NEWS RELEASE
News Bureau • Schofield Hall 201 • Eau Claire, WI 54702
phone: (715) 836-4741
fax: (715) 836-2900
UW-Eau Claire Now Offers
Athletic Training Major
MAILED: May 29, 2002
EAU CLAIRE — The University of
Wisconsin-Eau Claire's athletic training program has been converted to a major,
which means students can now earn a bachelor of science degree in athletic
training from the university.
The athletic training program has been part of
UW-Eau Claire's kinesiology and athletics department for more than 20 years,
preparing students for successful careers in the prevention and care of sport
and activity related injuries.
"We take great pride in the success and
quality of our athletic training education program," Jeff Oliphant,
assistant professor of kinesiology, said, noting that program graduates work in
public schools, colleges, private clinics, industrial sites and with
professional sports teams. "It is a program built with an excellent
reputation — a program that meets the increasing need for athletic trainers.
UW-Eau Claire graduates who have become certified athletic trainers have had no
difficulty finding jobs or getting admitted to graduate schools."
Each year the student demand for the athletic
training program has exceeded the number of students who can be served, Oliphant
said, noting that he expects interest to continue to grow given the U.S. Bureau
of Statistics projection of an 18.5 percent growth in the number of athletic
training positions nationally between 2000-2010. Twelve students will be
admitted to the program each year under the new major, up from the eight
admitted yearly in the past, he said, adding that 50-60 students inquire about
the program each year.
Among the strengths of UW-Eau Claire's
athletic training program are the partnerships it has established throughout the
Chippewa Valley, Oliphant said. Partnerships exist with North and Memorial high
schools in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls High School, as well as area sports
medicine clinics, area physicians, Sacred Heart Hospital and Oak Leaf Surgical
Center.
"These partnerships, and others, provide
our students with a diverse and outstanding educational experience, and bring
the university and community closer together," Oliphant said.
These partnerships help to meet community
needs in the following ways:
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Athletic training students help high schools meet the medical needs of their athletic programs.
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High school students and coaches stay current in the prevention, care and treatment of athletic related injuries by participating in free or low cost workshops and professional development opportunities offered by the university.
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UW-Eau Claire student athletic trainers will provide support to UW-Stout's athletic programs.
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Student athletic trainers help meet the medical needs of participants in community events such as Special Olympics, Badger State Regional Games, YMCA football, and youth basketball and hockey tournaments.
UW-Eau Claire already has in place the faculty, curriculum and resources
for the athletic training major, said Mark Clark, dean of the College of
Professional Studies. All courses required by the National Athletic
Trainers' Association Board of Certification have been in place at UW-Eau
Claire since 1981. And UW-Eau Claire is seeking accreditation from the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Clark
said.
"The change in name — from an
emphasis within the kinesiology major to an athletic training major —
will more accurately reflect the quality and extent of our program,"
Clark said.
The UW System Board of Regents approved
the major during its May meeting.
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JB
News Bureau
Judy Berthiaume
UW-Eau Claire News Bureau
Schofield 201
(715) 836-4741
newsbur@uwec.edu
Updated: May 29, 2002