Athletic Training Preceptor Training

Preceptor Training

Welcome to the Central Methodist University's Athletic Training Program Preceptor Workshop. CMUAT provides the students with a wide variety of educational and clinical experiences.

The purpose of this manual is to provide the Preceptor with an overview of the athletic training program, policies and guidelines for educational and clinical experiences. This information is to assure consistency in care as well as providing students with a positive environment with which to integrate their knowledge.

Central Methodist University is entering its 16th year since initial accreditation and is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE). Thank you for your willingness to serve as a Preceptor and mentor for our athletic training students at Central Methodist University.

Wade Welton M.S., LAT, ATC
Director, Athletic Training Program
Central Methodist University

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Athletic Training is to develop students into competent allied healthcare professionals in the field of Athletic Training. The program will provide, through a liberal arts based education, the didactic and clinical experiences that will foster an environment of serving others while employing the principles of professional excellence, ethical leadership and social responsibility. Successful completion of this program will allow the student to sit for the BOC examination.

Accreditation Standards

In accordance with the CAATE Standards for the Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Programs (2012) Preceptors must:

  • Standard # 38.Preceptor Responsibilities: A preceptor must demonstrate understanding of and compliance with the program's policies and procedures.
  • Standard # 39.Preceptor Qualification: A preceptor must be credentialed by the state in a health care profession (see glossary).
  • Standard # 40.Preceptor Qualification: A preceptor must not be currently enrolled in the professional athletic training program at the institution.
  • Standard # 41.Preceptor Qualification: A preceptor must receive planned and on going education from the program designed to promote a constructive learning environment.
  • Preceptors for Central Methodist University's AT Program will be trained/retrained once every three year cycle.

Preceptor Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Preceptor vary greatly from program to program, but all Preceptors take an active role in the direct supervision during on -field clinical education. Please become as involved as you are comfortable with in the assessment of clinical skills but know that the final assessment for clinical skill competency is fulfilled on the campus of CMU with clinical instructors for that particular course. We would encourage you to challenge our students in structured skills demonstration. Preceptors are also required to have a basic knowledge of the CMU AT Student Handbook.

Preceptor Responsibilities according to CAATE standards are:

  1. Standard # 37.Preceptor Responsibilities: A preceptor must function to:
    1. Supervise students during clinical education;
    2. Provide instruction and assessment of the current knowledge, skills, and clinical abilities designated by the Commission;
    3. Provide instruction and opportunities for the student to develop clinical integration proficiencies, communication skills and clinical decision-making during actual patient/client care;
    4. Provide assessment of athletic training students' clinical integration proficiencies, communication skills and clinical decision-making during actual patient/client care;
    5. Facilitate the clinical integration of skills, knowledge, and evidence regarding the practice of athletic training.
  2. Standard # 38. Preceptor Responsibilities: A preceptor must demonstrate understanding of and compliance with the program's policies and procedures.

Program Description

Central Methodist University's Athletic Training Program is a three year sequential program consisting of six clinical education rotations. Each rotation is based on preceding course and lab work. Course content is based on the NATA Competencies for Athletic Training Education (5th Edition, 2012):

  • Risk Management and Injury Prevention
  • Pathology of Injury/Illness
  • Assessment of Injury/Illness
  • General Medical conditions and Disabilities
  • Therapeutic Exercise
  • Health Care Administration
  • Weight Management and Body Composition
  • Psychological Intervention and Referral
  • Medical Ethics and Legal Issues
  • Pharmacology
  • Professional Development and Responsibility

Each Preceptor should be familiar with these competencies and be prepared to pass that knowledge on to the students assigned to your clinical rotation.

 

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