Wichita State University

Proposal for New Academic Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training

 Basic Program Information:

1. Proposing Institution:  Wichita State University

2. Title of Proposed Program: Athletic Training

3. Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training

4. Date of Implementation: August 1, 2005

5. Responsible Unit/Department: College of Education/Department of Kinesiology and Sport

            Studies

6. Center for Education Statistics (CIP) Code:  31.0504

Approvals:

Chair, Department Curriculum Committee                                                  Date

Chair, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Studies                                              Date

Chair, College of Education Curriculum Committee                                                Date

Dean, College of Education                                                                                       Date

Program Proposal Narrative

A. Program Need and Student Characteristics

The purpose of this proposal is to establish a Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Studies (KSS), within the College of Education (COE), at Wichita State University (WSU).  Wichita State University proposes to establish an educational program in athletic training to meet established national standards and guidelines for accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP accredits programs for athletic training upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training (JRC-AT). 

The American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), and CAAHEP jointly established a document, Standards and Guidelines for the Athletic Trainer that established the minimum standards of quality used to accredit programs that prepare individuals to enter the Athletic Training profession. The extent to which an athletic training program complies with these standards determines its accreditation status.  One standard for accreditation is that the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) must be an undergraduate academic major as defined by the sponsoring institution (Standard and Guidelines Section 2A Standard 1a).  This standard states “the academic major must be comparable to other programs offered within the department or division.   A minor does not meet this standard.” In the past, the ATEP at WSU has been an “emphasis” area of study within the exercise science major in KSS.  In order to comply with the Standards and Guidelines for accreditation, the College of Education at Wichita State University proposes to take the necessary steps to change the former Athletic Training “emphasis” within the exercise science major to a stand alone Athletic Training academic major within the KSS Department.  The KSS Department would then offer undergraduate degree programs with majors in: athletic training, exercise science, physical education, and sport administration.

An institution that could not comply with all of the standards for accreditation by January 1, 2004, lost privileges to continue its existing program.  Because of the new accreditation mandates, WSU is currently not able to offer undergraduate students this marketable academic program.  As a result, Wichita and surrounding communities suffer from limited athletic training employee prospects and students desiring to stay in Wichita are forced to move outside of the area to attend another institution, or forego their college aspirations all together.  The College of Education at Wichita State University proposes this Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for the Athletic Trainer.   

1. Program centrality to the mission of Wichita State University

The Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree proposal reflects the metropolitan mission of WSU.  Specifically, “Wichita State University is committed to providing comprehensive educational opportunities in an urban setting. Wichita State University pursues its mission utilizing the human diversity of Wichita, the state’s largest metropolitan community, and its many cultural, economic, and social resources.  The University faculty and professional staff are committed to the highest ideals of teaching, scholarship, and public service, as the University strives to be a comprehensive, metropolitan university of national stature”.

The Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree proposal meets the needs of both students and athletic training practitioners located in the Wichita metropolitan area.  The athletic training profession represents the facet in allied health care geared toward physically active individuals.  A degree program which trains athletic trainers benefits the community by providing opportunities for aspiring health care professionals in settings such as college/university athletic programs, high school athletic programs, professional sports, industrial/ corporate facilities, sports medicine clinics, and post bachelor academic programs. 

The proposed ATEP reflects the mission of the COE by “preparing professionals to benefit society and its institutions through the understanding, the facilitation and the illumination of the learning process”.  Furthermore, the proposed ATEP reflects the COE core values based upon “fundamental beliefs in the dignity and inherent worth of all people and in the central role of education in a democratic society”.   The proposed ATEP also reflects the mission of the KSS Department which is to “prepare students in exercise science, physical education, and sport administration as well as to provide the University community with physical activity experiences”.  The establishment of the Bachelor’s of Arts in Athletic Training degree is a primary goal of the KSS Department because it will provide a response to both strong student and market demand.  This degree would prepare students for entry-level positions in the broad allied health field of athletic training.  The degree is a nice complement to existing KSS degree programs, including exercise science, physical education, and sport administration.  Many of the courses required by CAAHEP accreditation already exist through course offerings in either the KSS Department or the College of Health Professions.  It is an attractive degree opportunity because of its ability to meet the demands and needs of our constituencies in a cost effective manner.  The proposed ATEP reflects the missions of WSU, the COE and the KSS Department by preparing students to benefit society through the delivery of health care to physically active individuals within the Wichita metropolitan community and surrounding area.  Furthermore, letters of support for our proposed ATEP are included in this Athletic Training new degree proposal from:  Dr. Jon Engelhardt, Dean, WSU College of Education; Mr. Jim Schaus, WSU Director of Athletics; Dr. Mark Stovak, Via-Christi Sports Medicine & Team Physician for WSU Athletics; and Dan Cahill, WSU Head Athletic Trainer (Appendix A).

2. Student demand for the program

Students pursuing an undergraduate athletic training degree must attend and successfully graduate from a CAAHEP accredited program.  Presently, there are five athletic training CAAHEP accredited universities in the state of Kansas:  Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Mid-America Nazarene University, and the University of Kansas.  WSU has had a steady history of students majoring and graduating in exercise science with an emphasis in athletic training over the past 20 years (see table 1). 

Table 1.  Students graduating with an athletic training emphasis at WSU

However, in the fall of 2000, the KSS Department suspended its athletic training emphasis within the major of exercise science because the new CAAHEP accreditation standards were not going to be met.  Specifically, a full time Athletic Training Education Coordinator (ATEC) needed to be hired to oversee the accreditation process.  The total athletic training student enrollment majoring in physical education or exercise science with an emphasis in athletic training over the past five years is reflected in Table 2. 

Table 2.  Students majoring in exercise science with an emphasis in athletic training

Student numbers plummeted because the program was suspended, not because of declining interest or market employment opportunities. In the fall of 2003, WSU made a commitment to this program in response to both student and practitioner needs and demands.  A full time ATEC was hired and was presented with the task of re-establishing this program.   

Student interest in pursuing an undergraduate degree program in athletic training has remained steady even though no program currently exists.  The KSS student academic advisor reports that between fall 2000 and fall 2003, 10-15 new students per semester have expressed an interest in majoring in athletic training.  These inquiries came from students desiring to attend WSU while living and working in the Wichita area or surrounding community.  Furthermore, student interest in an undergraduate degree majoring in athletic training has increased since the expressed, overt WSU commitment to developing a CAAHEP approved program (i.e., the fall 2003 Athletic Training Education Coordinator).  A fall 2003 survey of 75 undergraduate students in exercise science from the KSS Department was conducted to assess student interest in this program.  The highlights of the survey are identified below. 

• 50% of lower level students (freshman and sophomore) who responded reported they were 75 to 95% certain they would have chosen athletic training as a major when they began their studies in the KSS Department if they had had the opportunity.

• 25% percent of upper level students (junior and senior) who responded reported they were 75 to 95% certain they would have chosen athletic training as a major when they began their studies in the KSS Department if they had had the opportunity.
• 36% percent of lower level students who responded reported they were 75 to 95% certain they would choose athletic training as a major if WSU had such a major. 

• 32% of upper level students who responded reported they were 75 to 95% certain they would choose athletic training as a major if WSU had such a major.

These percentages are very encouraging in spite of the fact that 80% of all students surveyed did not know that the KSS Department had offered an emphasis in athletic training when they began their studies.   Furthermore, there has not been any recruiting for athletic training students or promotions of the athletic training education program since the undergraduate athletic training emphasis was suspended in 2000.

The bottom line is that aspiring athletic training students need to enroll in an accredited program or a program that is pursuing accreditation if they want to become a certified athletic trainer.  Nationwide, interest in athletic training continues to increase with the development of accredited programs.  The NATA has reported an increase in student membership over the past two years from July 2001 to July 2003.   During this period, undergraduate student membership has increased over 33 percent from 3,340 student members to 4,317 (NATA Monthly Membership Report).  WSU is in a unique position to accommodate the needs of students aspiring to pursue a degree in athletic training. This was witnessed firsthand by the WSU Athletic Training Education Coordinator and part of the WSU athletic training staff that visited the athletic training programs at the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University during the fall of 2003. These universities all reported consistent athletic training student application numbers since securing their accreditations.  For example, Oklahoma State University has reported a freshman application class average of 60 students of which 15-20 are admitted to the program.  The University of Kansas and Kansas State University have an average of 25 applicants, and they each admit 15-20 students annually.

WSU is an ideal location for this degree program because of: 1) the numerous medical and clinical opportunities located in the Wichita metropolitan area, 2) the numerous employment opportunities for graduates, and 3) the numerous internship supervisors, and other experiences that will be provided to our students.  We are confident that the proposed undergraduate ATEP at WSU will attract many students interested in a career in athletic training and employment in the Wichita metropolitan area. 

3. Demand for graduates of this program

Athletic Trainers have an assortment of employment possibilities when graduating from their respective programs.  The NATA has monitored nationwide employment trends in various employment entities.  Table 3 outlines the national job market over the past four years.  (Job position listings for 2003 are through the end of September 2003.  Complete 2003 job position listings are not available yet.)  Appendix B defines each job position listing.

