Learning Outcomes

Aurora University is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101.

Mission Statement

"The mission of the Athletic Training Education Program at Aurora University is to educate students with the knowledge base of the NATA Athletic Training Educational Competencies expected of an entry-level athletic trainer and become successful as a health care professional in the field of Athletic Training."

• Athletic training students will master the entry-level Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) educational competencies and clinical proficiencies as evidenced by successful completion of the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.
• Athletic training students will develop into an evidence-based practitioner through the application of theoretical concepts and skills while engaging in their clinical education experiences.
• Athletic training students will model appropriate professional and ethical practices during classroom and clinical experiences to ensure the quality of their patient care.
• Athletic training students will be prepared to work within a variety of diverse settings through their professional preparation in local high schools, colleges, physical therapy clinics, physician's offices, and hospitals.
• Athletic training students will develop a sense of professional volunteerism to promote the field of athletic training and to provide athletic training services both on campus and within the larger community through involvement in the Spartan Athletic Training Student Organization.
• Athletic training students will develop an appreciation for life-long learning through involvement in a number of avenues of professional development, including Aurora University's sports medicine symposium, the Illinois Athletic Trainers' Association, the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association, and the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
• Students will develop the ability to communicate with other allied health professionals as evidenced by frequent interaction with certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, physicians, and exercise physiologists.
• Athletic training students will demonstrate the ability to implement current technologies to improve the quality of patient care and to improve their professional practice.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES – Related to the 5^th edition of the NATA Educational Competencies

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE: The student will develop an appreciation for the integration of best practices in athletic training. As a practitioner this includes incorporating into their practice the best available evidence, clinical skills, and the needs of the patient to maximize patient outcomes. An understanding of evidence-based practice concepts and their application is essential to sound clinical decision-making and the critical examination of athletic training practice.

PREVENTION AND HEATLH PROMOTION: The student will develop proficiency in implementing strategies and programs to prevent the incidence and/or severity of injuries and illnesses and optimize their clients’/patients’ overall health and quality of life. These strategies and programs also incorporate the importance of nutrition and physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and in preventing chronic disease (e.g. diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease).

CLINICAL EVALUATION AND DIAGNOSIS: The student will develop proficiency in the areas of clinical examination skills in order to accurately diagnosis and effectively treat their patients. The clinical examination is an on-going process, repeated to some extent each time the patient is treated. The development of these skills requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Athletic trainers must also apply clinical-reasoning skills throughout the physical examination process in order to assimilate data, select the appropriate assessment tests, and formulate a differential diagnosis.

ACUTE CARE OF INJURIES AND ILLNESSES: The student will develop proficiency and understanding in the areas of acute care and illnesses. Athletic trainers are often present when injuries or other acute conditions occur or are the first healthcare professionals to evaluate a patient. For this reason, athletic trainers must be knowledgeable and skilled in the evaluation and immediate management of acute injuries and illnesses.

THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS: The student will develop proficiency and understanding necessary to assess the patient’s status using clinician-and patient-oriented outcome measures. Based on this assessment and with consideration of the stage of healing and goals, a therapeutic intervention is designed to maximize the patient’s participation and health-related quality of life.

PSYCHOSOCIAL STRATEGIES AND REFERRAL: The student will develop proficiency and understanding to be able to recognize clients/patients exhibiting abnormal social, emotional, and mental behaviors. Coupled with recognition is the ability to intervene and refer these individuals as necessary. Additionally, athletic trainers appreciate the role of mental health in injury and recovery and use interventions to optimize the connection between mental health and restoration of participation.

HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION: The student will develop proficiency and understanding to function within the context of a complex healthcare system. Integral to this function is an understanding of risk management, healthcare delivery mechanisms, insurance, reimbursement, documentation, patient privacy, and facility management.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY: The student will develop proficiency and appreciation for professional development and responsibility. The provision of high quality patient care requires that the athletic trainer maintain current competence in the constantly changing world of healthcare. Athletic trainers must also embrace the need to practice within the limits of state and national regulation using moral and ethical judgment. As members of a broader healthcare community, athletic trainers work collaboratively with other healthcare providers and refer clients/patients when such referral is warranted.