Clinical Education Opportunities

The Intercollegiate Athletic training rooms, Lafene Health Center, Manhattan High School, Joint Fit Chiropractic, and Mathis Rehabilitation Clinic are the designated facilities where athletic training students are provided an opportunity to develop their clinical skills in a structured environment. Each semester a specific clinical emphasis is implemented utilizing the facility and sports most likely to enhance development in the clinical skills.

Athletic training students are supervised by a certified athletic trainer or other healthcare professional providing services including but not limited to the following: practice preparation, practice coverage, game preparation, game coverage, first aid, injury/illness evaluation, follow-up care, therapeutic modalities, rehabilitation and other athletic medical services. Students are evaluated on their clinical skill development and proficiencies through written tests, skill tests and/or oral practical tests.

Clinical Education Requirements

The clinical education experience within the profession of athletic training is an opportunity for students to practice and refine skills and knowledge learned throughout the education process. The intent of the clinical education is to expose students to various components of the athletic training profession (e.g., coaches, athletes, equipment, clinical settings, injury/illness). At no time are the athletic training students expected or required to take theresponsibilities of a certified athletic trainer. Clinical rotations vary in settings during the Athletic Training Program.

Based on a student's past experiences and skill level, each student will be assigned to a clinical instructor for supervision. Academic classes should remain the students' primary responsibility; however, students should make every effort to schedule classes before 1 p.m., allowing for clinical rotations in the afternoon.

Clinical Education Procedure

Pre-Professional Phase (Observational), Freshman

Students are assigned four-week rotations in a variety of sports at Kansas State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer (preceptor). Students must be enrolled in HN 120, Introduction to Athletic Training, and HN 121, Introduction to Athletic Training Lab, as the associated courses.

Professional Phase, Sophomore

Students are assigned two eight-week clinical rotations per semester, some of which may be off campus. Students must be enrolled in HN 583 and 584, Practicum I and II as the associated courses. The students are supervised by a preceptor.

Professional Phase, Junior

Students are assigned a year long clinical rotation, some of which may be off campus. Students must be enrolled in HN 585 and 586, Practicum III and IV as the associated courses. The students are supervised by a preceptor.

Professional Phase, Senior

Students are assigned a year long clinical rotation, some of which may be off campus. Students must be enrolled in HN 587 and 588, Practicum V and VI as the associated courses. The students are supervised by a preceptor. The students will work with the preceptor in handling all aspects of healthcare for their sports team.