Athletic Training Notes

Athletic Training Organizations and Regulations

• American Medical Association recognized athletic trainers as health care providers in 1989.

• Almost every state requires licensure or regulation for athletic trainers.

• In Texas, athletic trainers must be licensed. There are two routes to become licensed in Texas:

  • Apprenticeship

  • CATE-accredited program

Apprenticeship in Texas

• Offered at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

• Requires 1800 hours over a minimum of five semesters.

• Must be under a licensed athletic trainer.

• Requires specific coursework and passing a two-part test. More information on the test will be provided later in the semester.

CATE Accredited Programs

• CATE stands for Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAA TE).

• These programs are master's level entry programs.

• UTSA does not currently offer a CATE-accredited program, but it is a future goal.

• Graduates from a CATE program in another state (e.g., University of Florida) must still obtain a Texas license to practice in Texas.

Instructor's Background

• The instructor is both certified and licensed.

• Experience includes high school, clinic, and college athletic training.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

• The legal entity that monitors athletic training licenses in Texas.

• Handles fees, test registration, and verification of required hours.

Texas State Athletic Trainers Association (TSATA)

• A lobbying organization that has supported athletic training since its inception.

• TSATA has helped establish laws that support athletic trainers as health care providers.

• Example: Concussion Law: Previously, coaches could override an athletic trainer's decision to remove a player with a concussion.
  Now, Texas law mandates that a player removed due to a concussion cannot return until cleared by a physician, thanks to TSATA's efforts.

Other Organizations

• NATA: National Athletic Trainers' Association

• SWATA: Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association (District 6 of NATA, including Texas and Arkansas)

• AAATA: Alamo Area Athletic Trainers' Association

Alamo Area Athletic Trainers Association (AAATA)

• Focuses on local involvement.

• Hosts camps, often in March during National Athletic Training Month.

• Offers affordable membership.

Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association (SWATA) & National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)

• SWATA is part of NATA, representing District 6 (Texas and Arkansas).

• SWATA meetings are typically in the Dallas/Arlington area, occasionally in Arkansas.

• NATA offers student memberships, scholarships, and conferences.

• NATA membership includes SWATA and TSATA membership.

• NATA hosts a national conference annually at various locations.

Importance of Involvement

• Encouragement to get involved in these organizations.

• Looks good on resumes and helps with career opportunities.

Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program at UTSA (Method A under TDLR Law)

• Requirements:

  • College degree or within the last semester of college education (registrar certification required).

  • 1800 hours of experience over five to six semesters.

  • Specific classes like anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, evaluation, care, and prevention, available in the athletic training concentration at UTSA.

How to Join the Apprenticeship Program

• Attend information meetings (another meeting will be scheduled later in the semester).

• Have 30 hours of college credit.

• Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher at UTSA.

GPA Considerations for Master's Programs

• Aim for a GPA higher than 2.5 if considering a master's program.

• Most master's programs require a 3.0 GPA for entry, and programs are becoming more competitive (applicants often have a 3.5 or 3.75 GPA).

Required Courses

• Contemporary Biology.

• Foundations in Kinesiology.

• Allotrooper for Scientists and Engineers at freshman composition.

• Anatomy is highly recommended as a starting point.

Plan B

• Available for those who cannot commit to five or six semesters.

Goals

• Obtain a Texas license as an undergraduate.

• Enter the workforce directly after graduation.

Application Process

• Criminal background check through UTSA.

• CPR and AED certification (American Heart Association preferred, American Red Cross and ASHI accepted if in-person and includes first aid/basic life support).

• Minimum of 50 observation hours (opportunities at UTSA athletics, races, and Conroe).

• Attendance at all ATOP (Athletic Training Observation Program) sessions (three in the fall, additional sessions in the spring).

• Possible two entrance admission times (end of Fall and end of Spring) to help junior college transfers.

• Personal statement (one page).

• Two letters of recommendation (one from an athletic trainer).

• Copy of Grade Works to review GPA.

• GPA will be reviewed at the end of the current semester to ensure it's above 2.5.

• HIPAA and FERPA training to protect privacy and medical information.

  Privacy

• Privacy of athletes is paramount.

• No taking pictures of injuries or filming practices.

• No discussing athlete status on social media.

• Student reports should not identify athletes by name but focus on anatomy and special tests.

Athletic Training Organizations and Regulations

• American Medical Association recognized athletic trainers as health care providers in 1989.

• Almost every state requires licensure or regulation for athletic trainers.

• In Texas, athletic trainers must be licensed. There are two routes to become licensed in Texas:

  • Apprenticeship

  • CATE-accredited program

Apprenticeship in Texas

• Offered at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

• Requires 1800 hours over a minimum of five semesters.

• Must be under a licensed athletic trainer.

• Requires specific coursework and passing a two-part test. More information on the test will be provided later in the semester.

