your adventure in

Athletic Training

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

View PDF

This major prepares students for a career as an athletic trainer in a variety of settings such as high school, college and professional settings.  There are additional settings in sports medicine clinics, hospitals, military, industry, and in performing arts.  The accredited program will prepare students for the Board of Certification exam upon graduation.  Admission to the athletic training program is competitive and based on available departmental resources. Admission procedures and technical standards can be found at http://www.kin.hs.iastate.edu/programs/athletic-training/#program-information-and-requirements.

Iowa State University's Athletic Training Program has transitioned to a Professional Master's degree program.  Undergraduate students will be enrolled in the 3+2 athletic training program with a 3-year Pre-Athletic Training undergraduate curriculum and a 2-year Masters of Athletic Training program in the Department of Kinesiology.  Students with a B.S. or B.A. degree may apply directly to the Master's program with completion of prerequisite coursework, program requirements, and observation hours.  For more information, please contact the program director, Dr. Mary Meier, at mary@iastate.edu. 

Mission

Athletic training is the art and science of the prevention, recognition, care, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.  It includes the organization and administration of athletic training education programs, as well as the education and counseling physically active individuals and athletes. The Iowa State University athletic training program provides high quality education striving to instill intellectual curiosity, evidence-based knowledge, and clinical skills essential for individual development.  The athletic training program enrolls academically qualified students who represent diverse socio-economic levels, ethnic heritage and who provide a gender balance.  The program faculty and clinical preceptors strive to prepare athletic training students to be productive and responsible citizens of the world and to foster affective, caring individuals to promote the profession of athletic training.

The Athletic Training faculty and clinical preceptors continually update educational curriculum to keep athletic training students current with field knowledge and to ensure the best possible undergraduate and graduate education in both the didactic and clinical settings.

Goals

  1.  We prepare athletic training students for the BOC Certification Exam.
  2.  We produce high quality athletic trainers prepared for employment in educational, clinical, and professional settings.
  3.  We promote professional and ethical conduct at all times.
  4.  We provide athletic training students equal opportunity to develop their skills both in the classroom and in the clinical settings.
  5.  We continually update the curricular offerings to provide the athletic training student current evidence based knowledge in the profession.
  6.  We provide high quality instruction in the classroom and clinical experiences.
  7.  We assist the athletic training student in gaining employment.
  8.  We promote the concept of establishing professional contacts by attending professional and educational meetings.
  9.  We foster an appreciation of athletic training as a component of sports medicine.
  10.  We foster the affective, caring side of athletic training.

Undergraduate Study

The Department of Kinesiology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology & Health.  The B.S. in Athletic Training degree is only offered upon completion of the 3+2 B.S./M.A.TR. Athletic Training program.  The undergraduate curriculum major/option is comprised of three components:  general education, required departmental courses and the component courses.  The intent of the general education component is to promote intellectual and personal growth and to prepare students for success in the basic, advanced and major/option components.  Required courses provide an introduction to the field and fundamental principles of physical activity, fitness, health and disease.

B.S./M.A.TR. degree in Athletic Training

Certified Athletic Trainers are allied medical health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, emergency care, and treatment and rehabilitation of injuries.  To gain certification as an athletic trainer, candidates must graduate from a CAATE accredited athletic training education program and successfully pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.  In addition, most states have licensure requirements to practice athletic training.  The ISU Athletic Training education program has been CAATE accredited since 2001 and has transitioned to a Professional Master's program. The Athletic Training program at Iowa State University includes various athletic training clinical rotations including high school settings, physical therapy and hospital clinics, college and university settings, surgical and emergency room observations, and immersive clinical opportunities in orthopedic and non-orthopedic settings. 

Curriculum in Athletic Training

This major prepares students for a career as an athletic trainer in high school, college, professional sport settings.  Additional settings include sports medicine clinics, hospitals, military, industry, and with the performing arts.  The 3+2 program prepares students for the Board of Certification exam upon graduation from the Master's program.  Admission to the Athletic Training Master's degree program is competitive.  Admission requirements for the Professional Master's in Athletic Training program can be found at http://www.kin.hs.iastate.edu/graduate-programs/athletic-training/.

Curriculum in Athletic Training

Communication Proficiency

In order to meet graduation requirements, all students must earn an average of C (2.0) or better in ENGL 150 and ENGL 250, with neither grade being lower than a C-. Students not meeting this condition must earn a C or better in an advanced writing course:

ENGL 302Business Communication3
or ENGL 314 Technical Communication
LIB 160Information Literacy1
SP CM 212Fundamentals of Public Speaking3

U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives

In order to meet graduation requirements, all students must complete 3 cr. of course work in U.S. Diversity and 3 cr. in International Perspectives. See university approved list.

