Vision
The Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) will recruit, retain, and equip motivated, competent athletic training students who possess the requisite knowledge and abilities to become skilled Certified Athletic Trainers who will contribute positively and meaningfully to the field of athletic training and the sports medicine community at large.

Mission
The SIUC ATEP prepares students for careers in athletic training by specifically addressing the aspects of classroom instruction, clinical instruction, professionalism, interpersonal communication, and social skills.

1.  Classroom Instruction: 

• Athletic training relies heavily upon the content knowledge of its practitioners. The SIUC ATEP strives for excellence in the classroom through the use of contemporary models of teaching, peer-led discussions, group projects, and student-driven research. Each member of the teaching faculty is committed to teaching at the highest level as evidenced by a commitment to research of teaching and learning, attendance at professional development workshops or conferences concerning teaching and learning, and/or other means. Students are considered active participants in the learning process and encouraged to interact meaningfully in the assembly of knowledge. Through the use of peer teaching, students are encouraged to hold themselves and one another accountable for mastery of content knowledge. Students may be afforded the opportunity to conduct scientific research and/or assist in data collection and analysis procedures. Students are also introduced to and required to utilize contemporary instructional technology.

2.  Clinical Instruction 

• Clinical experiences provided through the SIUC ATEP ensure that students within the program are exposed to all aspects of clinical athletic training and afforded every opportunity to develop competence and confidence across a wide range of possible clinical settings. In addition to gaining valuable hands-on experience, the clinical proficiencies instituted within the program help students effectively evaluate their learning over time. Furthermore, the use of peer evaluation also requires students to remain accountable for skills previously demonstrated in addition to learning new skills not yet attained. Students are afforded numerous and diverse clinical education opportunities while assisting and observing SIUC clinical education staff members as they provide the highest level of medical care to the patients under their care. Other Approved Clinical Instructors throughout Carbondale and the surrounding area working with patients in rehabilitation clinics, high schools, and other professional setting serve to diversify the clinical experiences provided by the SIUC ATEP. Furthermore, physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, strength and conditioning specialists, nutritionists, counselors, emergency medical technicians, equipment managers, athletic coaches, and administrators all serve to further enrich the clinical experiences provided by the SIUC ATEP.

3.  Professionalism

• In addition to providing the content knowledge and clinical techniques necessary to succeed, the SIUC ATEP also serves to develop the professional skills needed to excel in the field of athletic training. The Athletic Training Student Organization (ATSO) serves as a meaningful opportunity for students to lead and to serve one another, the University, and the community. Students are actively encouraged to join and participate in local, regional, state, and national professional organizations including the Illinois Athletic Trainers’ Association (IATA), the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association (GLATA), and the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). Students are required to comply with the NATA Code of Ethics and with the SIUC ATEP Student Handbook concerning a number of policies and procedures.

4.  Interpersonal Communication

• Athletic training is a field that relies heavily upon the communication skills of the practitioner.  The SIUC ATEP recognizes the importance of interpersonal skills in the practice of athletic training as evidenced by interactions with patients, coaches, parents, support staff, and media personnel. In order to fully develop interpersonal skills and ensure adequate and appropriate communicative development, the SIUC ATEP incorporates skill-building assignments within both the classroom and clinical settings in order to explicitly teach students to be effective communicators with others. This focus is embodied through the promotion of concise and accurate written and verbal communication with other healthcare professionals. Additionally, students also learn the skills necessary to explain pertinent information and concepts to peers and provide appropriate counsel to patients and their families.

5.  Social Skills

• Lastly, the SIUC ATEP seeks to prepare individuals who are fully developed in all aspects of their lives for careers in athletic training. In order to support this goal, the SIUC ATEP provides opportunities for students to develop the social skills necessary to succeed within the field. Students are provided the opportunity to interact with peers both within the SIUC ATEP as well as those from other institutions through athletic training student conferences, symposiums, and meetings. Students are also encouraged to participate in the more informal functions hosted by the instructional faculty and clinical staff. Typically developed to serve Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the community of Carbondale and the surrounding region, SIUC ATEP social events provide students with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their community while fostering interpersonal relationships with peers, instructional faculty, and clinical staff.