Athletic Training

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who work closely with physicians to not only administer preventive and emergency injury care for athletes and physically active individuals, but also follow through by setting up the treatment regimen and rehabilitation protocol.

There are currently two routes to obtaining an athletic training degree from The University of Tulsa: a five-year accelerated Bachelor's to Master's program, and a two-year Post-Baccalaureate master's program. Athletic training students of both programs gain experience under the direct supervision of faculty and professional staff, all of whom are BOC certified and Oklahoma licensed athletic trainers. These experiences take place in a variety of settings including Division 1 athletics at The University of Tulsa, orthopedic clinics, high schools and occupational/industrial settings as a part of the required supervised practice. Students may also have the opportunity to work with professional sports teams and other special events.

100%: That's the proportion of our spring 2020 MAT program graduates who passed their Board of Certification exams in spring/summer 2020. These first-time test-takers studied hard, rose to the challenge and are now well on the road to career success.

Overview

Employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 21 percent through 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Most career opportunities for certified athletic trainers are found in sports medicine/orthopedic clinics, universities, colleges, high schools and industrial settings. Historically, athletic trainers have worked with athletes in organized sports. In the traditional setting, the athletic trainer must work closely with the coaching staff, the team physician and the athlete to coordinate an effective rehabilitation program.

In recent years, the profession has branched out, and now athletic trainers provide services to recreational athletes and others injured due to physical activity, such as accidents in the workplace. Certified athletic trainers are employed by the military, Cirque du Soleil, Ford, Disneyland and other corporations to provide rehabilitation services to injured employees and to develop and implement prevention.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Athletic Training program is to prepare students for professional service in a health care setting and provide opportunities for professional assimilation and involvement, while instilling an understanding of the importance of life-long learning. The mission will be achieved through the following goals and learning outcomes.

Goals

1. Promote high levels of professional and ethical conduct
2. Prepare students to successfully pass the BOC Certification Examination
3. Prepare students for an entry-level position in athletic training
4. Provide unique opportunities for interprofessional education

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in prevention, immediate care, and management of injuries.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in performing clinical evaluations and diagnosis.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in designing and executing treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning plans.
5. Understanding of professional responsibility for continuous development and education.
6. Demonstrate aptitude in utilizing clinical analysis and providing appropriate responses.
7. Demonstrate the ability to utilize research in clinical practice decisions.