Accreditation

The UCA Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Mission Statement

The University of Central Arkansas Athletic Training Education Program is committed to mentoring professionals who will enhance the quality of health care for the physically active and advance the athletic training profession. This is achieved through a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for entry-level athletic training positions or for advanced study. Graduates of the program will be prepared to be members of an interdisciplinary health-care team in a variety of settings.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Ellen Epping, MA, ATC, LAT

If you are interested in the Athletic Training Education Program you can contact the Program Director at eepping@uca.edu for more information.

What does a Certified Athletic Trainer do?...

Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.

Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences.

Athletic training is not the same profession as personal training. Certified athletic trainers work with more than just athletes they are employed in a variety of settings working with the physically active.

To become certified athletic trainers, students must graduate with a bachelors or masters degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification. Once certified, they must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified.