Introduction to Athletic Training

Dan Baer, an athletic trainer and faculty member at West Chester University's Department of Sports Medicine, introduces the field of sports medicine and athletic training. He shares his professional background, including his roles as a faculty member since 2009, a licensed athletic trainer, and his work with West Chester University's football team. Baer also coordinates clinical experiences for students, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience. He outlines the interdisciplinary nature of sports medicine, involving various healthcare professionals and the athlete. Athletic training is presented as a specialized subset, with athletic trainers (ATs) being key in providing patient care, including evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation under the direction of a physician. The video also clarifies the distinction between athletic trainers and personal trainers, highlighting the professional titles preferred by ATs.

The video script delves into the five domains of athletic training practice as defined by the Board of Certification (BOC). These domains include injury and illness prevention, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, therapeutic intervention, and health care administration and professional responsibility. Prevention is emphasized as the first line of defense, with ATs conducting evaluations, screenings, and educating on safety. In case of emergencies, ATs are trained to respond to various situations and provide basic life support. For non-emergency situations, ATs use different treatment modalities and oversee rehabilitation programs, constantly evaluating and adjusting patient care plans. The final domain involves administrative tasks such as policy oversight, documentation, adherence to standards, and continuing education. The script also discusses the career opportunities for athletic trainers in various settings and the educational pathway to become a certified AT, including the transition to a master's degree as the minimum educational requirement and the process for enrollment in West Chester University's program.

The script outlines the educational requirements and application process for those interested in pursuing a career in athletic training. It highlights the accredited program at West Chester University, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Sports Medicine Sciences, leading to the Master of Science in Athletic Training. The program allows students to earn both degrees in five years, with a '3 plus 2' option where 12 credits count towards both degrees. The MS program begins with foundational courses in human anatomy, injury prevention, and orthopedic assessment, followed by further study in rehabilitation, evidence-based practice, therapeutic interventions, and sport physiology. Students also complete five clinical rotations in diverse settings. The script provides guidance on how to apply for the MS program, including visiting the WCU Sports Medicine website and contacting the department chairperson, Dr. Cady Morrison, for enrollment discussions.