Daemen College : Academics & Research : Division of Health & Human Services : Athletic Training

Athletic Training

Daemen College Athletic Training Education Program

Daemen College offers an entry-level Master of Science degree in Athletic Training.  The program is a seamless 5 year construct in which students earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Studies and a Master of Science in Athletic Training.  Daemen will be the only entry-level Masters program in Western New York since SUNY at Buffalo deactivated their program in 2006.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Studies provides athletic training students with a broad education that encompasses community health and disease prevention, health care systems, fitness training, strength and conditioning, and cardiopulmonary assessment.

Daemen College houses 5 programs that prepare students to work directly in health care related professions: Physician Assistant (MS), Physical Therapy (DPT), Nursing (BS,MS, DNP) Health Care Studies (BS), and Social Work (BA).  Athletic Training students will benefit from being housed with these programs.  Unlike some athletic training education programs, students at Daemen College complete a Gross Anatomy course which includes Cadaver dissection thus providing students with a strong foundation on which to build the rest of their education.  Our students have the benefit of utilizing the resources available to these other programs. 

Daemen College Athletic Training students complete clinical experiences at numerous clinical sites including College, University, High School, Professional Sports, and Physician Offices.  These experiences provide students with the opportunity for practical application of learned skills and knowledge ensuring that each student is equipped for taking the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and for future employment. 

What is a Certified Athletic Trainer?

A Certified Athletic Trainer is a highly educated and skilled allied health professional dedicated to preventing, recognizing, treating, managing, and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. A certified athletic trainer has graduated with either a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree from an accredited program and has passed the BOC (Board of Certification) exam. The certified athletic trainer is concerned with the well-being of the athlete and generally assumes responsibility for overseeing the total health care for the athlete.

The certified athletic trainer works with physicians and other medical personnel, employers, patients, parents, guardians, and athletic personnel in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive health care delivery systems. The certified athletic trainer is an integral part of the sports medicine team and works collaboratively with a physician and other allied health professionals. Athletic Training is recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health care profession, and the AMA recommends certified athletic trainers in every high school to keep America’s youth safe and healthy.

Certified Athletic Trainers are employed in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, military, and in the industrial and commercial settings.

Job Outlook

Employment of Athletic Trainers is projected to grow 37% from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. For more information go to:   http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos294.htm#outlook

Accreditation Status

The Daemen College Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is pursuing accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  We are currently in the self-study phase of the process and intend to have all documentation for initial accreditation submitted by July 1, 2011.  The CAATE will conduct a site visit to evaluate our program’s compliance during the 2011-2012 academic year.  At that time a recommendation will be made concerning the Daemen College accreditation status.

On Friday 5/6/11, Daemen Athletic Training students toured The Buffalo Bill's Athletic Training Room and Field House.  The students had the opportunity to meet with The Bill's Head Athletic Trainer and Athletic Training staff. The tour was lead by The Bill's Athletic Trainer, Shone Gipson, pictured on the bottom right

Majors & Programs