The Department of Sports Medicine, Health and Human Performance offers a bachelor of science degree with a major program for athletic training and a minor in health and human performance. The major program is designed to prepare students to enter the athletic training and allied health fields. Emphasis is placed on the development of cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills which includes practicum, laboratory and internship experiences. The major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education and prepares students for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (BOC) examination. The Health and Human Performance minor provides an option for students interested in applied human physiology, clinical exercise physiology, health and physical fitness careers, as well as for students interested in graduate school.
Athletic Training Major
The athletic training major may be combined with another major within the college, such as teacher education. The student will be required to complete additional coursework and time at the college. A plan of study must be devised as early as possible with the academic advisors in the chosen majors.
Student Learning Goals and Objectives
Upon graduation and completion of the major the student will:
-
be prepared by knowledge, skill, behavior and experience to enter the allied health profession of athletic training,
-
possess problem-solving skills and techniques,
-
possess broad-based communication skills,
-
possess a practical knowledge of the clinical disciplines in athletic training, sports medicine, and allied health care,
-
be prepared by background coursework and knowledge to pursue graduate work in health care, education, and sports medicine disciplines, and
-
be prepared to contribute to the athletic training profession through participation in public relations, education, governmental/association activities, research or other professional activities.
-
Preparation to enter the profession will be assessed through BOC examination results and student placement following graduation.
-
Problem solving will be assessed through examinations, group discussions, practical examinations and clinical decision making.
-
Communication skills will be assessed through course presentations and clinical interactions with patients, physicians and clinical staff.
-
Practical knowledge will be assessed through practical examinations, clinical experience documentation and evaluation.
-
Graduate school preparation will be evaluated through placement results of Canisius College graduates annually.
-
Preparation for contribution to the profession will be assessed through examinations, course presentations, and submission of student/faculty projects for presentation and publication.
Admission is competitive and is based upon academic performance, skill and competencies acquired in BIO 107, BIO 107L, BIO 108, BIO 108L, ATH 170 and ATH 132. A minimum of C (2.0) must be obtained in each of the courses as well as an overall GPA of 2.0. Specific admission criteria for the program may be obtained from the program director. Course transfer credit will be evaluated on an individual basis for the required pre-professional courses BIO 107-108. Transfer credit will not be allowed for ATH 170 and ATH 132. There are a limited number of student professional openings each year in the program. Transfer student admission is also competitive with a limited number of openings available. Students must apply for admission by December 1 of the fall semester in which they are enrolled. Admission is made at the end of the spring semester each year. A two-year (four-semester) minimum time period must be allowed for the completion of the required clinical hours once the student is admitted. An off-campus clinical practicum experience and an off-campus internship experience are required of all majors. Costs for transportation to these experiences as well as for required clothing is the responsibility of the student. A criminal background check may be required at the expense of the student. Additional health requirements and physical and cognitive technical standards are described on the admission application, on the program website and in the student handbook.
Professional Standards for Applicants and Students
All applicants and students in the athletic training major must meet and continue to meet the professional standards of the program. No one who jeopardizes the health or well- being of a patient, classmate or self, will be accepted into the program or continue as a student in the program. All applicants and students must possess the necessary physical attributes and exhibit qualities of good judgment, mental strength and emotional stability.
All applicants to the professional phase of the program are required to submit a written acknowledgment indicating that they have read and understood the technical standards related to the professional duties of the discipline. These documents are available on the program website. The athletic training program website also provides additional information for program applicants. The program faculty will be responsible for applying the standards for their students and prospective students.
The health care professional’s self-presentation is a vital part of the complex relationship among the patient, the health care provider and the health care delivery site. The athletic training program reserves the right to limit attire and adornments (such as clothing, jewelry, piercing, tattooing) of the body and its parts (such as hands, face, oral cavity). The program handbook outlines the enforcement of this policy. In all cases, the final appeal may be made to the dean of the School of Education and Human Services.
Athletic Training Curriculum:
1. Core Curriculum
Go to /core_curriculum/mission/asp for complete information about the Core Curriculum.