Table 3*. Job position listings in athletic training:  2000-2003

*Note.  Data for Table 3 were retrieved from the NATA Information Technology Coordinator, Fall 2003.

**Note.  Data for these job positions were reported beginning in the year 2003.

Table 3 clearly illustrates that opportunities for employment as a certified athletic trainer have significantly increased since the year 2000.  Specifically,

• Employment opportunities for athletic trainers have increased approximately 42 percent between the years 2000-2002.
• The employment market increased by over 2,000 job listings from 2000-2002 largely due to more high schools, colleges, and health clinics employing athletic trainers.
• Eight out of ten job position areas of interest demonstrated an increase in job position listings from 2000-2002. 

Certifying athletic trainers ensures high standards of professional practice.  Certification by the NATA Board of Certification (NATABOC) is the entry-level credential and is required by most employers. However, to be eligible to sit for the certification exam, students must earn an athletic training degree from an accredited entry-level athletic training curriculum.

The NATABOC recently reported the 2002 certification NATA exam results (Certification Update, NATABOC, Summer 2003). The combined passing percentage for all sections of the exam was 53.58% (i.e., N=990 students passed all sections of the exam).  Students may begin to pursue employment as a certified athletic trainer after securing certification from the NATABOC.  By comparing the 2002 athletic training job position listings (N=5033) and the 2002 NATABOC certification numbers, it is evident that there are more jobs available than there are newly certified athletic trainers or even potential certified athletic training students pursuing employment.

Athletic training employment opportunities remain high throughout the profession; and, the potential for increasing athletic training job opportunities in the future is encouraging.  For example:

• A news release by National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) dated September 2, 2003, stated “For the 14^th consecutive year, the number of students participating in high school athletics has increased, setting an all-time high for participation”.  (Specifically, high school athletic participation for the 2002-2003 year rose to 6,845,096, representing 55.4 percent of high school students.)
• The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has also cited an increase in athletic participation through college sports.  In the NCAA Injury Surveillance System Data Report from 1986-2003, it was reported that the NCAA sponsored 2,760 teams for women and 3,074 teams for men beginning in the 1986-1987 seasons.  However, in 2002-2003, the NCAA sponsored 4,433 women’s teams and 3,752 men’s teams.  This was an increase in college sport participation of 160% for women, and 122% for men.

Given these student athlete participation increases in both high school and college, it is likely that the potential for athletic injuries will also continue to increase.  This is perhaps a primary reason for the escalation (almost double) in athletic training jobs at the high school, college, and clinical areas from 2000 to 2002.

In summary, athletic training services and health care setting job opportunities have expanded enormously over the past fifteen years.  The list of events below assist in explaining the growth in the athletic training employment market:

• Recognition of Athletic Training by the American Medical Association in 1990 as an Allied Health Care Profession has broadened the employment prospects.
• The athletic training profession has seen an increase of degreed undergraduates obtaining employment as reported by the NATA. 
• Athletic trainers will become even more of a necessity due to rising health care costs of immediate and long-term health care practitioners such as physicians, nurses, and physical therapists. 
• Job market and employment opportunities in athletic training should continue to grow in the future, in part due to continuing increases in student athlete participation at the high school and college levels.

4. Location and Comparative Advantages of the Program

Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas.  Within the city limits of Wichita are 11 public high schools and five private high schools.  Within a 15 mile radius of the city are nine other public high schools (e.g., Andover Central, Andover, Derby, Goddard, Maize, etc…). WSU has the potential to recruit a significant number of undergraduate athletic training students locally as well as from other geographic areas of Kansas, regionally, and nationally.

The medical and clinical sites within the metropolitan community of Wichita pose a definite advantage to the proposed ATEP at WSU.  The proposed ATEP will use allied heath care professionals from the Wichita medical community as guest speakers, clinical educators, clinical instructors, and evaluators of student skills. Also, there are educational possibilities for internships with the Wichita Wranglers (minor league baseball), Wichita Stealth (arena football league), Wichita Thunder (minor league hockey) and the majority of high schools in the city of Wichita and the surrounding metropolitan area.  Based on this analysis, we are confident that the proposed ATEP will flourish.

5. Characteristics of the students who will participate in this proposed program

Students seeking admission into the proposed undergraduate ATEP in the KSS Department must meet the COE’s entrance requirements for admission. These entrance requirements include: 1) maintain at least a 2.500 overall grade point average, and 2) complete with a “C” or better:  ENGL 100 (English Composition) or ENGL 101 (College English 1), ENGL 102 (College English 2), COMM 111 (Public Speaking), and MATH 111 (College Algebra) or MATH 131 (Contemporary Math) within their first 48 credit hours. Any student denied permission to the College may appeal by filing a written petition with the Standards Committee of the COE. 

Prospective students pursuing an Athletic Training major must assemble a personal portfolio of pre-admission materials.  The deadline for submission of personal portfolio pre-admission materials to the ATEC’s office will be March 1^st.  The personal portfolio admission materials for year one include:

Admission Materials for Year 1:

1.      Completed application form for the ATEP

2.      Letter of interest

3.      List of three professional references (i.e., teachers, coaches, advisors, etc.)

4.      Signed technical standards (American with Disabilities Act Statement)

5.      Three letters of recommendation

6.      Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

Selection Process into the ATEP:  As prospective high school, transfer, and currently enrolled WSU students apply for admission into the ATEP, the ATEC will initiate a review process. Candidates will be granted a personal interview with the Athletic Training Major Selection Committee, composed of athletic training faculty, and the Athletic Training Advisory Committee. Candidates will be selected on the basis of their portfolio admission materials, and personal interview.   Prior experience in athletic training will be encouraged, but not required as a prerequisite.  The proposed program will accept 15-20 students per year based upon the quality of applicants and the availability of openings (not exceeding an 8:1 student to certified athletic training staff member ratio per CAAHEP accreditation guidelines).   The proposed ATEP will serve a maximum of 80 students.  Students who are selected for admission in the program will have an opportunity to interact and learn from professionals in the allied health care community of Wichita.  These professional interactions will include physicians, physical therapists, nurses, physician assistants, and other athletic trainers.  Once admitted, the first year student must assemble supplemental materials to apply for admission into the second year in the program to complete their personal portfolio.  Students completing their first year in the program must also complete their supplemental materials by March 1^st to be admitted into the second year of the program.  First year students will not be informed from the ATEC regarding admittance to the second year of the program until spring semester grades are released.  These supplemental materials are listed below:

Admission Materials for Year 2:

1.      Student liability insurance

2.      Immunization record (i.e., Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis skin test, etc…)

3.      Proof of health examination by a licensed physician.

4.      Documented observation hours (75 hours per semester). The observation hours are to be completed in the Charles Koch Athletic Training Center.  This gives the student and the staff a grace period to see if the student is serious about athletic training, and if their work habits are reliable.

5.      Current CPR and First Aid certification

6.      Successful completion of the following required courses with a 3.0 GPA or higher:

·        KSS 114 – Introduction to Athletic Training

·        KSS 117 – First Aid and Community CPR

·        KSS 130 – Taping and Bandaging in Athletic Training

·        KSS 331 – Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries

·        HP 203 – Medical Terminology

The proposed ATEP plans to attract students from a variety of demographics located within Kansas. Student recruiting for the proposed program will be designed to parallel the missions of WSU, the COE, and the KSS Department. The proposed ATEP will initially focus recruiting efforts with high school and community college students located within the immediate metropolitan area of Wichita. As the program gains strength, additional students will be recruited from other geographic areas of Kansas, and regionally.

B. Curriculum of the Proposed Program

1. Curriculum: (see Appendix C) 

The KSS Department is proposing a four-year program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree.   The ATEP consists of a two-year pre-professional phase, along with the general education requirements, and a two-year professional phase to include all other general education electives.  The pre-professional phase emphasizes introductory skills and knowledge to prepare students for daily athletic training tasks or duties.  The professional phase emphasizes advanced athletic training skills and knowledge to prepare the student in decision-making, leadership, and supervision. 

First year students begin their sequenced courses in the fall following admittance to the ATEP. The academic core involves 44 credit hours of kinesiology/exercise science courses, and 34 credit hours of athletic training courses to fulfill the educational requirements in accordance with CAAHEP.  The final year of the program will incorporate a clinical internship at local medical and/or athletic training affiliated sites. 

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association Education Council (NATAEC) in association with the JRC-AT has identified educational competencies and clinical proficiencies that an entry-level certified athletic trainer (ATC) must possess.  Educational competencies are the knowledge objectives the student needs to acquire via classroom academic course work.  Clinical proficiencies are the skill and performance objectives the student must successfully demonstrate in a laboratory setting. 

