Athletic Training Major

Program Coordinator/Contact Information
Dr. Trevor C. Roiger, EdD, AT
South Dakota State University
Intramural Building 116
Box 2203
Brookings, SD 57007
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Program Description
The South Dakota State University Athletic Training (AT) Program aspires to prepare engaged practitioners and contemporary leaders of athletic training. The program exists to cultivate a learning environment implementing innovative and best practice pedagogies which challenge students to become reflective, professional, and ethical practitioners dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life. The overall goals of the program are to provide students with knowledge and experiences which improve the depth and breadth of professional competency in athletic training, enhance written and oral communication abilities, promote an appreciation for the ways research can inform practice, and/or prepare students for advanced study in the field.

A major in Athletic Training prepares students for entry into clinical practice as licensed athletic trainers. The AT program is two years in length and includes coursework in the summer between and first and second professional years. In addition to completing the courses required for the curriculum, students must successfully complete proficiencies associated with clinical education and clinical experiences under the supervision of preceptors who are appropriately credentialed health care professionals. Clinical experiences will include working with a variety of patients in high schools, colleges/universities, sports medicine clinics, and medical and rehabilitation clinics. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students will be eligible to challenge the national certifying examination for athletic trainers through the Board of Certification (BOC).

Each year the AT program admits (1) new cohort of students who begin their plan of study during the Fall semester. Admittance to the AT program is on a competitive basis. Students complete a secondary selective admissions application process during their sophomore year. Students who are admitted into the AT program will complete the program over the course of their final two years at SDSU.

Academic Advising Guide/Suggested Plan of Study