2. Major course requirements: (23 courses)
| BIO 107 & Lab Human Anatomy | 4 credits | |
| BIO 108 & Lab Physiology | 4 credits | |
| ATH 170 Emergency Care & Intro. to Athletic Training | 3 credits | |
| HED 205 Wellness/Fitness | 3 credits | |
| HHP 235 Kinesiology (prereq. BIO 107) | 3 credits | |
| HHP 336 and Lab Physiology of Exercise | 4 credits | |
| ATH 132 Practicum in Athletic Training | 2 credits | |
| ATH 231 Practicum in Athletic Training | 1 credits | |
| ATH 232 Practicum in Athletic Training | 1 credits | |
| ATH 261 Assessment of Injuries/Illnesses I | 3 credits | |
| ATH 262 Assessment of Injuries/Illnesses II | 3 credits | |
| ATH 309 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology in A.T. | 3 credits | |
| ATH 331 Practicum in Athletic Training | 1 credits | |
| ATH 332 Practicum in Athletic Training | 1 credits | |
| ATH 342 Therapeutic Modalities (Lab) | 3 credits | |
| ATH 343 Therapeutic Exercise (Lab) | 3 credits | |
| ATH 361 Sports Psychology | 3 credits | |
| ATH 372 Health Issues for Athletic Trainers | 3 credits | |
| ATH 373 Nutritional Issues for Athletic Trainers | 3 credits | |
| ATH 431 Practicum in Athletic Training | 1 credits | |
| ATH 482 Administration of Athletic Training | 3 credits | |
| ATH 498 Internship in Athletic Training | 3 credits | |
| Capstone | ||
3. Free Electives (4-6 courses) 12-18 credits
Courses/credits in addition to the Core Curriculum and major requirements sufficient to reach a minimum of 120 hours for graduation. Students may graduate with more but not less than 120 credit hours.
Recommended Schedule:
In selecting courses for the major, students should consult carefully with their advisor each semester about the best selection of courses for the coming semesters. In addition, students will want to consult the on-line advisement guide, which is published each semester and contains valuable information about course offerings for the coming semester.
Health and Human Performance Minor
The minor provides students with preparation for the fields of exercise physiology and wellness, and other related health professions and graduate work. It also helps students prepare for health and fitness specialty certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine and/or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Health and Human Performance courses have specific pre-requisites, which are stated in the course descriptions.
Admission to the health and human performance minor is competitive due to a limited number of student slots available and is based on skills and knowledge competencies acquired in BIO 107, BIO 108, and HHP 235. Each course must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher. The applicant must attain minimum C (2.0) cumulative G.P.A. in these three courses and an overall College G.P.A. of C (2.0) or higher. Majors from other departments are eligible for selection by meeting the above requirements. Students interested in health and human performance at Canisius College must complete an application in the Sports Medicine, Health and Human Performance Department. Application for the minor must be completed following enrollment in HHP 235.
Health and Human Performance Minor Courses
| BIO 107 Human Anatomy with lab | 4 credits | |
| BIO 108 Human Physiology with lab | 4 credits | |
| HHP 235 Kinesiology | 3 credits | |
| HHP 336 Physiology of Exercise | 3 credits | |
| HHP 337 Research in Physiology of Exercise | 3 credits | |
| ATH 373 Nutritional Issues For Athletic Trainers | 3 credits | |
| HHP 420 Exercise Testing & Prescription | 3 credits | |
| TOTAL | 23 credits |
COURSES 2009 - 2011:
ATH 132 Practicum in Athletic Training 2 credits
Didactic and psychomotor skill instruction with practical examinations. Examinations are an integral portion of the acceptance criteria for the program. Prerequisites: BIO 107 and ATH 170 with a grade of C or better and an overall G.P.A. of 2.0. Spring
ATH 170 Emergency Care and Introduction to Athletic Training
Recognition and immediate care of common illnesses and injuries. Content meets National Safety Council requirements for Standard First Aid and CPR. Fall
ATH 231-232 Practicum in Athletic Training 1-1 credits
Clinical experiences in athletic training. Instruction provided by professionals from various academic institutions, e.g., secondary schools and colleges. Experiences and course material provide acquisition of clinical competency of previously instructed psychomotor skills. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Athletic Training Education Program. Fall, Spring
ATH 261 Athletic Injuries/Illnesses I 3 credits
Theoretical, practical, empirical study of lower extremity, abdominal and lumbar spine assessment. Includes lab. Prerequisites: ATH 170, BIO 107, Registration concurrent with ATH 231. Fall
ATH 262 Athletic Injuries/Illnesses II 3 credits
Theoretical, practical, empirical study of upper extremity, thorax, head and cervical spine assessment. Includes lab. Prerequisites: ATH 261, ATH 231. Spring
ATH 309 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Athletic Trainers 3 credits
Discussion of the physiologic changes that occur following injuries and illness. Discussion of indications, contraindications and legal issues regarding medications used in the management of athletic injuries. Registration concurrent with ATH 231 or ATH 331. Fall
ATH 331-332 Practicum in Athletic Training 1-1 credits
See ATH 231-232 for description.
