Missouri State University

Sports Medicine & Athletic Training

Department of Sports Medicine & Athletic Training
901South National Avenue
Springfield, Missouri 65897

Office:                                                                 (417) 836-8553
Fax:                                                                     (417) 836-8554
Email:                                                                  SportsMedicine@missouristate.edu
World Wide Web:                                             www.missouristate.edu/sportsmed
Department Head:                                            Dr. Tona Hetzler
Department Administrative Assistant:       Ms. Dorothy Marr
 
Majors:
 The Athletic Training major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and will have obtained entry-level skills for the profession. Athletic Trainers employed in the State of Missouri must also be licensed by the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. 

The athletic trainer functions as an integral part of a well-organized sports medicine team and is responsible for prevention, recognition, evaluation and rehabilitation of sport-related injuries. Opportunities for employment exist with interscholastic and intercollegiate programs, sports medicine clinics, professional teams, health and fitness clubs, and industrial and corporate locations. A degree in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training also enhances other health careers and master's level degree programs related to human performance or wellness programs.

The curricular requirements for the major are designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop professionally and personally for a career in sports medicine and athletic training. The course of study provides for a variety of learning strategies, focusing on skill mastery and basic knowledge and research of the health care profession. A wide variety of clinical experiences prepare the student for numerous sports medicine and athletic career options.

Admission to the Sports Medicine and Athletic Training major is competitive and not all who apply can be accommodated due to clinical experience assignments and the number of clinical instructors. Admission requires each applicant to complete a process of application to be considered for candidacy in the program. Current admission requirements are available on the department's web site.