General Education

Physical and Life Sciences:

BIOL 255Fundamentals of Human Anatomy3
BIOL 255LFundamentals of Human Anatomy Laboratory1
BIOL 256Fundamentals of Human Physiology3
BIOL 256LFundamentals of Human Physiology Laboratory1

Additional major-specific requirements are:

CHEM 163College Chemistry4
or CHEM 177 General Chemistry I
CHEM 163LLaboratory in College Chemistry1
or CHEM 177L Laboratory in General Chemistry I
FS HN 167Introduction to Human Nutrition3
PHYS 111General Physics4-5
or PHYS 115 Physics for the Life Sciences

Mathematics and Statistics:

From the following:3-4
College Algebra
Preparation for Calculus
Applied Trigonometry
Calculus I
From the following:3-4
Principles of Statistics
Introduction to Statistics

Social Sciences: 9 cr. min required

PSYCH 101Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYCH 230 Developmental Psychology
SOC 134Introduction to Sociology3

Humanities: 6 cr. min required

Choose from department approved list.

Communications:

ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
LIB 160Information Literacy1
SP CM 212Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
One of the following3
Business Communication
Technical Communication
Business and Professional Speaking

Program requirements:

The following courses are required in all majors and options:

H S 110Personal and Consumer Health3
H S 350Human Diseases (*)3
KIN 252Introduction to the Discipline of Kinesiology1
KIN 253Orientation and Learning Community in Kinesiology and Health1
KIN 258Principles of Physical Fitness and Conditioning2
KIN 358Exercise Physiology (*)3
KIN 359Exercise Physiology Lab1

Courses for Athletic Training Major

Option Requirements:
A TR 219Anatomy Clinical Practicum1
A TR 220Basic Athletic Training2
A TR 221Pre-Athletic Training Clinical Practicum1
A TR 223Preseason Clinical Experience Practicum1
KIN 355Biomechanics (*)3
KIN 365Sport Psychology (*)3
or KIN 366 Exercise Psychology
KIN 480Functional Anatomy3
Electives3

Athletic Training B.S./Masters (B.S./M.A.T.R.) Degree
Sample Five-Year Plan

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
A TR 2180.5A TR 2180.5 
BIOL 255*3BIOL 256**3 
BIOL 255L*1BIOL 256L**1 
ENGL 1503FS HN 1673 
H S 1103H S 2153 
KIN 2521SOC 1343 
KIN 2531STAT 101 or 1043-4 
LIB 1601  
PSYCH 101 or 2303  
 16.5 16.5-17.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
A TR 219*1A TR 217**1 
A TR 221*1CHEM 163 or 1774 
A TR 220*2CHEM 163L or 177L1 
BIOL 2113KIN 2582 
BIOL 211L1PHYS 111 or 1154-5 
ENGL 2503SP CM 2123 
Humanities Choice/US Diversity3Humanities Choice/International Perspectives3 
Social Science Choice3  
 17 18-19
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
A TR 223*1A TR 328**1A TR 5011
A TR 228*2FS HN 3671A TR 5023
A TR 229*1H S 3503A TR 5091
ENGL 302, 314, or SP CM 3123KIN 3723A TR 5201
KIN 3553KIN 480 or B M S 4483-4 
KIN 3583MATH 140, 143, 145, or 1653-4 
KIN 3591PSYCH 4603 
KIN 365 or 3663  
Apply for admission to the AT/MATR program by November 15.    
Acceptance into the program is required before spring of the third year.   
 17 17-19 6
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
A TR 505*3KIN 501**3A TR 5152
A TR 510*3A TR 513**3A TR 5231
A TR 521*1A TR 522**1A TR 5391
A TR 519*3A TR 529**3A TR 5502
 A TR 545**3A TR 5603
 10 13 9
Fifth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
A TR 570*3A TR 575**3 
KIN 515, 550, or 572 (KIN Elective)3A TR 524**1 
A TR 559*5A TR 569**5 
 11 9

Expand all courses

Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

Cr. 1. S.

Prereq: A TR 221, A TR 222, Permission of Athletic Training Program Director
Athletic training clinical experiences for pre-athletic training students. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(0-2) Cr. 0.5. Repeatable, maximum of 1 credits. F.S.