The NATAEC and JRC-AT requires that these educational competencies and clinical proficiencies be used for curriculum development of students enrolled in CAAHEP accredited athletic training programs.  These required educational competencies and clinical proficiencies are listed below:

            1) Assessment of injury/illness

            2) Exercise physiology

            3) First aid and emergency care

            4) General medical conditions and disabilities

            5) Health care administration

            6) Human anatomy

            7) Human physiology

            8) Kinesiology/biomechanics    

            9) Medical ethics and legal issues

            10) Nutrition

            11) Pathology of injury/illness

            12) Pharmacology

            13) Professional development and responsibilities

            14) Psychosocial intervention and referral

            15) Risk management and injury/illness prevention

            16) Strength training and reconditioning

            17) Statistics and research design

            18) Therapeutic exercise and rehabilitative techniques

            19) Therapeutic modalities

            20) Weight management and body composition

Athletic training practicums will be taught for the purpose of learning educational competencies and demonstrating clinical proficiencies. (Athletic training practicums will be one credit hour courses.) Students will begin practicum courses in their second year, and will continue practicum courses through their fourth year.  Students must demonstrate mastery of specific clinical skill proficiencies and receive clinical instructor approval before they can apply the skill in a clinical experience.  Athletic training clinical experiences will be initiated during the second year in the student’s program and are designed to provide the student with sufficient opportunity to develop specific athletic training skills.  Clinical experiences shall involve a rotation through various sport assignments that encounter injuries specifically relating to that particular sport.  According to JRC-AT guidelines, these clinical experiences must include:  the upper extremities, the lower extremities, general medical conditions (i.e., illness, disease, etc…), and equipment intensive (sports that involve athletes wearing equipment).  Examples of clinical experiences with various sport assignments that encounter injuries specifically relating to that particular sport are shown below:

• Upper extremity: baseball, volleyball, softball, and tennis 
• Lower extremity: basketball and track/field
• General medical conditions: physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners
• Equipment intensive: football and ice-hockey

The proposed undergraduate athletic training education program at WSU is outlined below. The requirements for general education, the kinesiology core, and the athletic training core are 48, 44, and 34 credit hours respectively, for a total of 126 credit hours.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL EDUCATION (48 credit hours)

Course                                                                                    Credit Hours 

ENGL 100 or 101                                                                                (3)

ENGL 102                                                                                           (3)

COMM 111                                                                                        (3)

MATH 111 or 131                                                                               (3)

Fine Arts                                                                                              (3)

Humanities                                                                                            (9)

            (3) HIST 131 – History of the USA to 1865

            (3) HIST 132 – History of the USA since 1865

            (3) COMM 221—Oral Interpretation, OR

(3) COMM 302—Interpersonal Communication

Social and Behavioral Sciences                                                 (9)

 (3) PSY 111 – General Psychology

            (3) SOC 111 – General Sociology

            (3) SOC 338 or PSY 336 or ETHS 100

Mathematics and Natural Sciences                                                        (15)

            (5) CHEM 111 – General Chemistry

            (4) BIO 210 – General Biology

            (3) PHS 310 – Understanding the US Health Care System

            (3) PA 326 – Emerging Health Care Issues of the 21^st Century

REQUIREMENTS FOR KINESIOLOGY CORE (44 credit hours)

Course                                                                        Credit Hours              Level of Program*

KSS 113 – Introduction to Exercise Science                             (3)                    Level I 

KSS 117 – First Aid and Community CPR                               (2)                    Level I

KSS 201E – Introduction to Physical Activity               (2)                    Level I

BIO 223 – Human Anatomy and Physiology                             (5)                    Level II

KSS 229 – Applied Human Anatomy                                       (3)                    Level I

KSS 328 – Kinesiology and Biomechanics                                (3)                    Level II           

HS 331Q – Diet and Nutrition                                      (3)                    Level III

KSS 440 – Concepts in Exercise Prescription               (3)                    Level III

KSS 460 – Motor Learning                                                      (3)                    Level III

KSS 530 – Exercise Physiology                                                (3)                    Level III

KSS 557 – Internship                                                               (8)                    Level IV

KSS 762 – Measurement and Evaluation in                               (3)                    Level IV

Human Performance                            

CI 541 – Desktop Publishing OR                                             (3)                    Level IV

CS 105 – Introduction to Computers                                        (3)                    Level IV

*Note. “level” designates where the student will advance through the ATEP.  The levels distinguish the educational competency and clinical proficiency stages within the curriculum and are defined on pages 14-16.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ATHLETIC TRAINING CORE (34 credit hours)

Course                                                                        Credit Hours              Level of Program*

KSS 114 – Introduction to Athletic Training (New**)   (2)                    Level I

KSS 130 – Taping and Bandaging in Athletic Training   (1)                    Level I

                        (New)

HP 203 – Medical Terminology                                                (2)                    Level I

HS 301 – Clinical Pharmacology                                               (3)                    Level IV

KSS 331 – Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries                  (3)                    Level I

KSS 350 – Upper Extremity Assessment (New)                       (4)                    Level II

KSS 351 – Lower Body Assessment (New)                             (4)                    Level II

KSS 450 – Therapeutic Modalities (New)                                (3)                    Level III

KSS 451 – Therapeutic Exercise (New)                                   (3)                    Level III

KSS 542 – Administration of Athletic Training (New)   (3)                    Level IV

KSS 220 – Athletic Training Practicum I (New)                        (1)                    Level II

KSS 221 – Athletic Training Practicum II (New)                       (1)                    Level II

KSS 320 – Athletic Training Practicum III (New)                     (1)                    Level III

KSS 321 – Athletic Training Practicum IV (New)                     (1)                    Level III

KSS 420 – Athletic Training Practicum V (New)                      (1)                    Level IV

KSS 421 – Athletic Training Practicum VI (New)                     (1)                    Level IV

*Note “level” designates where the student will advance through the ATEP.  The levels distinguish the educational competency and clinical proficiency stages within the curriculum and are defined on pages 14-16.

**New designates new courses offered by the KSS Department as required for accreditation for the ATEP

Level I - First Year Athletic Training Student – Pre-Professional Phase A

In Level I, first year students will complete courses relating to the prevention, risk management, and emergency competencies and proficiencies as follows:

• KSS 114 – Introduction to Athletic Training
• KSS 130 – Taping and Bandaging in Athletic Training
• KSS 331 – Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
• HP 203 – Medical Terminology

Level I must be completed prior to admission to the Pre-Professional Phase B of the ATEP. The students will not be assigned to any athletic training practicums or clinical experiences because they will complete their documented observation hours under the supervision of a staff athletic trainer at WSU.   The student will have no direct contact to an injured athlete except under specific circumstances as instructed by the supervising instructor (i.e., emergency situations).  The emphasis of Level I is to prepare the student for emergency situations, daily prevention methods, recognition of basic athletic injuries, and basic general medical conditions (i.e., skin, sexually transmitted disease, viral syndromes, etc…).  These skills need to be incorporated and evaluated early in the program because they provide the basic introductory techniques needed by every athletic trainer in the professional environment. 

Level II - Second Year Athletic Training Student – Pre-Professional Phase B

In Level II, second year students will complete clinical instruction and courses relating to assessment and evaluation of injuries as follows:

• KSS 350 – Upper Extremity Assessment
• KSS 351 – Lower Extremity Assessment
• KSS 220 – Athletic Training Practicum I (fall)
• KSS 221 – Athletic Training Practicum II (spring)

Level II must be completed prior to admission to the Professional Phase A of the ATEP.  The emphasis of Level II is to prepare the student for assessment and evaluation methods using  health history, visual inspection, physical inspection, and functional stress testing.  In addition, advanced general medical conditions are introduced that do not overlap Level I (i.e., cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, etc…).  Within this year of study, the student will learn the evaluation methods to accurately assess common sport related/fitness injuries.  The students will be required to practice these skills throughout their clinical experiences. Students will also be re-evaluated on the skills they learned in Level I.

Level III - Third Year Athletic Training Student – Professional Phase A

In Level III, third year students will complete clinical instruction and courses relating to therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation of injuries as follows:

·        KSS 450 – Therapeutic Modalities

·        KSS 451 – Therapeutic Exercise

·        KSS 320 – Athletic Training Practicum III (fall)

·        KSS 321 – Athletic Training Practicum IV (spring)

Level III must be completed prior to admission to the Professional Phase B of the ATEP.  The emphasis of Level III is to prepare the student to utilize different therapy protocols to apply treatment and rehabilitation techniques to an athletic related injury.  Each student will demonstrate the ability to prescribe treatment methods associated to specific sport related/fitness injuries.  In addition, students will integrate rehabilitation programs to enhance the recovery of injured athletes.  Students will also be re-evaluated on the skills they learned as a Level II student.  Clinical experiences will include involvement and utilization of acquired skills in the athletic training room as well as athletic practices, and competitive athletic events. 

Level IV - Forth Year Athletic Training Student – Professional Phase B

In Level IV, fourth year students will complete clinical instruction and courses relating to the organization and administration of athletic training programs as follows:

• HS 301 – Clinical Pharmacology
• KSS 542 – Administration of Athletic Training Programs
• KSS 420 – Athletic Training Practicum V (fall)
• KSS 421 – Athletic Training Practicum VI (spring)
• In addition, during the last semester of study, students will complete their individual internship (KSS 557).

