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The bachelor of arts degree in athletic training that was approved last year by the Kansas Board of Regents has received official notification of acceptance into the two-year "candidacy phase" of accreditation, according to Rich Bomgardner, athletic training education coordinator for kinesiology and sport studies at WSU.

That's good news for current and incoming students who want to become certified athletic trainers, Bomgardner said. Certification requires that students study in an accredited program or one that's undergoing the accreditation process.

Bomgardner applied for candidacy status through the Joint Review Committee of Educational Programs on Athletic Training in September. Although nine other Kansas schools have athletic training programs, several of which are already accredited, Bomgardner likes to point out that WSU's location in a major city and the state's largest health care community is a big advantage for WSU's program.