Pre-athletic training clinical experience designed to orientate students to the athletic training profession prior to enrolling in athletic training course sequence. Students will observe athletic trainers in various athletic training clinical sites. Open to pre-athletic training students only. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(0-2) Cr. 1. S.


Athletic training clinical experiences designed to review human anatomical structures including origin, insertion, action, innervations of muscles. Students will gain experience with palpation of these structures to help identify location of anatomical landmarks. Students will also gain experience identifying bones, ligaments, and tendons. Open to athletic training students only.

(1-2) Cr. 2.

Prereq: BIOL 155 or BIOL 255 and BIOL 256
Introduction to methods of prevention and immediate care of athletic injuries. Basic information concerning health supervision of athletes, and some basic wrapping and strapping techniques for common injuries. Non A TR majors only.

(0-3) Cr. 1. F.

Prereq: Credit or enrollment in A TR 222
Athletic training clinical observation experiences to accompany A TR 222. Utilize knowledge to evaluate, analyze and demonstrate appropriate taping, wrapping and basic skill techniques. Open to students interested in the athletic training option. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(0-3) Cr. 1. F.

Prereq: Permission of Athletic Training Program Director
Athletic training clinical experiences for athletic training students during pre-season intercollegiate football. Clinical experiences include: Professional Rescuer CPR, AED certification, emergency splinting and spineboarding, medical record keeping and HIPPA regulations, environmental conditions, prevention of injury screening strategies, athletic training room and education program policies and procedures, review of athletic taping techniques, acute injury management, mouthpiece formation, and anatomy review. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Cr. 2. F.

Prereq: BIOL 255, BIOL 255L, BIOL 256, BIOL 256L, Permission of Athletic Training Program Director
Assessment procedures and evaluation techniques for upper and lower body orthopedic conditions and injuries. Includes an overview of mechanisms of injury, general musculoskeletal disorders, spine or neurological dysfunction.

Cr. 1. F.

Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in A TR 228. Permission of Athletic Training Program Director.
Pre-Athletic training clinical experiences designed to orientate students to the assessment and evaluation principles of upper and lower body orthopedic conditions and injuries. Pre-athletic training students will observe athletic trainers in various athletic training clinical sites. Concurrent enrollment in A TR 228. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Cr. 1.

Prereq: Permission of athletic training program director
Athletic training clinical experiences for pre-athletic training students. Clinical experiences include: prevention of injury screening strategies, athletic training room and education program policies and procedures, review of athletic taping techniques, acute injury management, and anatomy review. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

(0-3) Cr. 1.

Prereq: Acceptance into Athletic Training program
Methods to select, fabricate, and/or customize prophylactic, assistive, and restrictive devices, material, and techniques into plan of care (durable medical equipment, orthotic devices, taping, bracing, splinting, protective padding, and casting). Methods of taping and wrapping for injury care, prevention of injury, and return to play. Exposure to different brands of bracing, how to fit a brace, and their use as well as casting techniques. Discussions of when to refer for prosthetics and overview of gait training.

(3-0) Cr. 3. SS.

Prereq: Acceptance into Athletic Training program
Overview of medical emergencies and other critical incidents that may occur. Evaluate and manage patients with acute conditions including triaging conditions and internal/external hemorrhage. Cardiac, respiratory, and cervical spine compromise. Conditions related to environment, fractures, dislocations, and wound care and closure. Concussion/brain injury with consideration of established protocols including: comprehensive examination, recognition, and treatment, implementation of a plan of care, referral, and return to participation.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: A TR 502, A TR 520, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Knowledge and skills to utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities. Detailed understanding of the psychological and physiological process of pain, healing and a problem-based approach to apply theories, principles, and techniques of thermal, electrical, mechanical, light, and alternative therapies (laser, cryotherapy). Incorporation interventions (for pre-, post-, and non-surgical conditions) designed to address a patients' identified impairments, activity limitations, injuries, and participation restrictions. Home care to include self-treatment, soft tissue techniques.

Cr. 1. SS.