  • The apprenticeship is a comprehensive, hands-on training approach. It allows students to work directly under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer, gaining practical experience in real-world scenarios. This method is particularly beneficial for those who prefer learning through direct application and mentorship.

CATE Accredited Programs

• CATE stands for Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAA TE).

• These programs are master's level entry programs.

• UTSA does not currently offer a CATE-accredited program, but it is a future goal.

• Graduates from a CATE program in another state (e.g., University of Florida) must still obtain a Texas license to practice in Texas.

  • CATE-accredited programs ensure a standardized curriculum and comprehensive education, typically culminating in a master's degree. These programs often include a mix of classroom learning, laboratory work, and clinical rotations, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Instructor's Background

• The instructor is both certified and licensed.

• Experience includes high school, clinic, and college athletic training.

  • This diverse background ensures that the instructor brings a wealth of practical knowledge and varied perspectives to the classroom, enhancing the learning experience.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

• The legal entity that monitors athletic training licenses in Texas.

• Handles fees, test registration, and verification of required hours.

  • TDLR's role is critical in ensuring that all licensed athletic trainers meet the required standards of practice, thereby protecting the health and safety of the public.

Texas State Athletic Trainers Association (TSATA)

• A lobbying organization that has supported athletic training since its inception.

• TSATA has helped establish laws that support athletic trainers as health care providers.

• Example: Concussion Law: Previously, coaches could override an athletic trainer's decision to remove a player with a concussion. Now, Texas law mandates that a player removed due to a concussion cannot return until cleared by a physician, thanks to TSATA's efforts.

  • TSATA plays a vital role in advocating for the profession of athletic training in Texas, ensuring that athletic trainers have the legal support and recognition they need to provide quality care.

Other Organizations

• NATA: National Athletic Trainers' Association

• SWATA: Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association (District 6 of NATA, including Texas and Arkansas)

• AAATA: Alamo Area Athletic Trainers' Association

Alamo Area Athletic Trainers Association (AAATA)

• Focuses on local involvement.

• Hosts camps, often in March during National Athletic Training Month.

• Offers affordable membership.

  • AAATA provides opportunities for local athletic trainers to connect, collaborate, and engage in professional development activities.

Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association (SWATA) & National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)

• SWATA is part of NATA, representing District 6 (Texas and Arkansas).

• SWATA meetings are typically in the Dallas/Arlington area, occasionally in Arkansas.

• NATA offers student memberships, scholarships, and conferences.

• NATA membership includes SWATA and TSATA membership.

• NATA hosts a national conference annually at various locations.

  • NATA is the leading professional organization for athletic trainers in the United States, providing resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for its members.

Importance of Involvement

• Encouragement to get involved in these organizations.

• Looks good on resumes and helps with career opportunities.

  • Active participation in these organizations demonstrates a commitment to the profession and provides valuable opportunities for professional growth and networking.

Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program at UTSA (Method A under TDLR Law)

• Requirements:

  • College degree or within the last semester of college education (registrar certification required).

  • 1800 hours of experience over five to six semesters.

  • Specific classes like anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, evaluation, care, and prevention, available in the athletic training concentration at UTSA.

How to Join the Apprenticeship Program

• Attend information meetings (another meeting will be scheduled later in the semester).

• Have 30 hours of college credit.

• Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher at UTSA.

GPA Considerations for Master's Programs

• Aim for a GPA higher than 2.5 if considering a master's program.

• Most master's programs require a 3.0 GPA for entry, and programs are becoming more competitive (applicants often have a 3.5 or 3.75 GPA).

  • Meeting the GPA requirements for master's programs is essential for advancing your education and career in athletic training.

Required Courses

• Contemporary Biology.

• Foundations in Kinesiology.

• Allotrooper for Scientists and Engineers at freshman composition.

• Anatomy is highly recommended as a starting point.

  • These courses provide the foundational knowledge necessary for success in the athletic training program.

Plan B

• Available for those who cannot commit to five or six semesters.

Goals

• Obtain a Texas license as an undergraduate.

• Enter the workforce directly after graduation.

  • The undergraduate apprenticeship program at UTSA is designed to help students achieve these goals by providing a direct pathway to licensure and employment.

Application Process

• Criminal background check through UTSA.

• CPR and AED certification (American Heart Association preferred, American Red Cross and ASHI accepted if in-person and includes first aid/basic life support).

• Minimum of 50 observation hours (opportunities at UTSA athletics, races, and Conroe).

• Attendance at all ATOP (Athletic Training Observation Program) sessions (three in the fall, additional sessions in the spring).

• Possible two entrance admission times (end of Fall and end of Spring) to help junior college transfers.

• Personal statement (one page).

• Two letters of recommendation (one from an athletic trainer).

• Copy of Grade Works to review GPA.

• GPA will be reviewed at the end of the current semester to ensure it's above 2.5.

• HIPAA and FERPA training to protect privacy and medical information.

  • Completing the application process thoroughly and meeting all requirements is crucial for acceptance into the apprenticeship program.

Privacy