The emphasis of Level IV is to prepare the student to effectively organize and administer athletic training programs in terms of budgeting, recruiting, policies, facilities, and management strategies for a quality athletic training program.  In addition, students will be assigned to an internship site rotation with a 520 work hour requirement for one semester that will include at least one of following settings: high school athletics, college athletics, physical therapy clinic, orthopedics, family practice medical care, and/or medical surgery.  Students will also be re-evaluated on the skills they learned as a Level III student.  Lastly, all students will be required to successfully complete a written and oral practical examination prior to sitting for the NATABOC certification examination.  The written and oral practical examination will be used as an evaluation tool for the student to prepare for the NATABOC examination, as well as the athletic training education program to monitor the preparation of its students sitting for the NATABOC certification examination. 

Finally, a four-year Academic Master Plan (Appendix C, Supplement I) outlines the course sequence per semester for the student and will be used for advising/degree plan purposes. Course descriptions for existing and new courses reflect the depth of the academic program (Appendix C, Supplement II). 

C. Program Faculty: (Appendix D – Curriculum Vitae)

1. Quality of the Faculty

The proposed ATEP has exceptional faculty to teach the Kinesiology and Athletic Training sections of the academic program.  The academic program is truly a collaboration effort by WSU as it consists of faculty members from three different Colleges on campus: COE, College of Health Professions and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

The majority of the “core” athletic training and kinesiology courses will be taught by the faculty in the KSS Department within the COE.  Additional faculty teaching in other academic disciplines on campus will teach courses critical to the educational competencies and clinical proficiencies within their respective field of expertise.  The proposed ATEP will use courses already being taught at WSU, while the certified athletic training staff and the ATEC will teach the new courses related to athletic training.  All other faculty members teaching in the ATEP will not have to devote any additional time away from their current teaching responsibilities.

The following list represents the faculty of the proposed ATEP.  The list also contains each faculty member’s highest attained degree, faculty rank, specialty area, and percentage of teaching assignment to the ATEP. 

Faculty – College of Education, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Studies:

Rich Bomgardner, MS, ATC, Athletic Training Education Coordinator, Instructor, 1.0 FTE

KSS 130 – Taping and Bandaging in Athletic Training, Fall

KSS 114 – Introduction to Athletic Training, Fall

KSS 350 – Upper Extremity Assessment, Fall

KSS 331 – Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, Fall/Spring

KSS 351 – Lower Extremity Assessment, Spring

Pamela Beehler, PhD, Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Sport Studies, .50 FTE

KSS 460 – Motor Learning

KSS 762 – Measurement and Evaluation in Human Performance

Jeremy Patterson, PhD, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology and Sport Studies, .25 FTE

            KSS 440 –Concepts in Exercise Prescription

Michael Rogers, PhD, CSCS, Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Sport Studies, .25 FTE

KSS 530 – Exercise Physiology

Nicole Rogers, PhD, Lecturer, Kinesiology and Sport Studies, .25 FTE

KSS 328 – Kinesiology and Biomechanics

Ruth Bohlken, MEd, Instructor, Kinesiology and Sport Studies, .25 FTE

KSS 201E –Introduction to Physical Activity

Frank Rokosz, MA, Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Sport Studies, .50 FTE

KSS 117 – First Aid and Community CPR

KSS 229 – Anatomy and Physiology

Dan Cahill, MS, ATC-R, WSU Head Athletic Trainer, Lecturer, .25 FTE

KSS 542 – Administration of Athletic Training, Spring

KSS 420 – Athletic Training Practicum V, Fall

KSS 421 – Athletic Training Practicum VI, Spring

Andy Ford, MS, ATC-R, WSU Assistant Athletic Trainer, Lecturer, .25 FTE

            KSS 451 – Therapeutic Exercise, Spring

            KSS 220 – Athletic Training Practicum I, Fall

            KSS 321 – Athletic Training Practicum, IV, Spring

Kara Lowenberg, MS, ATC-R, WSU Assistant Athletic Trainer, Lecturer, .25 FTE

KSS 450 – Therapeutic Modalities, Fall

KSS 320 - Athletic Training Practicum, III, Fall

KSS 221 – Athletic Training Practicum II, Spring

Jennifer Zollinger, MEd, Lecturer, .25 FTE

KSS 113 – Introduction to Exercise Science

In addition, part-time “Clinical Coordinators” will also be used to help meet national accreditation minimal levels of instructional and student supervision staffing for accredited programs.  These part-time faculty positions (i.e., lecturers and adjuncts) will be titled “Clinical Coordinators”.  The Clinical Coordinators will be responsible for coordinating the practicums (i.e., monitoring, evaluating, assigning and supervising clinical experiences), and assessing the students’ skills and knowledge. The Clinical Coordinators will report to the Athletic Training Education Coordinator.  The Clinical Coordinators will have a minimum of an undergraduate degree in athletic training or related field, and must have at least three years of professional experience as a certified athletic trainer.  These part-time faculty positions will be supportive to current KSS faculty with the understanding that they may be from the ATEP or its Via Christi affiliates. The projected starting date for the Clinical Coordinators will be August 2005.

Faculty – College of Health Professions:

JoLynne Campbell, D.PH, Associate Professor, Medical Technology, .25 FTE

HP 203 – Medical Terminology

LaDonna Hale, Pharm.D, Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant, .25 FTE

HS 301 – Clinical Pharmacology

Ann Hunter, PhD, RD, LD, Assistant Professor, Dental Hygiene, .25 FTE

HS 331Q - Diet and Nutrition

Faculty – College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:

Wendell Leavitt, PhD, Professor, Biology, .25 FTE

BIOL 223 – Human Anatomy and Physiology

2.  Graduate Assistants for the program:

The proposed ATEP will have four graduate assistants.  These graduate assistants will be certified athletic trainers, and will be employed by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at WSU. These graduate students have regular appointments in athletics and have annual sport coverage assignments. In addition to these responsibilities, graduate assistants will assist the athletic training faculty by instructing and supervising the clinical experiences of the curriculum. Undergraduate athletic training students will be assigned to work with specific certified athletic trainers during clinical experience rotations. The graduate assistants serve in this capacity by supervising the clinical experiences of the students and by interacting with them in a practical setting.

D. Academic Support

1. Academic support services needed for the program:

Academic support for the proposed ATEP is very sufficient and is comparable to other academic programs.  Support services are of high quality and serve to enhance the education of the students in the program. Advising for the athletic training students will be completed by the ATEC and the Undergraduate Advisor for the KSS Department.  The COE also provides incoming students with an academic advisor who then directs them to the KSS Department Academic Advisor. Student advising is continuous throughout each semester; however, most individual student advising occurs during the beginning and end of the semesters based on student need. Additionally, department faculty members are available on a daily basis for individual academic advising.

The University Libraries System consists of Ablah, the main library, Chemistry Library, and Music Library. Through a wide range of material, facilities, and services, the University Libraries System supports teaching and research at WSU.  The collections include more than:  three million books and periodicals, microfilms/microfiche products, government publications, patents and trademarks, corporate annual reports, scores, videotapes, audiotapes, Special Collections and University Archives Department,  Business Corporation Annual Report Collection, Children's Literature Collection, DVD Collection, Map Collection, Micromedia Collection, Newspaper Collection, Reference Collection, Theses Collection, Videotape Collection, Digital Archives, and more the 90 electronic databases.  Resources critical to be education of the athletic training student is electronic databases (i.e. e-journal, e-books, e-news, etc….), on-line catalog, interlibrary loan program, as well as various text collections. Computer terminals and printers are provided in Ablah Library to access the University Libraries System online catalog and databases.  Two other open labs are maintained in Jabara Hall. These labs are provided through the Office of Academic Computing under University Computing and Telecommunications Services for all students, faculty, and staff for the purpose of acquiring information, completion of course work, and other academic pursuits. There is no charge for the use of these systems and no login or passwords are required. Access to the libraries and to the internet is provided.

The COE is fortunate to house its own Technology Center.  The COE Technology Center is located in Corbin Education Center, Room156A, and is available to COE students, faculty, and staff.  The Technology Center offers a wide variety of technologies and services.  Instructional and technical support is provided by the College's technology team as well as university-wide services.  Technology available includes:  Macintosh eMac computers with CD and DVD creation abilities, Mobile lab with Macintosh iBooks, Mobile lab with Dell laptops, wireless network (throughout all COE buildings), projectors for classroom instruction and presentations, digital video cameras, digital still cameras, and educational software review center.  All computers in the Technology Center connect to the Internet and have the most current versions of Windows or Mac operating systems.  Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is installed on all computers.  Selected multimedia computers have media production software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, iMovie, iDVD, and more.

2. New library materials and others forms of academic support required:

Not applicable; none requested.

3. New support staffing required:

Not applicable; none requested. 

