Historical Perspective

Department of Athletic Training – Historical Perspective

East Stroudsburg University has a national reputation for athletic training education, a status built primarily upon the professional contributions of our graduates and a tradition which is proudly represented nationwide in high schools, colleges, universities, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, and a variety of other healthcare networks/organizations.

Since 1975, the Athletic Training Department has successfully offered a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Athletic Training. This course of study afforded maximum emphasis in the development of athletic training knowledge, skills, and clinical abilities essential to the current practice of athletic training.

Athletic Training is an exciting allied health field which places the athletic trainer in a position of substantial challenge and responsibility. With the knowledge, skills, and clinical abilities developed through education and experience, a certified athletic trainer is in a unique position to coordinate the health care delivery system for the physically active population.

The expectations of today's athletic trainer are varied and complex. The care of the physically active must be entrusted only to those who have adequate professional preparation. Outside agencies at both the state and national levels have provided mandates for athletic training programs such as ours. Accordingly, the Department of Athletic Training and our large clinical affiliation sites/locations are committed to academic/clinical excellence for our athletic training students. Our core programmatic objectives are to furnish the student with a body of knowledge, skills, and clinical abilities which not only meet, but exceed, the state and national standards.

The Athletic Training Department is housed within the College of Health Sciences. For decades, the College of Health Sciences has enjoyed a position of national prominence and recognition. In large part, the success of this and other programs within the College is due to the strength of a faculty with professional expertise and genuine enthusiasm.

The M.S. in Athletic Training - Professional Practice Program is intended for the post-baccalaureate student interested in obtaining the entry-level competency as an athletic trainer. The program is designed to prepare the student to challenge credentialing as an athletic trainer through the Board of Certification® and appropriate state regulatory agencies. It is the full intention of the Athletic Training Department to convey a similar expectation in the graduate preparation of entry-level practitioners for the profession.