The ATEP Program at the University of Charleston uses the learning-over-time model.
- In this program, a student will enroll in a didactic course to learn the cognitive competencies and psychomotor skills of a selected topic.
- The following semester the same student will enroll in a practicum course to review psychomotor skills and develop clinical proficiency and put into use evidence based practice.
Learning-Over-Time Schedule
ATEP 213/213L: Prevention & Care → ATEP 201: Practicum I
ATEP 224: Upper Extremity Assessment → ATEP 202: Practicum II
ATEP 225: Lower Extremity Assessment → ATEP 301: Practicum III
ATEP 226: Assessment of Head, Spine, & Thorax
ATEP 313: Therapeutic Modalities → ATEP 302: Practicum IV
ATEP 333: Pharmacology
ATEP 323: Therapeutic Rehabilitation → ATEP 401: Practicum V
ATEP 452: Organization & Administration
ATEP 413: General Medical → ATEP 402: Practicum VI
Clinical Experiences
The purpose of the clinical education experience is to offer each student an opportunity to develop increased proficiency in the skills required to become a BOC certified athletic trainer. This experience is a component of Practicum Courses. During the live class meetings for the Practicum Courses the student and instructor review and practice clinical proficiencies learned during the didactic course the prior semester.
In addition to the live class meetings, the student attends the clinical education experience, obtaining all of their clinical education hours under the direct auditory and visual supervision of an assigned ACI. During the clinical education experience with an ACI, the student is able to work in the field under the direct supervision of the ACI and apply the competencies and proficiencies learned. The ACI is readily available to guide and interact with the student, and can intervene on the behalf of the patient, at the same time allowing for progressive autonomy.
Clinical education experiences are directly linked to the competencies and proficiencies of the practicum courses. Students are assigned to an ACI and clinical responsibility/sport assignment that best fulfills the competencies and proficiencies of the practicum courses. The ACI may or may not be the practicum course instructor.
During a clinical education experience, a student cannot perform skills on a patient until the skill has been taught and assessed in the classroom. This does not prevent the student and ACI from discussing or learning new material with the student. However, the patient has a right to receive medical care from an individual trained in the specific skill.
