 318: Advanced Athletic Training
ATR 319: Org. & Admin. in Athletic Training
ATR 342: Therapeutic Exercise
ATR 343: Therapeutic Modalities
ATR 360: Psychosocial Referral and Intervention
ATR 362: Advanced Conditioning and Rehabilitative Exercise
ATR 401: Pharmacology in Athletic Training
ATR 223: Introduction to Clinical Studies
ATR 323: Advanced Clinical Studies
ATR 324: Applied Clinical Studies
ATR 423: Seminar in Athletic Training
ATR 233: Field Experience in Athletic Training I
ATR 333: Field Experience in Athletic Training II
ATR 334: Field Experience in Athletic Training III
ATR 401: Pharmacology in Athletic Training
ATR 433: Field Experience in Athletic Training IV

Guidelines for Clinical Education

Clinical Education is designed to provide the athletic training student the opportunity to develop the specific competencies pertaining to the health care of the physically active. the clinical phase of the program is the practical counterpart to the theoretical and technical skills learned in the classroom. Clinical education is carefully coordinated with the didactic course work

The clinical education experience is comprised of two components: Clinical Education and Field Experience. The clinical education component involves the acquisition and practice of clinical skills. These skills (clinical proficiencies) will be presented practiced and evaluated on an on-going basis throughout various academic clinical experience classes. Both of these experiences will be completed in no less than four semesters (two years).

Objectives of Clinical Education

1. To learn and comprehend the clinical skills associated with each identified domain.
2. To acquire an proficiency of clinical skills through application. The student will use a variety of situations finding solutions to problems.
3. To analyze (break down) and synthesize (develop) the relationship between clinical skills to foster critical thinking skills.
4. To determine a level of mastery of clinical skills through a system of evaluation. This system of evaluation will provide both formative (providing feedback to students) and summative (fulfillment of requirements through grading) judgments.
5. To apply these skills in the clinical (athletic training room, practice/game coverage) environment. At each of the practicum levels, students will have specific objectives that provide a progression for psychomotor skills. There will also be an opportunity for the development and demonstration of competencies within the cognitive domain (knowledge and intellectual skills) and affective domain (attitude and values).

Cavallario, Julie
M.S. (Athletic Training) Old Dominion University

Comins, Sonya
M.S.Ed. (Health Education SUNY Cortland
Area: Athletic Training and Health Education

Cottone, John L.
Ed.D. (Curriculum & Instruction) Syracuse University
Area: Athletic Training

Dearie, Alyson
M.S. (Health Science) James Madison University
Area: Athletic Training, Health Sciences

Donnelly, Patrick
M.S. (Exercise Science) Syracuse University
Area: Athletic Training

Luther, Kristin
M.S. (Exercise Science) Syracuse University
Area: Athletic Training

Meyer, Steven
M.Ed. (Education) Salisbury State University.
Area: Athletic Training