Clinical Education

Clinical Education within the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program (MSAT) includes a variety of experiences where students apply knowledge through patient encounters. Clinical education includes simulation and direct patient care. The MSAT program at SHSU works with students to place students in clinical experiences in the following settings:

Secondary and Middle School,
Collegiate,
Professional Sports,
Orthopedic Physician’s Practice,
Rehabilitation Clinics,
EMS and Emergency Departments,
Sport Performance, and
Non-Orthopedic Physician’s Practices.

In alignment with the CAATE 2020 Professional Standards, Clinical Experiences must include clinical practice opportunities with a varied client/patient population. Populations must include patient/clients:

throughout the lifespan (for example, pediatric, adult, elderly),
of different sexes,
with different socioeconomic statuses,
of varying levels of activity and athletic ability (for example, competitive and recreational, individual and team activities, high- and low-intensity activities), and
those who participate in non-sport activities (for example, participants in military, industrial, occupational, leisure activities, and performing arts).

(CAATE Standard 17)

Additionally, all Professional Athletic Training Students must gain clinical experiences with a variety of health conditions commonly seen in athletic training practice. Athletic trainers routinely practice in the areas of prevention and wellness, urgent and emergent care, primary care, orthopedics, rehabilitation, behavioral health, pediatrics, and performance enhancement. Within these areas of athletic training practice, the athletic training clinical experience provides students with opportunities

to engage with patients with emergent, behavioral (mental health), musculoskeletal, neurological, endocrine, dermatological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, otolaryngological, ophthalmological, dental, and environmental conditions. (CAATE Standard 18).

Information Required for Clinical Placements

The Athletic Training Program collects information for students which is required by clinical experience sites including background checks, drug screenings, proof of immunizations, and HIPAA training. All applicants are required to cooperate with SHSU instructions for collection of these required verifications and trainings and agree that the University may share the information with any potential clinical/internship site.

Applicants are required to submit the program’s immunization review form as part of their application to the program. This form must be completed and signed by a physician.

Criminal background checks and drug screening will be completed after admission to the program but prior to ATTR 5210 Clinical Experiences in AT I (fall, year 1) for those who have been selected for admission to the program. Criminal history and drug screening can impact clinical placement and future employability. The cost of background checks and drug screenings is paid by the student.

Additionally, HIPAA training is required for all students in the Athletic Training Program. The cost of the training must be paid by the student.

Individual clinical sites may have further requirements. The cost of any additional site requirements is the responsibility of the individual student. SHSU does not control the requirements of specific clinical site rotations or internship sites.