E. Facilities and Equipment: (Appendix E – Equipment List)

1. Anticipated Facilities Requirements:

Academic courses in the curriculum will be taught in the Heskett Center and the newly renovated Charles Koch Arena.  These facilities provide adequate classroom space and the ability to incorporate practical skill learning.  Additionally, laboratory space is located in both facilities to provide students opportunities to enhance their practical skills and techniques in athletic training.  The approximate 5,000 square feet of the Athletic Training Center in Charles Koch Arena is equipped with teaching models, diagrams, instruments, assessment tools, therapeutic modalities, and rehabilitation equipment that meet the need for clinical instruction. Any new items for teaching purposes will be purchased for multiple discipline use by the COE and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (see Appendix E).

The Charles Koch Arena Athletic Training Center will serve as the main teaching site for students to utilize their skills and knowledge under the supervision of a staff certified athletic trainer.  The Charles Koch Arena Athletic Training Center allows for sufficient teaching, learning, and demonstrations, along with serving the needs of the student athlete.  All Athletic Training practicum courses will be completed in the Charles Koch Arena Athletic Training Center.    Clinical education and instruction will be conducted at other training room facilities located on the campus of WSU (e.g., Cessna Stadium, Eck Stadium, Wilkins Stadium, and the Coleman Tennis Complex).  These venues will serve as the primary clinical rotation sites for the student’s required field experiences.   In addition, internship sites consisting of high schools, physician offices, hospitals, and sports medicine clinics throughout the community will serve as auxiliary locations for clinical education. 

2. New Equipment:

The Athletic Training Center in Charles Koch Arena presently houses existing equipment vital to the learning of the educational competencies and clinical proficiencies for the proposed athletic training program (e.g., Otoscope/ophthalmoscope, emergency equipment, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, goniometers, electrical muscle stimulators, ultrasound machines, TENS units, exercise balls, balance boards, slide board, stair climber, elliptical crosstrainer, whirlpools, athletic tape, elastic wraps, prevention braces, casting material, etc…).  Laboratory equipment is available from the KSS Human Performance Laboratory (e.g., hydrostatic weighing tank, motorized treadmill, bicycle ergometers, EMG, skinfold calipers, reaction time apparatus, balance apparatus, etc…).  This laboratory equipment will be used by both the exercise science program and the ATEP. Additional equipment will be needed for athletic training classes/practicums (e.g., anatomical/physiological models, charts, and posters); however, these items will be donated through pharmaceutical representatives who visit the WSU team physician offices.  These teaching aids will be housed in Charles Koch Arena Athletic Training Center.

F. Program Review, Assessment, and Accreditation:

1. Program Review:

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes CAAHEP as an accrediting agency.  The JRC-AT serves as the accreditation review committee for ATEP’s. Entry-level ATEP’s sponsored by senior colleges and universities are eligible for accreditation if the sponsoring institution meets the standards stated in the Standards and Guidelines for the Athletic Trainer.  The KSS Department plans to monitor, maintain, and support the quality and effectiveness of education being delivered in the ATEP.  This will be accomplished by using a variety of evaluation tools to monitor its progress.  The ATEC will evaluate student performance twice per semester using a mastery checklist.  This provides feedback to the student regarding his/her performance and correlates with his/her level of skill mastery.  During clinical experiences, the student will be evaluated twice per semester by his/her respective clinical instructor. This provides feedback to the student as to the level of progress he/she is making in the clinical portion of the program and assists them with suggestions for improvement. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to evaluate their clinical experiences at the end of each clinical rotation. Students will also be given the opportunity to complete evaluations of their clinical instructors as well as self-evaluations of their own performance and learning during the clinical/field rotations.  The extensive frequent evaluations of the clinical component of the program ensures that students are receiving quality clinical experiences in the field as well as receiving appropriate instruction by their respective clinical instructor.  The evaluations also provide feedback to the ATEC so modifications can be made to enhance the quality of the program.

2. Assessment:

There are four internal assessments the program will use to assess the effectiveness of the proposed athletic training program.  First, to comply with the Standards and Guidelines for the Athletic Trainer for accreditation, programs must demonstrate that students learn material and related skills over a logical progression through the program. This will be accomplished by assessing skills on a one-on-one basis ensuring that the student demonstrates mastery of the skills before they are permitted to use them in the practical setting. Students must demonstrate competency of specific skills that pertain to each level of the program before progression to the next level in the program. Second, the program will be evaluated by graduating seniors who will offer their perspectives on course sequences, clinical experiences, and course/practicum materials via student exit interviews. Graduates from the program can offer valuable feedback on the applicability of the program in reference to preparing students for employment.  Third, the program plans to survey alumni from the program within the first three years of their employment to evaluate the program’s effectiveness of professional preparation in athletic training (e.g., enrollment figures, dropout rates, graduation rates, competency evaluation, placement figures, surveys from initial employers).  Fourth, the program will use the success rates on the NATABOC national certification examination to assess any areas of weakness that may become visible.  Maintaining statistics on the success of the NATABOC national certification examination can provide information as to the effectiveness of specific aspects of the program.  External assessments will also be conducted through employer surveys on former students.  These surveys will assist in demonstrating how the WSU athletic training program is preparing students for professional employment.  In addition, the WSU Athletic Training Advisory Board Committee will annually review the program for accreditation requirements, program adjustments, and internal assessments.  Furthermore, the program will be placed into the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) cycle for review.  Finally, the assessments outlined above will also be used in the evaluation plan of the proposed Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Studies to make decisions about individual candidates’ progress through the program and (b) to make decisions about the effectiveness of the program at preparing candidates to meet the standards of the program. 

3. Program Accreditation

WSU will pursue ATEP accreditation through CAAHEP.  All institutions developing an ATEP must apply through the JRC-AT.  The first step in obtaining CAAHEP accreditation is to apply for candidacy status.  The purpose of candidacy status is to allow the JRC-AT to work with the developing programs in the accreditation process.  The proposed ATEP will be reviewed on an annual basis for compliance with the standards for accreditation. The programs must submit an annual report to the JRC-AT demonstrating completion of the required standards.  The candidacy period lasts two years, ending with the submission of self-study report and a comprehensive on-site review by the JRC-AT. 

WSU is committed to providing the highest quality ATEP.  The University has demonstrated this by beginning their pursuit for accreditation. 

A proposed timeline for accreditation is summarized below:

            Submit Candidacy Application – September 1, 2005

            Submit One Year Progress Report – September 1, 2006

            Submit Self-Study – September 1, 2007

            On-site Visitation – Spring 2008

            JRC-AT meets to make recommendations to CAAHEP – Fall 2008

            CAAHEP considers JRC-AT recommendations – Fall 2008

            CAAHEP accreditation – Fall 2008

Once accreditation has been granted, the university must demonstrate performance of the standards through progress reports as dictated by the JRC-AT.  All accredited programs will have an on-site visit every ten years.  Also, the program must maintain accurate records of personnel or curriculum changes and report these to the JRC-AT and CAAHEP. 

The costs and financing for pursuing CAAHEP accreditation is as follows:

Initial Application to JRC-AT: $500.00

Candidacy Fee: $500.00 per year

JRC-AT Self-Study Fee-$500.00

Annual Accreditation Fee: $900.00 (JRC-AT, $600.00 + CAAHEP, $300.00)

JRC-AT Site Visit: Approximately $3,000

Appendix F outlines the fiscal summary for the first three years.  Many of the initial costs are related to program development and other operational expenses.  As stated on the fiscal summary, JRC-AT site visit costs are one-time enhancement expenditures reflective in year three. Along with the initial fee, a completed candidacy application, a plan of didactic and clinical study, an academic catalog, and the appropriate program personnel are required to begin the accreditation process. Programs must be in “Candidacy” status for two academic years. Failure to pay the fee will result in the withdrawal of previous candidacy status.  However, a program may elect to pursue a third year if needed due to university or program circumstances that may warrant the extra year. For each year of candidacy, the same $500 fee applies and is due upon annual notification by the JRC-AT.  Additionally, there is a one-time JRC-AT application for accreditation fee of $500.00, and this fee will be due with the submission of the self-study.  Once accreditation has been granted, institutions must pay an annual fee of $600.00 to the JRC-AT and a $300.00 for CAAHEP institutional fee. The annual JRC-AT is billed at the end of December or first of January each year.  All expenses for two site visitors to the institution are the responsibility of the institution requesting consideration for accreditation. This includes airfare, lodging, and meals for a two-day visit.

In summary, compliance with the standards for accreditation is of the utmost importance at this time, and serves as the rationale for this proposal.  It is mandated by the CAAHEP accreditation standards that each institution offer athletic training as a “major” area of study, and that an ATEC oversee the accreditation process.  As previously described, WSU over the past 20 years has successfully offered athletic training as an “emphasis” area of study within the undergraduate exercise science program; but, it was not an academic “major”.  WSU was forced to suspend its athletic training “emphasis” area of study in the year 2000.  However, an ATEC was hired fall 2003.  Along with this hiring came the financial commitment from WSU to pursue accreditation. By pursuing accreditation, WSU will be the only institution in the metropolitan area of Wichita to offer athletic training as a “major” area of study.

