As athletic training students (ATS) progress through the different levels of the clinical education phase, they will learn how to become a professional that is knowledgeable, skilled, competent, and disciplined. The clinical education component in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Athletic Training Program (UNL ATP) allows each ATS to experience unique educational opportunities that provide individualized educational experiences for each athletic training student. The individualized educational experience allows the athletic training student to challenge themselves to become more knowledgeable and independent as they progress through the UNL ATP.
The exact placement of students into clinical education experiences is complex and involves conversations with faculty, preceptors, and students to determine the best clinical experience to suit each student and their educational and professional goals. While the Coordinator of Clinical Education may take student requests under advisement, clinical placements are not made based on student preference. Rather, placements are made to ensure students meet all clinical education populations as defined by the CAATE and build upon strengths, weaknesses, and goals of the student as described by supervising preceptors, faculty, and in student self-evaluations.
Clinical education classes must be taken consecutively and are associated with educational competencies taught the previous semester in a didactic course as part of the UNL ATP required curriculum. UNL ATP Clinical Education Classes include:
YEAR 1
Fall - ATHT 810: Clinical Education in Athletic Training I
Provide students the opportunity to demonstrate and practice athletic training skills taught and assessed in ATHT 800 – Introduction to Athletic Training Practice and ATHT 801 – Emergency Practices in Athletic Training under the direct supervision of the assigned UNL Athletic Training Program preceptor. Students will also be instructed on the day-to-day operation of an athletic training facility.
Spring - ATHT 815: Clinical Education in Athletic Training II
Provide students the opportunity to demonstrate and practice athletic training skills taught and assessed in ATHT 802 – Orthopedic Evaluation of Lower Extremity and ATHT 803 – Therapeutic Modalities under the direct supervision of the assigned UNL ATP preceptor. Students will also be instructed on the day-to-day operation of an athletic training facility.
YEAR 2
Fall – ATHT 820: Clinical Education in Athletic Training III
Provide students the opportunity to demonstrate and practice athletic training skills taught and assessed in ATHT 812 – Orthopedic Evaluation of Upper Extremity and ATHT 813 – Therapeutic Exercise in Athletic Training under the direct supervision of the assigned UNL Athletic Training Program preceptor. Students will also be instructed on the day-to-day operation of an athletic training facility.
Spring – ATHT 825: Clinical Education in Athletic Training IV
Provide students the opportunity to demonstrate and practice athletic training skills taught and assessed in ATHT 817 – Health Care Administration in Athletic Training, ATHT 818 – Advanced Medical Aspects in Athletic Training, and ATHT 822 – Current Trends and Professional Performance in Athletic Training under the direct supervision of the assigned UNL ATP preceptor. Students will also be instructed on the day-to-day operation of an athletic training facility.
Upon the completion of the UNL ATP, ATS will have obtained a variety of clinical experiences during their clinical education. These experiences, as defined by the CAATE, include populations:
- throughout the lifespan (e.g., pediatric, adult, geriatric)
- of different sexes, with different socioeconomic statuses
- of varying levels of activity and athletic ability (e.g., competitive and recreational, individual and team activities high- and low-intensity activities)
- who participate in non-sport activities (e.g., participants in military, industrial, occupational, leisure activities, performing arts)
The UNL ATP has established affiliation agreements with the following clinical sites to facilitate clinical education experiences:
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Husker Athletic Medicine
- Campus Recreation Injury Prevention & Care
- Concordia University-Seward
- Southwest High School (Lincoln Public Schools)