Prereq: Acceptance into Athletic Training program
Clinical experiences under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Techniques and clinical skills provided in both the clinical and classroom settings including: Special Olympics, emergency room rotation, environmental conditions, off season practice and conditioning sessions, biometrics/physiological monitoring systems and translation of data into effective preventative measures, clinical interventions, and performance enhancement. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: A TR 502, A TR 520, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Proper methods of musculoskeletal evaluation of the lower extremity. Evaluate and manage patient (s) with acute conditions including triaging conditions that are life threatening or otherwise emergent. Obtain a medical history, proper methods of documentation, patient overview, identification of comorbidities, assessment of function, selection and use of special tests and measures assessing patient’s clinical presentation, evaluation of all results to determine a plan of care, including referral when warranted. Selection and incorporations of interventions designed to address a patient’s identified impairments, activity limitations, and participation restriction.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: A TR 510, A TR 521, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Proper methods of musculoskeletal evaluation of the upper extremity including spine. Evaluate and manage patient(s) with acute conditions. Obtaining a medical history, methods of documentation, assessment of function, selection and use of special tests and measures assessing patient’s clinical presentation, determine a plan of care, including referral when warranted. Selection and incorporations of interventions designed to address a patient’s identified impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Review of concussion evaluation, protocols, and return to play following a head injury/concussion.

(2-0) Cr. 2. SS.

Prereq: A TR 522, A TR 545, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Principles of evidence-based practice, search for evidence, grading and evaluating literature. Use of systems of quality assurance and improvement to enhance patient care, search, retrieve, and incorporating the use of contemporary principles and practices information from health informatics for clinical decisions and communication with patients/clients, family members, coaches, administrators, other healthcare providers, consumers, payors, and/or policy makers. Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a framework for delivery and communication about patient care.

Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: A TR 510, A TR 521, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Clinical experiences under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer with client/patient populations in competitive, recreational, individual and team activities, high and low intensity activities, non-sport client/patient populations, different sexes and throughout the lifespan (pediatric, adult, elderly). Real client/patient interactions as well as assessment of clinical component procedures and policies. Clinical hours occur in a variety of settings with patients and the student will complete the clinical hours that may extend prior to and/or beyond the academic semester end date. Clinical opportunities provide a basis for evaluating the athletic training student’s clinical progression through the program. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(1-0) Cr. 1. SS.

Prereq: Acceptance into Athletic Training program
Introduction to athletic training program and an overview of policies and procedures. History of athletic training, professional domains, electronic health records, legal and administrative topics, ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism.

(1-0) Cr. 1. F.

Prereq: A TR 502, A TR 520, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Procedures on obtaining via the appropriate physician and medical staff the necessary and appropriate diagnostic tests or labs to facilitate diagnosis, referral, and treatment planning. Using evidence to inform practice and utilize systems of quality assurance and improvement to enhance patient care. Communicate and collaborate with other medical interprofessionals including radiologists, x-ray technicians, medical laboratory scientists and clinical lab technicians for best patient care and outcomes.

(1-0) Cr. 1. S.

Prereq: A TR 510, 521, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Explore other allied health care professions and interprofessional collaboration for optimal patient care and referral. Total patient care and how different professions can impact the care will be explored and discussed. Participation in roundtable discussions with other interprofessional health professions and students are exposed to foundational behaviors of professional practice including but not limited to: work/family balance, ethics mentorship. Leadership, professional involvement, and promotion of the profession.

(1-0) Cr. 1. SS.

Prereq: A TR 522, A TR 545, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Advanced clinical experiences and specialty training and exposure to cupping, ART, Graston, or ASTM technique for soft tissue mobilization and dry needling. Case study analysis utilizing previous coursework including individual self-assessment of clinical skills. Extra course fee may be needed to cover the cost of training.

(2-0) Cr. 1. S.

Prereq: A TR 515, A TR 550, and permission of the Athletic Training Program Director
Assess the athletic training students’ mastery of knowledge and clinical skills in athletic training, prepare students for employment, continuing education, and self-assessment. Utilizes a case study approach covering all of the domains of athletic training and demonstrates interprofessional and interdisciplinary connections. Review of all of the athletic training domains via specific exams (written, simulation and computer based) will be utilized to prepare the student to challenge the BOC examination.

Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: A TR 510, A TR 521, A TR 519, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Clinical experiences under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer where foundational behaviors of professional practice with emphasis being placed on evaluation of clinical skills. Reinforcement and instruction about therapeutic modalities, upper and lower extremity assessments. Clinical hours occur in a variety of settings with patients and the student will complete the clinical hours that may extend prior to and/or beyond the academic semester end date. Clinical opportunities provide a basis for evaluating the athletic training student’s clinical progression through the program. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Cr. 1. SS.