Appendix A

Letters of Support

MEMORANDUM

TO:                 John Hutchinson, VPAAR

FROM:           Jon M. Engelhardt, Dean

DATE:            August 25, 2004

RE:                 Letter of Support for New Undergraduate Athletic Training Education Degree Proposal

This letter is to express my support for the proposed Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree for Wichita State University.   As the proposal points out, an emphasis in athletic training has been available at WSU in the past as part of the College of Education’s Exercise Science program, but with changing accreditation standards by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), a stand-alone undergraduate Athletic Training degree is needed to continue.  With the establishment of the Bachelor’s of Arts in Athletic Training degree, WSU will be able to meet the official Standards and Guidelines for the Athletic Trainer as developed by the Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Athletic Training (JRC-AT) and continue providing Wichita and surrounding communities with qualified athletic trainers. 

The proposed Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree reflects the mission of the COE by “preparing professionals to benefit society and its institutions through the understanding, the facilitation and the illumination of the learning process”.     The proposed Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree also reflects the mission of the KSS Department which is to “prepare students in exercise science, physical education, and sport administration as well as to provide the University community with physical activity experiences”.  The establishment of the Bachelor’s of Arts in Athletic Training degree is a primary goal of the College of Education and the KSS Department because it will provide a response to both strong student and market demand.  This degree would prepare students for entry-level positions in the broad allied health field of athletic training.  The degree is a nice complement to existing KSS degree programs, including exercise science, physical education, and sport administration.  The College of Education is pleased to be a part of this proposal and house this program.

In our support, it is important to note several factors that influenced this proposal.  First, the proposed program is consistent with WSU’s mission to provide comprehensive educational opportunities in an urban setting that will benefit society.  Second, the demand for this program has been apparent in the past and is projected for the future.  Third, the location of the program at WSU has natural benefits in terms of sites for students to obtain practical experience.  Fourth, this proposal reflects the collaborative efforts of the College of Education and WSU Intercollegiate Athletics. Finally, the program can be staffed with currently existing faculty resources in the College of Education, College of Health Professions, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics with assistance from clinical partners in the community.

In summary, this is an important and necessary program for Wichita State University.  The College of Education is pleased to be part of the collaborative effort undertaken to make it a reality.  I support this proposal and urge its approval.

September 3, 2004

To:  John Hutchinson

I wish to express my ardent and sincere recommendation for the new athletic training undergraduate degree program.  This program will play a key role for the university and will greatly assist our athletic program in many ways.

The program will provide students who can potentially serve as athletic trainers for the community and even the athletic department.  This program will provide trained practitioners who are desperately needed in this field.  It will help us have student trainers available to us for the athletic department, which will make a significant difference to medical needs to over 200 student-athletes.

This is a program which will assist the university in its overall image, increase new students and produce qualified trainers for the entire region and beyond.  I highly recommend this program.

Sincerely yours,

Jim Schaus

Director of Athletics

                                                                                                            September 8, 2004

Dr. John Hutchinson

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Research

Wichita State University

1845 Fairmount

Wichita, KS  67260

Dear Dr. Hutchinson,

I am writing this letter to show my support for the proposed Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) and new Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree at Wichita State University (WSU).  I believe this new program will benefit the University, the city of Wichita, and the surrounding communities by developing qualified athletic trainers.

The primary rationale for developing an athletic training major is to secure accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).  A student must graduate from an accredited program to be eligible for national certification.  The Joint Review Committee on Education in Athletic Training (JRC-AT), along with CAAHEP, has established specific Standards and Guidelines for the Athletic Trainer to assist with the accreditation process.  These standards and guidelines set the format which all accredited programs must pursue. 

While serving as Team Physician for Wichita State University athletics, I can express first hand the value of having qualified athletic trainers.  I depend on the WSU athletic training staff to keep me informed on the health status of injured student-athletes.  The WSU student-athletes depend on the athletic training staff to assist with the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic related injuries.  In addition, athletic trainers are generally the first allied health care professional an athlete will have contact with after sustaining an injury.  Therefore, the proposed ATEP will benefit students, student-athletes, and the community of Wichita.  Furthermore, the medical and clinical sites within the metropolitan community of Wichita pose a definite advantage to the proposed ATEP because the program will use allied heath care professionals from the Wichita medical community as guest speakers, clinical educators, clinical instructors, and evaluators of student skills.

I fully support the Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training degree proposal without reservation.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Best regards,

Mark Stovak, MD

Medical Director Via Christi Sports Medicine

September 10, 2004

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter of support for the Athletic Training Education Program here at Wichita State University.  Over the past four years, we have experienced a steady decline in undergraduate students coming to WSU to pursue an education in athletic training.  The primary reason for this was the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) phasing out the internship route towards certification.  This is the route that students attending WSU have pursued for years.  The only route to be eligible to sit for the NATA certification exam is to graduate from a CAAHEP accredited athletic training education program.  So for the past four years, students have opted to attend accredited programs both in the state of Kansas and in other areas around the country.  In my estimation, we are losing 10 to 20 students from the south central area of Kansas to these other programs.

Also, Wichita has the one of the largest medical/allied health communities in Kansas.  Certified athletic trainers are an integral part of that community.  By having an academic program here at WSU that would graduate 10 to 15 athletic training students each year, WSU would be able to place its graduates both in this community and throughout the country.  This situation has worked well with similar academic programs at WSU like physician’s assistant and physical therapy.

I feel that WSU can be at the forefront of athletic training education both here in Kansas and throughout the country.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about athletic training education at WSU.

Sincerely,

Daniel S. Cahill

Head Athletic Trainer

Wichita State University

316-978-5573

Appendix B

Job Position Listing

Job Position Listing

Appendix A refers to the job position listings from table 3. It reflects the total job openings listed by the NATA Career Center from 2000-2003.  When an athletic training job position is listed, the NATA assigns the job to a specific area of interest.  Listed below is a brief explanation of job descriptions in their respective area of interest:

A)    High School – Positions available in the high school or secondary education setting either as a Head Athletic Trainer, Assistant Athletic Trainer, or District Athletic Trainer. 

B)     College/University – Positions available as a Head Athletic Trainer, Assistant Athletic Trainer, Assigned Sport Athletic Trainer, Program Director, and Instructors.

C)    Industrial/Corporate – Positions available to supervise programs in rehabilitation, physical conditioning, treatment protocols, and to provide on-site injury assessment.

D)    Professional Sports – Positions available with professional sport teams ranging from minor leagues to major leagues.

E)     Graduate Assistants – Positions available to study at the master’s level exercise science, kinesiology, sport administration, health education, and other allied health professions.

F)     Internships – Positions available to gain experience at the college/university, industrial/corporate, and professional sports level.

G)    Clinical/ Clinic Outreach – Positions available private sports medicine clinics that serve local community events, high schools, colleges, or professional teams.

Appendix C

Curriculum

                                                                                                                                    Attachment I    

Curriculum Outline

New Degree Proposals

Kansas Board of Regents

I.          Identify the new degree:

                                                Major in Athletic Training

II.         Provide courses required for each student in the major:

                                                Course Name & Number                                             Credit Hours

            Core Courses:              Basic Skills Core:                                                                  12       

ENGL 100 – English Composition     OR                                 3         

                                                ENGL 101 – College English    I                                               3         

                                                ENGL 102 – College English II                                                3         

                                                COMM 111 – Public Speaking                                                3         

                                                MATH 111 – College Algebra OR                              3         

MATH 131 – Contemporary Mathematics                                3         

Humanities:                                                                           9         

HIST 131 – History of the USA to 1865                                  3         

HIST 132 – History of the USA since 1865                              3         

COMM 221 – Oral Interpretation        OR                              3         

COMM 302 – Interpersonal Communication                            3         

Fine Arts Elective:                                                                3         

Fine Arts Course                                                                      3         

Social and Behavioral Sciences:                                          9         

PSY 111 – General Psychology                                                3         

SOC 111 – General Sociology                                      3         

Elective                                                                                    3         

Mathematics and Natural Sciences:                                     15       

BIO 210 – General Biology                                                      5         

CHEM 111 – General Chemistry                                              4         

PHS 310 – Understanding the US Health                                             

                        Care System                                                     3         

PA 326 – Emerging Health Care Issues                                     

                        of the 21^st Century                                            3         

Kinesiology and Athletic Training Core:                            78       

KSS 113 – Introduction to Exercise Science                             3         

                                                KSS 114 – Introduction to Athletic Training                              2         

                                                KSS 117 – First Aid and Community CPR                               2         

                                                KSS 130 – Taping and Bandaging in                                                    

                                                                        Athletic Training                                                1         

                                                KSS 201E – Fitness Activities/Leadership                                2         

                                                HP 203 – Medical Terminology                                                2         

                                                BIO 223 – Human Anatomy and Physiology                             5         

                                                KSS 229 – Applied Human Anatomy                                       3         

                                                HS 301 – Clinical Pharmacology                                               3         

                                                KSS 328 – Kinesiology                                                            3         