ATH 342 Therapeutic Modalities 3 credits
Therapeutic modality use in treatment of athletic injuries. Physics, physiological effects, rationale and application of modalities in health care of patients. Practical examinations. Includes lab. Prerequisites: BIO 107-108, Registration concurrent with ATH 231. Fall
ATH 343 Therapeutic Exercise 3 credits
Contemporary exercise techniques and equipment in health care of patients. Biomechanics, physiological effects, rationale and application of exercise techniques and devices. Practical examination. Includes lab. Prerequisite: HHP 235, Registration concurrent with ATH 232. Spring
ATH 361 Sports Psychology 3 credits
Review of psychological and sociological processes, principles and problems influencing behavior in sport. Fall, Spring Other approved psychology courses may be substituted.
ATH 372 Health Issues for Athletic Trainers 3 credits
Current theories, principles and practices related to personal, school and community health. Fall
ATH 373 Nutritional Issues for Athletic Trainers 3 credits
Fundamental theories and practices of nutrition, diet construction and research findings applicable to athletic performance. Spring
ATH 398 Statistics and Research Design for AT 3 credits
Review of statistical interpretation of literature and the development of research design techniques as related to evidence-based practice. Includes the use of statistical software, development of research skills to conduct a scientific study related to athletic training and the creation and presentation of a research poster. Spring
ATH 431 Practicum in Athletic Training 3 credits
See ATH 231-232 for description. Fall
ATH 482 Administration of Athletic Training 3 credits
Theoretical, practical and empirical study of administrative requirements of the athletic trainer relative to facility design, duties, liability, drug testing, nomenclature and injury epidemiology. Prerequisites: ATH 262, ATH 331. Spring
ATH 498 Internship in Athletic Training 3 credits
Field-based experience in athletic training or related health care field. Requires 150 clock hours over twelve weeks. Prerequisites: ATH 342, ATH 343, Permission of instructor; application. Summer, Fall, Spring
HHP 235 Kinesiology 3 credits
Scientific study of human movement, emphasizing the basic principles of musculoskeletal anatomy, neuromuscular physiology and biomechanics. Prerequisite: BIO 107 with a minimum grade of C. Fall, Spring
HHP 336 Physiology of Exercise 3 credits
Effects of physical activity upon the functioning human body. Restrictions upon levels of physical activity by normal metabolic limitations. Lab required (HHP 336L) for Athletic Training majors. Prerequisite: BIO 108 with a minimum grade of C. Summer, Fall
HHP 336L Physiology of Exercise Lab 1 credits
Laboratory experiences in physiology of exercise. Lab required (HHP 336L) for Athletic Training majors. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in HHP 336. Summer, Fall
HHP 337 Research in Physiology of Exercise 3 credits
Required for HHP Minors. This course may be substituted for HHP 336L. Laboratory experiences in physiology of exercise culminating in a scientifically based research report. Prerequisite: Concurrent- registration in HHP 336. Permission of instructor. Summer, Fall
HHP 420 Exercise Testing and Prescription 3 credits
Required for HHP minors. Instruction in the guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Didactic instruction and practical training will be used to educate students in the various methodologies and competencie s required to safely assess adult health and fitness. Practical experiences include the assessment of cardiovascular risk, coronary artery disease risk stratification, body composition assessment, functional capacity assessment and muscular fitness assessment. Prerequisite HHP 337. Summer, Fall