Prereq: A TR 522, A TR 545, A TR 529, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Clinical experiences under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Advanced issues in the athletic training profession with emphasis on practical application and professional development. Utilization of evidenced based research and approaches to clinical practice with emphasis placed on lab reports, imaging results, life-span issues, and diverse patient populations. Foundational behaviors of professional practice and emphasis will focus on evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and clinical skills. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(2-2) Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: A TR 510, A TR 521, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Therapeutic and corrective exercise, joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, movement training (including gait training), motor control/proprioceptive activities, task-specific functional training, home care including self-treatment and exercise, cardiovascular training. Pre, post, and non-surgical conditions and addressing activity limitations, participation restrictions and return to play guidelines.

Cr. 1. S.

Prereq: In addition to the study abroad application requirements, students must be accepted into their intended program, junior classification or graduate student majoring in Athletic Training, minimum GPA of 3.0, and completion of A TR 220, or A TR 228 and A TR 229.
Preparation for a study abroad experience that is focused on the discipline of athletic training in another country. Pre-travel for A TR 549B study abroad experience.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

Cr. 2. SS.

Prereq: Accepted to study abroad by the A TR Program Director and passing A TR 549A.
First-person perspective into the athletic training profession in another country as well as provide enrichment experiences related to the history and culture of that country. Follow-up course and experience of one credit A TR 549A which was intended to prepare the student for the study abroad experience.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

(2-0) Cr. 2. SS.

Prereq: A TR 522, A TR 545, acceptance into Athletic Training program
General medical and pharmacological issues generally found in the field of athletic training. Medications used to treat medical conditions and the ability to educate patients regarding appropriate pharmacological agents for the management of their condition, including indications, contraindications, dosing, interactions, and adverse reactions. Administration of medications by the appropriate route upon the order of a physician or other provider with legal prescribing authority.

Cr. 5. F.


Course monitors student progression of athletic training proficiencies, acquiring clinical skills under the direct supervision of a certified A TR. Reinforce and instruct new info about general medical conditions and administrative topics and begin the immersive clinical experience required prior to graduation. Field experience provides immersive and additional athletic training experiences and clinical responsibilities for a minimum two 5 week rotations under the direct supervision of a certified A TR or allied health care professional. Required to complete a minimum of 25 hrs per week of field clinical experience. Site approved by the preceptor and A TR program director prior to beginning the immersion clinical experience. Clinical experience may extend beyond the academic semester end date and the clinical hours are a component of this course. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(3-0) Cr. 3. SS.

Prereq: A TR 522, A TR 545, acceptance into Athletic Training program
Medical issues generally observed in the athletic training profession. Development and implementation of wellness strategies to mitigate the risk for long-term health conditions across the lifespan and in an active population. Topics including dermatology, mental illness, neurological disorders, pulmonary disease, respiratory infections, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, oncology, gastrointestinal conditions and sexually transmitted infections. Identify, refer, give support to patients with behavioral health conditions; educate clients/patients about effects, participation consequences, risks of misuse and abuse of alcohol, performance-enhancing drugs/substances; and over the counter, prescription and recreational drugs including drug testing policies and procedures.

Cr. 5. S.

Prereq: Permission of Athletic Training Program Director
Cumulative clinical experience to gain a more in-depth experience in the field of athletic training. Student selects a field or site experience that meets their professional goals. Field experience is designed to provide immersive and additional athletic training experiences for a minimum of 10 weeks under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Site approved by the preceptor and A TR program director prior to beginning the immersion clinical experience. Required to complete a minimum of 25 hours per week of field experience. Clinical experience may extend beyond the academic semester end date and the clinical hours are a component of this course. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: A TR 515, A TR 550, A TR 560 and acceptance into Athletic Training program
Basic understanding of injury and sport psychology and its application to the overall health and well-being of athletic and general population clients. Psychological, social, socio-economical, and environmental factors that influence a client/patient and in their injury susceptibility, reaction, immediate care, and adherence to rehabilitation will be explored. Assessment and intervention techniques to promote and facilitate rehabilitation in a variety of professional settings and with patients from different backgrounds and social issues that may impact a patient. Overview of special populations (adolescent, female, special populations of athletes/physically active patients). Foundational behaviors of professional practice and working with other allied health care professionals in the overall health and well-being of a patient will be explored.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: Concurrently enrolled in A TR 569.
Knowledge and skills necessary for the administration aspect of an athletic training program. Course content includes but is not limited to: PPEs, how to manage physical, human, and financial resources in the delivery of healthcare services. Discussion of patient and insurance management, working relationships with interprofessional members of the health care team, policies and procedures for guidance in the daily operation of athletic training services including EAP or other critical incidents (concussion or other brain injuries), patients in behavioral health crisis, record keeping, athletic training facility design, resume development, and administrative/leadership skills and mentoring.