                                                KSS 331 – Care and Prevention of                                                      

                                                                        Athletic Injuries                                     3         

                                                HS 331Q – Diet and Nutrition                                      3         

                                                KSS 350 – Upper Extremity Assessment                                  4         

                                                KSS 351 – Lower Extremity Assessment                                  4         

                                                KSS 440 – Concepts of Exercise Prescription              3         

                                                KSS 450 – Therapeutic Modalities                                           3         

                                                KSS 451 – Therapeutic Exercise                                              3         

                                                KSS 460 – Motor Learning                                                      3         

                                                KSS 530 – Exercise Physiology                                                3         

                                                KSS 542 – Administration of Athletic                           3         

                                                                        Training Programs                                             3         

                                                KSS 557 – Internship                                                               8         

                                                KSS 762 – Measurement and Evaluation                                  3         

                                                CI 105 – Introduction to Computers     OR                             3         

                                                CI 541 – Desktop Publishing                                                    3         

            Electives:                      NONE                                                                                                

            Research:                     NONE                                                                                                

            Practica:                       KSS 220 – Athletic Training Practicum I                                   1         

                                                KSS 221 – Athletic Training Practicum II                                  1         

                                                KSS 320 – Athletic Training Practicum III                                1         

                                                KSS 321 – Athletic Training Practicum IV                                1         

                                                KSS 420 – Athletic Training Practicum V                                 1         

                                                KSS 421 – Athletic Training Practicum VI                                1         

                                                                                                            TOTAL:                       126     

Appendix C

Supplement I

Academic Master Plan

Wichita State University

Athletic Training Education Program

Academic Master Plan

Freshman Year

Fall Semester:

ENGL 100 or 101                                                                    (3)

KSS 117 – First Aid and Community CPR                               (2)

KSS 130 – Taping and Bandaging in Athletic Training   (1)

KSS 114 – Introduction to Athletic Training                              (2)

HP 203 – Medical Terminology                                                (2)

KSS 113 – Introduction to Exercise Science                             (3)

MATH 111 or 131                                                                   (3)       

Total hours: 16

Spring Semester:

ENGL 102                                                                               (3)

KSS 229 – Applied Human Anatomy                                       (3)

KSS 331 – Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries                  (3)

BIOL 210 – General Biology                                                    (4)

PSY 111 – General Psychology                                                (3)       

Total Hours: 16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester:

CHEM 111 – General Chemistry                                              (5)

KSS 350 – Upper Extremity Assessment                                  (4)

KSS 220 – Athletic Training Practicum I                                   (1)

SOC 111 – General Sociology                                     (3)

KSS 201E – Fitness Activities/Leadership                                (2)       

Total Hours: 15

Spring Semester:

KSS 351 – Lower Extremity Assessment                                  (4)

KSS 221 – Athletic Training Practicum II                                  (1)

KSS 328 – Kinesiology                                                            (3)

BIO 223 – Human Anatomy and Physiology                             (5)

COMM 111                                                                            (3)       

Total Hours: 16

Junior Year

Fall Semester:

KSS 450 – Therapeutic Modalities                                           (3)

KSS 320 – Athletic Training Practicum III                                (1)

KSS 460 – Motor Learning                                                      (3)

KSS 530 – Physiology of Exercise                                            (3)

Fine Arts                                                                                  (3)

Humanities                                                                                (3)       

Total Hours: 16

Spring Semester:

KSS 451 – Therapeutic Exercise                                              (3)

KSS 321 – Athletic Training Practicum IV                                (1)

KSS 440 – Concepts of Exercise Prescription              (3)

HS 331Q – Diet and Nutrition                                      (3)

Humanities                                                                                (3)

Social and Behavioral Sciences                                     (3)       

Total Hours: 16

Senior Year

Fall Semester:

HS 301 – Clinical Pharmacology                                               (3)

KSS 420 – Athletic Training Practicum V                                 (1)

KSS 762 – Measurement and Evaluation                                  (3)

Natural Sciences                                                                       (3)

Humanities                                                                                (3)

CI 541 or CS 105                                                                    (3)       

Total Hours: 16

Spring Semester:

KSS 542 – Administration of Athletic Training              (3)

KSS 421 – Athletic Training Practicum VI                                (1)

KSS 557 – Internship                                                              (8)

Natural Sciences                                                                       (3)       

Total Hours: 15

Appendix C

Supplement II

Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions for Proposed Degree:

 Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training

New proposed courses are in bold/italics and existing courses appear in normal format.  Syllabi for all new proposed courses and practicums are enclosed.

KSS 113 – Introduction to Exercise Science                             (3)

This course is designed to provide an overview of the basic physiological, psychological, neurological, and biomechanical processes associated with physical activity and human movement.

KSS 114 – Introduction to Athletic Training                      (2)

*The study of introductory techniques, applications, and theories for the beginning athletic training student.  The student will learn basic skills of emergency/immediate care, health history, modality application, and environmental conditions. 

KSS 117 – First Aid and Community CPR                               (2)

Community first aid and community cardiopulmonary resuscitation with certification by the American Red Cross.

KSS 130 – Taping and Bandaging in Athletic Training    (1)                   

*The study of techniques used for the care and prevention of athletic injuries. The student will learn various methods of athletic taping, bandaging, protective padding, and bracing of anatomical regions.

KSS 201E – Introduction to Physical Activity               (2)

Introduction activities appropriate for students majoring in exercise science or K-12.  Focuses on basic concepts of exercise physiology and fitness instruction.  Prerequisites: KSS major.

HP 203 – Medical Terminology                                                (2)

Provides the foundation of medical terminology for individuals who need a familiarity of the medical language.  Ideal for pre-professional students preparing for one of the health professions or students currently enrolled in a health professions program.  Also, valuable for individuals such as medical transcriptionists, medical secretaries, medical insurance personnel, administrators in health care, and pharmaceutical representatives.

BIO 223 – Human Anatomy and Physiology                             (5)

Presents the structure and function of the major human body systems.  Demonstrates the structure and function of certain systems further in the laboratory setting. Prerequisite: CHEM 101 or 103 or 111.

KSS 229 – Applied Human Anatomy                           (3)

A study of the structure and function of the cardiovascular, skeletal, and muscular systems of the human body with application to physical activity.

HS 301 – Clinical Pharmacology                                               (3)

Surveys therapeutic terms, drug actions, dosage, toxicology, and application of drugs in the clinical setting.  Prerequisites: BIO 223 or equivalent and CHEM 103 or 111 or equivalent or instructor’s consent.

KSS 328 – Kinesiology                                                            (3)

The understanding of the kinesthetics and mechanics of human motion with respect to performance of sport activities.  Prerequisites: KSS 229 or equivalent.

KSS 331 – Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries                  (3)

For prospective coaches, athletic trainers, health and physical educators to aid in recognition, evaluation, and care of athletic injuries.  Techniques of taping, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries.  Prerequisites: KSS 229 or equivalent.

HS 331Q – Diet and Nutrition                                      (3)

A study of human dietetic and nutritional needs in the clinical setting.  Covers composition and classifications of foods, vitamins, and their function; food and public health laws; and nutrition under special conditions.  Gives detailed application of dietetic and nutritional knowledge applied to various clinical conditions.

KSS 350 – Upper Extremity Assessment                              (4)

*The study of clinical assessment related to injury/illness sustained by the competitive athlete specifically involving the upper extremity.  The student will learn skills of health history, visual inspection, physical palpation, and functional stress testing.  Prerequisites: KSS 229 or equivalent and KSS 331.

KSS 351 – Lower Extremity Assessment                              (4)

*The study of clinical assessment related to injury /illness sustained by the competitive athlete specifically involving the lower extremity.  The student will learn skills of health history, visual inspection, physical palpation, and functional stress testing.  Prerequisites: KSS 229 or equivalent and KSS 331.

KSS 440 – Concepts of Exercise Prescription              (3)

An introduction of techniques appropriate for screening, health appraisal, and fitness assessment as required for prescribing exercise programs for persons without disease or with controlled disease, and provision for practical experience in a supervised setting outside the class.  Prerequisites:  KSS 201E and KSS 530 or equivalent.

KSS 450 – Therapeutic Modalities                                       (3)

*The study of theories, applications and methods, of various modalities consisting of cryotherapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, and thermotherapy in addition to principles of manual therapy, intermittent compression, and massage.  Prerequisites: KSS 229 or equivalent.

KSS 451 – Therapeutic Exercise                                          (3)

*The study of a comprehensive rehabilitation/reconditioning program involving techniques of flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory training including anaerobic and aerobic principles.   Prerequisites: KSS 229 or equivalent.

KSS 460 – Motor Learning                                                      (3)

This course id designed to examine the principles of motor learning by examining the physiological, psychological, and neuromotor factors that affect acquisition of motor skills.

