Athletic Training

Overview

The mission of the Athletic Training program of the University at Buffalo is to prepare students to function as evidence-based clinicians in a dynamic health care environment. Through innovative interprofessional, clinical practice and didactic experiences, students will develop reflective clinical practice and critical reasoning skills to treat diverse populations.

Graduates will become clinicians focused on patient-centered care, life-long learners and leaders who are advocates for the profession and are committed to service.

The Role of the Athletic Trainer

An athletic trainer is a health care professional educated and experienced in the management of health care problems associated with sport and physical exercise. In cooperation with physicians and other health care personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an important member of the health care team in schools, colleges, universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine clinics, and other health care settings.

Program Learning Outcomes

In this degree program, you will:

• Develop an understanding of evidence-based practice concepts and their application to sound clinical decision-making and the critical examination of athletic training practice.

• Learn to develop and implement strategies and programs to prevent the incidence and/or severity of injuries and optimize their clients'/patients' overall health and quality of life.

• Gain strong clinical examination skills in order to accurately diagnosis and effectively treat their patients.

• Become knowledgeable and skilled in the evaluation and immediate management of acute injuries and illness.

• Learn the range of interventions, methods, techniques, equipment, activities using body movement, and medications that are available to athletic trainers.

• Learn to recognize clients/patients exhibiting abnormal social, emotional, and mental behaviors and to intervene and refer these individuals as necessary.

• Learn your role and function within the context of a complex health care system.

• Understand the importance of maintaining current competence in the constantly changing world of health care and embrace the need to practice within the limits of state and national regulations using moral and ethical judgment.