KSS 530 – Physiology of Exercise                                            (3)

Provides a working knowledge of human physiology as it relates to exercise.  Prerequisites: KSS 229 or equivalent.

KSS 542 – Administration of Athletic Training                  (3)

* The principles of administrative components within the athletic training profession.  The student will plan, coordinate, and supervise areas of health care services, financial expenditures, personnel management, public relations, and athletic training room development.

KSS 557 – Internship in Athletic Training                                     (8)

*Culminating activity for students completing the BA degree Athletic Training.  Students spend the equivalent of full-time employment in an appropriate agency for one full semester.  Prerequisites: senior standing, departmental consent, athletic training major, 2.500 GPA overall, admission to College of Education.

KSS 762 – Tests and Measurement in Human Performance      (3)

Introduces testing, measurement, and evaluation techniques used in human performance and related fields.  Students learn to conduct valid, reliable, and objective laboratory/field testing, measurements and evaluation procedures commonly used human performance settings.  Prerequisites: KSS 113, 201E, 229, 328, and 530.

CI 541 – Desktop Publishing                OR                              (3)

Desktop publishers control the entire publishing process, from creation and typesetting to printing and distribution, with equipment from the desktop.  Word processing on the personal computer and laser printing are the two technological achievements the make possible a desktop publishing revolution. Stresses type design, harmony, legibility, copy fitting, and layout fundamentals. 

CS 105 – Introduction to Computers                                        (3)

A computer literacy course introduces students to the Internet and other networks, multimedia, CD ROM, historical development of the computer, uses of the computer inn business, industry, government, education, and the home; hardware components of the computer system, data representation; system analysis and design; and issues of ethics posed by technology.  The laboratory section includes hands-on experience with the Internet, Windows and microcomputer applications packages such as word processors and spreadsheets.  Prerequisites: some familiarity with typewriter keyboard and minimal typing skills.

KSS 220 – Athletic Training Practicum I                            (1)

*The clinical study of skills and proficiencies relating to emergency care, basic treatment of injury, risk management, preventative procedures,  equipment intensive, and specific general medical conditions.  Prerequisites: KSS 114, 130, 331, and Instructor consent.

KSS 221 – Athletic Training Practicum II                          (1)

*The clinical study of skills and proficiencies relating to assessment, evaluation methods of the upper extremity, cervical and thoracic spine, head, face, thorax, and specific general medical conditions.  Prerequisites: KSS 220 and 350.

KSS 320 – Athletic Training Practicum III                         (1)

*The clinical study of skills and proficiencies relating to assessment and evaluation methods of the lower extremity, abdomen, lumbar/sacral spine, and specific general medical conditions.  Prerequisites: KSS 221 and 351.

KSS 321 – Athletic Training Practicum IV                         (1)

*The clinical study of skills and proficiencies relating to therapeutic modalities and various treatment protocols involving electrotherapy, ultrasound, traction, joint mobilizations, and massage to enhance the healing process.  Prerequisites: KSS 320 and 450.

KSS 420 – Athletic Training Practicum V                          (1)

*The clinical study of skills and proficiencies relating to therapeutic exercise and various rehabilitation protocols involving flexibility, muscular strength, physical conditioning, and functional progressions.  Prerequisites: KSS 321 and 451.

KSS 421 – Athletic Training Practicum VI                         (1)

*The clinical study of skills and proficiencies relating to organizational and management skills that formulate the administrative aspects of athletic training.  Prerequisites: KSS 421 and current enrollment in KSS 542.

Appendix D

Curriculum Vitae

(See Curriculum Vitae Binder)

Appendix E

Equipment List

Wichita State University

Athletic Training Education Program

Itemized Equipment Inventory

Equipment Item                                              Condition                    Lifespan

                                                                                                                                    (Years)

A)    Anatomical Charts:

Hip                                                          New                             20

Wrist                                                       New                             20

Back-Spine                                             New                             20

Ligaments                                                New                             20

B)     Anatomical Models:

Full Skeleton                                           Good                           10

Hip                                                          New                             10

Shoulder                                                  New                             10

Knee (2)                                                 New                             10

C)    Tables:

Padded Treatment Tables (11)                 New                             15

Padded Taping Tables (2)                        New                             15

Padded Rehabilitation Table                     New                             15

D)    Assessment/Evaluation:

Body Logic HBF (Body Fat)                   New                             10

Goniometers (3)                                      Good                           10

Otoscope/Ophthalmoscope (4)                Good                           10

Penlights (20)                                          New                             Disposable

Neurological Hammer (10)                      New                             5

Thermometers (15)                                  Good                           10

Sling Psychrometer (4)                             Good                           10

Tuning Fork set                                       New                             20

E)     Emergency Equipment:

Automated External Defibrillator (2)         New                             5

Automated External Defibrillator (2)         New                             5

               Training Unit

Arm Slings (15)                                       Good                           5

Blood Pressure Cuff (10)             Good                           5

Stethoscope (7)                                       Good                           5

CPR Microshield (4)                               Good                           5

CPR Pocket Mask (10)                           Good                           5

Cane (4)                                                  Good                           10

Crutches (10)                                          Good                           10

Cervical Collars (15)                               Good                           10

Biohazard Watse Cans (4)                       Good                           15

Dental Kits (4)                                         Good                           5

Latex Exam Gloves, large (10)                 New                             Disposable

Latex Exam Gloves, medium (10)            New                             Disposable

Latex Exam Gloves, small (10)                 New                             Disposable

Knee Immobilizers (12)                           Good                           10

Oxygen Tank (3)                         Good                           15

Lightening Detector                                  Good                           10

Splints-Air (3)                                         Good                           10

Splints-Board (6)                         Good                           20

Splints-Vacuum (3)                                  Good                           10

Splints-Finger (5)                         Good                           10

Sports Chair                                            Good                           15

Stretcher (5)                                            Good                           20

F)     Rehabilitation Equipment:

AB Dolly                                     Good                           5

BAPS Board                                           Good                           15

Bike (4)                                                   Good                           10

Body Blade (3)                                        New                             10

BOSU Balance Trainer                            New                             10

Elliptical Crosstrainer                               Good                           15

Fitter                                                       Good                           10

Treadmill                                     Good                           15

Wobble Board Kit                                   Good                           5

Incline Board                                           Good                           20

Flexi-Grip putty, variety (8)                      Good                           2

Plyo-rebounder                                       Good                           15

Slide Board                                             Good                           15

Stair-climber (2)                                      Good                           15

Exercise Balls, Thera-band (3)                 New                             15

Flexbar, Thera-band (12)                        New                             10

Thera-band, Tubing

               Blue, 100 feet                           New                             Disposable

               Green, 100 feet                        New                             Disposable

               Silver, 100 feet             New                             Disposable

Thera-band, Therabands

               Black, 50 feet                           New                             Disposable

               Gold, 50 feet                            New                             Disposable

               Green, 50 feet                          New                             Disposable

               Red, 50 feet                             New                             Disposable

               Silver, 50 feet                           New                             Disposable

Weight-Dumbbell, variety (10)                 Good                           20

Weight-Cuff, variety (10)             Good                           15

Plyoshuttle                                               New                             15

Cybex FT 360                                         New                             15

G)    Modality Equipment:

Electrical Muscle Stimulator (2)    New                             20

Hydrocollator Unit, 12 pads, (3)  Good                           15

Paraffin Bath (2)                          Good                           15

Whirlpool (3)                                           New                             20

TENS Unit (8)                                         New                             10

Cryocuff, Ankle   (2)                                Good                           10

Cryocuff, Knee (2)                                  Good                           10

Cryocuff, Shoulder (2)                             Good                           10

H)    Taping, Bandaging, Wrapping, Bracing, and Padding Supplies:

Ankle Braces (50)                                   Good                           5

Knee Braces (5)                                      Good                          

Elbow Brace (10)                                    New                             5

Wrist Brace (10)                                     New                             5

Felt, variety (5)                                        New                             Disposable

Foam, variety (10)                                   New                             Disposable

Scissors (20)                                           New                             2

Scissors, Para-med (5)                            New                             5

Orthoplast Splinting Material                    New                             Disposable

Athletic Tape, 1 ½ inch    (30)                  New                             Disposable

Athletic Tape, Elastic (10)                        New                             Disposable

Underwrap (10)                                      New                             Disposable

Elastic Wraps

               2” (20)                                     New                             5

               3” (20)                                     New                             5

               4” (15)                                     New                             5

               6” (10)                                     New                             5

Tape Cutters (20)                                    New                             2

Ankle Wrap Rolls (6)                              New                             2

 Appendix F

Fiscal Summary

IMPLEMENTATION YEAR FY: 2005

Fiscal Summary for Proposed Academic Programs

Institution: Wichita State University    Proposed Program: Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training

*A one-time enhancement of $3,000 will be for the national accreditation site visitation.

Indicate source and amount of funds if other than internal reallocation:

Revise September 2003

Approved: